Vacancy – Planning Specialist, Ministry of Health, Government of Sierra Leone

Government of Sierra Leone

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

PLANING SPECIALIST – MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SANITATION

Context:

In order to ensure an integrated health system that has clear and inter-linked roles at all levels, including the involvement of communities and collaboration between sectors and partners the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS)has undertaken a number of policy reforms and interventions over the years, principal among these are:

a)    The National Health Policy 2002 (revised 2009);

b)    The National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) 2010-2015- a common strategic  framework for improving the health system; it guides all interventions by all parties at all levels of the national health system, thereby ensuring that health services are available, accessible and affordable to all people, especially for mothers, children and the poor.

c)    The Free Health Care Initiative 2010- a Presidential Initiative which is part of  the implementation of the NHSSP and the government’s “Agenda for Change (2007-2012)”;

d)    The Health Compact 2011- a framework signed between government and development partners for increased and more effective aid to accelerate progress towards achieving the goals of the “Agenda for Change” and the health-related MDGs.

e)    The Results and Accountability Framework 2010-2015- for improving monitoring and evaluation in the health sector.

f)     The Joint Programme of Work and Funding (2012-2015) agreed with health development partners.

All of the above interventions require personnel with the requisite skills-mix to deliver on the mandate of the health sector and the sustainability of programmes.  The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, with support from UNICEF, is therefore seeking the services of qualified Planning Specialist to further strengthen its capacity in the management and implementation of policies and programmes for the reconstruction and transformation of the sector as envisaged in the Government’s short to medium-term development framework “The Agenda for Prosperity (2013-2018)”.

The incumbent will report directly to the Director of Planning and Information and provide support to all the programmes, DHMTs and partners in the health sector.

Scope of work:

Under the supervision of the Director of Planning and Information, the Planning Specialist will support the design and management of the strategic planning processes of the MoHS and the entire health sector, providing guidance on process and methodology, and developing tools for sector analysis and planning; assist in the implementation of health service planning and management information systems and to support line managers in their use; follow-up on the implementation of sector plans at all levels of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

i.        Identify and assess strategic issues/needs of the sector and facilitate discussions with stakeholders and MoHSstaff for necessary action in the planning of programmes for the health sector.

ii.        Develop strategic recommendations and a consolidated plan of action for the transformation of the sector for the delivery of effective and efficient services.

iii.        Support the implementation of a robust Health Management Information System (HMIS), for effective use in the planning, monitoring and evaluation processes.

iv.        Support monitoring of trends in the sector and obtain feedback on its performance from the public, partners and other stakeholders; utilize the information for reviewing and updating the Planning and Budgeting Cycle annually.

v.        Support capacity building initiatives in results based management, monitoring and evaluation for all health workers and senior management cadre in order to improve the planning and management of health services at all levels.

vi.        Prepare the annual work plan and budget for the MoHS and review progress regularly in order to achieve planned objectives.

vii.        Provide technical support in health planning to District Health Management Teams, Local Councils and other health workers to enable them contribute effectively to the district and national planning processes for the sector, including development of district-level annual work plans.

viii.        Support implementation of the Health COMPACT signed between Government and development partners to ensure the effectiveness and utilization of aid flows into the health sector.

ix.        Provide guidance on the activities and investment decisions of government in the implementation of the Joint Programme of Work and Funding (2012-2015) agreed with health development partners.

Person Specification

This position requires an incumbent with the following qualifications and experience:

i.        Advanced degree in the social sciences, Planning, Management,Economics, Public Health, Statisticsfrom a recognized university.

ii.        Minimum of 7 Years work experience in health services with at least 5 years in a senior management role.  Experience in in strategic planning or a related discipline, monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage.

iii.        Strong research, analytical and interpersonal skills; strategic thinking/results-orientation; commitment to excellence; organizational leadership and direction.

iv.        Knowledge of global perspectives on development issues relating to health.

v.        Must also have a proven track record of accomplishment and experience of working effectively at a senior level.

vi.        Knowledge of spreadsheets, databases and statistical analysis

Mode of Application

Interested persons should send an application pack consisting of:

i.        An application letter

ii.        An updated Curriculum Vitae  with at least three referees

iii.        Copies of academic and other relevant professional certificates.

Applications should be submitted to:

Director of Human Resources for Health

Ministry of Health and Sanitation

4^th Floor Youyi Building

Brookfields

Freetown

Sierra Leone

Email: officeofmohs2011@yahoo.com, dpeters@unicef.org

Application packs should be submitted on or before 10^th January 2014.

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