Health Systems strengthening

1. Background

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Guyana has decided to strengthen its operations improving universal access in the current context. The aim is to ensure that the response to the current epidemic does not prevent the provision of other health services in the country. PAHO/WHO will support in these efforts providing technical cooperation to improve health system performance and operations to ensure universal health. Work is required to strengthen health system governance, health finance, integrated health service delivery, access to quality, safe, and effective health technologies and to develop human resources for health. There is a need to adopt policies and regulations, standardize processes, expand training, support the implementation of health services at regional level, enact new regulations, as well explore innovative service delivery mechanisms.

2. Purpose and Objective

To provide technical advice to the process the Ministry of Health of Guyana will lead to strengthen the health system. The consultant will make recommendations on matters related to the design, components, goals, strategic directions of the health system, as well as the process to implement a continuous training program to expand health services in the field. The main objectives are:

a. To support the Ministry of Health in its efforts formulating health systems strategies, policies, and regulations, analyzing current strengths and weaknesses. The consultant will support preparing technical reports, conduct literature reviews, and contribute to prepare policy, strategy, and regulation proposals.

b. To provide to the Ministry of Health advice in the formulation of technical guidelines, SOPs, TORs, formats, field manuals, organograms, and other operational material for different levels (national, regional and field level) for specific areas of work as required by the MoH.

c. Contribute, prepare, and oversee implementation of baseline assessments to determine current health services operations, health systems resources and health needs of the population.

d. Propose training programs, plan, and follow up its implementation in the areas of health systems, primary care, service delivery and skills development to human resources.

3. Methodology

The methodology will include preparation of implementation plans, implementation (provision of technical assistance, timely follow up), monitoring, reporting, maintaining communication with stakeholders, technical assistance to short term interventional and national consultants, technical assistance to the implementation of grants by national counterparts. The consultant will work closely with relevant Country Office staff.

4. Activities and Tasks

The Consultant is expected to support the implementation of the following activities:

1. Support in the formulation of proposal of a health system model and the service delivery model.
2. Provide technical support to the MoH implementing regional EPI profiles.
3. Provide technical support to the MoH implementing a regional service delivery strategy.
4. Provide technical support in the development of Health Financing analysis.
5. Provide technical support in the analysis of Human Resource for Health and an HRH initiatives.
6. Support in the formulation and implementation of a training on community health and related programs.

The Consultant is expected to work for 9 months. There is a possibility to renew the contract, subject to availability of funds and consultant evaluation.

5. Core Competencies

A consultant with experience supporting strategic and planning levels, with strong understanding of field implementation approaches is required to support the MoH in its efforts to improve the performance of the health system. Core competencies are:

• Producing results
• Knowing and managing yourself
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Fostering integration and teamwork

6. Required Skills and Experience

1. The selected candidate must hold a Medical Degree, with a master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related area.
2. The selected candidate should possess at least 10 years of professional experience in health systems or public health interventions. Out of them it is mandatory to have at least 5 years of direct experience managing and implementing the operationalization health services at district level.
3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
4. Demonstrated tact and high sense of responsibility and discretion;

7. Languages: Excellent communication in English and inter-personal skills.

How to apply:

Qualified candidates should send their applications along with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, to: guyemail@paho.org

This is a Consultancy open for International Candidates only.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.