Assessment of Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Health Sector — Individual Consultation

REQUEST FOR CURRICULUM VITAE FOR CONSULTANT FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF THE HEALTH SECTOR I. BACKGROUND The Government of Swaziland (GOS) has emphasized health as a priorityon the national agenda. The 2009 National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) identifies critical areas in the health sector that require support, and aims to improve poor health outcomes and inefficiencies.

A new Health, HIV/AIDS and TB project is proposed to support the Government in its commitment to improve the health status of the Swazi population. The World Bank and the European Union (EU) are jointly financing theproject with the Government. Specifically, the proposed project will: (i) improve access to and quality of health services in Swaziland, with aparticular focuses on primary health care, maternal health and TB, and (ii) increase social safety net access for OVC.

II. OBJECTIVES The main objective of this work is to conduct a complete assessment of the current legaland regulatory framework of the health sector. The assessment will lead to the prioritization of legislation which needs to be updated and new ones which will be drafted.

Improved legislative framework will enhance the Ministry of Health's capacity and the relevant stakeholders to fulfil their duties in an efficient, effective, and increase accountability ultimately improving the national health outcomes ofthe country. III. DUTIES The consultant will: i.

Assess the current legal and regulatory structure of the country related to the health sector, which will include all the existing Laws, By-laws, Regulations Norms and other related ordinances or legal bindingdocuments as well as the administrative regulatory and legal internalstructure and practices of the MOH. ii. Review, all laws, Bylaws, regulations and norms related to the stewardship function of MOH and legal basis for the current functional administration within the MOH. iii. Prepare an assessment report which will include but will not be limited to: 1.

Executive Summary 2. Background 3. Methodology for the assessment. 4. Description of the findings. (validity of laws, existence and or inexistence of laws and/or regulations 5. Gaps, weaknesses, risk or barriers (as relates to legal & regulatory framework) for the modernization of the MOH and the health sector.

• Results of the assessment and its implications related to the currentlegal framework and the national Health Policy 7. Conclusions and specific recommendations. iv. Conduct a Consensus workshop to present and discuss with all key officials and significant stakeholders (MOH's Working Committee on Legal and Regulatory Framework Modernization), with the purpose of prioritizing pieces of legislation, by-laws and legally binding policies which needs to be urgently updated and/or drafted. v.

Prepare a Final Report. DELIVERABLES 1. Assessment report to describe the current situation of the Legal and Regulatory status of the health sector. 2. A consensus workshop report with all the documents prepared, participants signed lists, evidences of discussions and final results.

• Consultant will prepare a Final report with recommendations. IV. QUALIFICATIONS He/she should meet the following qualifications: 1. An advanced University degree in Law, Public Health or equivalent, with not less than 10 years of experience in the health sector.

• Proved experience in assessment and reform of the legal and regulatory framework in the Health Sector in developing countries (not less than three successful assessment and/or legal framework reform experiences in the last seven years). 3.

Experience, knowledge and understanding of the Health Sector structure and legal framework in developing countries is required; experience in Africa will be preferred. 4. Strong communication skills (written and spoken) in English.

V. REPORTING The consultant will work in close collaboration and consultation withthe MOH's Legal Advisor and a Working Committee, which will include other Government Ministries and Development Partners. The consultancy will also work closely with the Project Coordinator.

VI. APPLICATIONS Applicants were requested to submit a detailed copy of updated curriculum vitae (duties inclusive), and references. Application are to be addressed to: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health; 7th Floor Dlan'ubeka Building; Health, HIV/AIDS and TB Project Offices, Corner of Mdada and Lalufadlana Street; Mbabane.

Postal address: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5; Mbabane, Swaziland. Electronic applications should be sent to Project Coordinator; shongweskoshman@yahoo.com copied to szmohtenders@yahoo.com no later than 21st September 2012.