TO ENSURE DAILY IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPERVISION OF ALL PROJECT PLANS) UNDER THE PROJECT IN COMPLIANCE WITH BANK ANNUAL PLANS, GUIDELINES AND AS AGREED IN THE LOAN AGREEMENT.

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PROJECT No. P110156: HEALTH HIV/AIDS AND TB PROJECT

REQUEST FOR CURRICULUM VITAE FOR POSITION OF HEALTH SECTOR OPERATIONSADVISOR

I. BACKGROUND

The Government of Swaziland (GOS) has emphasized health as a priority on 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 the project with the Government. Specifically, the proposed project will: (i) improve access to and quality of health services in Swaziland, with a particular focus on primary health care, maternal health and TB, and (ii) increase social safety net access for OVC.

I. OBJECTIVES

To ensure daily implementation of project activities (including the planning and implementation and supervision of all project plans) under the project in compliance with Bank annual plans, guidelines and as agreed in the Loan Agreement. The Operations Advisor will provide hands-on support to the Project Coordinator for the implementation of Components 1 and 2within the Ministry of Health in accordance with World Bank project processes and regulations. This position is expected to be required fora period of two years.

II. DUTIES

Specific duties and functions of the Operations Adviser are as follows:

i) Assist the PIT Project Coordinator in setting up the practical arrangements to ensure that the project is quickly established as awell functioning operation;

ii) Drawn from the Project Operations Manual (POM) support focal persons/department responsible for implementing various project components with development of quarterly activities and deliverables.

iii) Assess the implementation capacities of the various project focal departments and incorporate the risk assessment results into departmental guidelines to minimize the risk of poor project implementation. Further, make feasible proposals/recommendations for consideration by project coordinator, Policy and Planning Committee and ultimately the PS on issues that can improve project implementation.

iv) Review the working environment and make recommendations for improvement or acquiring operational systems that will enhance project coordination, implementation and reporting.

v) Provide guidance to the Project Coordinator on the best way to coordinate, facilitate, and monitor overall project operations, including program planning, implementation, training and monitoring;

vi) Assist in thepreparation of annual work plans and budgets for the project and its activities, and present these work plans and budgets for review by thePolicy, Planning & Coordination Committee and then approval by the Steering Committee and the Bank;

vii) Review and advise on thepreparation of the quarterly progress reports for submission to the Steering Committee and the Bank;

viii) Ensure effective administrationand financial management arrangements in accordance with the Loan Agreement with the World Bank;

ix) Provide training, as necessary, to staff in implementing units on appropriate WorldBank processes and procedures;

x) Provide support for the midterm review of the Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP);

xi) Provide technical support to the MOH Planning unit in the timely development of TOR's for various consultants and other programmes that will enhanceproject implementation; and

xii) Other duties as requested by the PIT Project Coordinator.

III. QUALIFICATIONS

He/she should meet the following qualifications:

MA/MSc (or equivalent) in public health, related health sciences, or management.

At least 4 years experience in a management capacity in World Bank-funded projects is required. Such experience in Sub-Saharan Africa will be an advantage.

Experience managing other donor-funded projects will be an advantage.

At least 5 years experience in health-sector operations. Experience in health systems strengthening and primary health care will be an advantage.

Good knowledge of financial management and procurement procedures for the World Bank and other international agencies.

Prior experience providing capacity building support and training to personnel.

Good computer skills, especially familiarity with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Excellent report writing and communication skills.

IV. REPORTING

The Operations Advisor will produce an operational report on a quarterly basis to the Principal Secretary (PS) of Health, of which such reports can be considered by the Steering Committee. On an ongoing basis, the Operations Advisor will recommend operational improvements/changes to the Project Coordinator. He/She will be expected to work closely and collaboratively with the members of the Project Implementation Team (PIT) in the MOH

Applications

Applicants were requested to submit a detailed copy of updated curriculum vitae (duties inclusive), and references. Application are to be addressedto: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health; 2nd Floor Justice Building; Office 225, Mhlambanyatsi Road; Mbabane. Postal address: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5; Mbabane, Swaziland. Electronic applications should be sent to Dumisani Shongwe; [email protected] no later than 10th February 2012. All applications were acknowledged but only shortlisted candidates were to be contacted.