TA to Develop Health Financing Strategy

HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Title of Assignment: Technical Assistant: To Develop Health Financing Strategy

Reference Number: SZ-MOH-336764-CS-INDV

• BACKGROUND The Eswatini National Health Policy (2016) provides concrete areas of focus for the health sector which are aligned to national and international policies, frameworks, and guidelines. Key policy directions outlined include actions to advance service delivery reforms, leadership reforms and universal health coverage (UHC) reforms where social health protection is crucial. It recognizes the role other sectors play through intersectoral, cross-government action, strategic partnerships, and networking. Health financing, as one of the policy directions, places emphasis on the need to explore financing options that will ensure equitable access to quality health services by all while providing financial risk protection, towards attainment of UHC.

The National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) 2019-2023 anticipated epidemiological transition of the country, growth in population and life expectancy, and an increase in the health needs of adolescents, youth and the elderly, particularly with regard to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). In addition, a decrease in external aid in nominal terms had become evident and was anticipated to continue, hence the need to build secure and resilient health systems. The strategic direction and principles set in the NHSSP 2019-2023 attest to MOH commitment to attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which has been threatened by among other issues resource constraints, and this was significantly tested by the emergence of the Covid 19 pandemic.

In 2018, the Ministry of Health (MOH) embarked on a process of health reforms among which was the development of a comprehensive National Healthcare Financing Policy (NHFP). This policy outlines aspects of health care financing models. The Vision of the policy is ‘Affordable health care and protection from catastrophic expenditure for all Swazis’. The policy proposes thematic areas such; 1) Sustainable Healthcare Financing, 2) Financial Risk Protection for all Swazi Nationals, 3) Efficiency in resource allocation and resource use; and 4) Equitable Access to Healthcare Services.

It is therefore against this brief background that the Ministry of Health seeks Technical Assistance (TA), to develop a National Healthcare Financing Strategy (NHFS) with a clear strategic intervention implementing the NHFP aspirations.

• OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY The Consultancy is required to assist the Ministry of Health to develop a Health Financing Strategy that will enable the implementation of the National Health Financing Policy strategic objectives, which are:

• Mobilizing more resources for health in an equitable and sustainable manner
• Strengthening financial risk protection measures for all Swazi nationals, especially for the poor and vulnerable
• Enhancing efficiency and equity in resource allocation and use
• QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Health Economics, Development Studies, Public Health or other relevant field.
• Minimum 7 years working experience in the health financing field, strategic plan developments, costing of strategies and interventions, efficiency analysis with at least three (3) years in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
• Specific experience in developing a health financing strategy in a similar context
• Experience as team leader of projects providing policy advice and capacity building including facilitating peer-to peer exchanges among civil servants.
• Strong analytical skills, excellent team and leadership skills, strong interpersonal and communication skills are a necessity.
• Computer proficiency with high level of familiarity with commonly used and advanced Microsoft software
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary team environment
• Be proficient in English language, written and spoken

• TIME FRAME OF ASSIGNMENT AND PAYMENTSCHEDULE The duration of the assignment is 120 working days over a twelve-months period.

• IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

MOH will be the executing agency. The Principal Planning Officer in the Planning Unit will be directly responsible for the day-to-day implementation of this consultancy. An individual consultant will coordinate all the activities in this consultancy. A health financing technical working group (TWG) is available to provide overall guidance to the consultancy and ensure coordination with Ministries and agencies concerned. The consultants will present progress of his/her activities to the TWG at regular intervals preferably monthly and seek feedback and guidance.

The consultant will be solely responsible for submitting progress briefs and reports outlined above.

• APPLICATIONS:

Submit a detailed copy of updated curriculum vitae (duties inclusive), references and scanned copies of notarized academic or professional certifications. Terms of Reference to this consultancy are available on request.

Application should be addressed to:

The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health; 2nd Floor Ministry of Justice Building, Mbabane. Postal address: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5; Mbabane, Eswatini.

Electronic applications should be sent to Project Coordinator; [email protected] copy to [email protected] and [email protected] no later than 11.00 hours on

14th March, 2023. All applications will be acknowledged but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Contacts: (00268) 24045514; (00268) 24042431