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International Consultancy _ Health Master plan for Social Health insurance consultancy with Iraq country office (International)

Apply now Job no: 575331
Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: Al Basrah
Level: Consultancy
Location: Iraq
Categories: Health, Nutrition, Health and Nutrition

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

 

For every child, Hope

Background

Iraq's healthcare system grapples with numerous weaknesses that hinder its ability to effectively meet the healthcare needs of its population. Ongoing security challenges, such as terrorism and political instability, have inflicted significant damage on healthcare infrastructure and led to the flight of skilled healthcare professionals. Chronic underfunding and budget constraints plague the sector, resulting in shortages of medical supplies and equipment, as well as inadequate resources for staff salaries and infrastructure maintenance.

In 2024, the government of Basra requested UNICEF's support to address the healthcare system by developing a new master plan. The government's vision is to establish a modern healthcare system in the province that can address all existing gaps, with a special focus on a subsidized insurance-based healthcare model. This plan aims to take advantage of decentralization and the fiscal space generated by oil and ports. The concept proposed by the Basra government is inspired by the successful health insurance systems used by international oil companies operating in the region.

In order for the government of Basra to procure proper consultation services to reform the health system (health master plan and universal health coverage system), an individual consultant will need to develop the full project package. This will involve engaging an international consultancy firm to support the government of Basra in redesigning the health system master plan and designing a universal health coverage system. The expected results are the following:
1. The full project package may include the following: scope of work (including baseline assessments required to be conducted by the consultancy firm), Request for Proposal (RFP) package, expected deliverables, estimated cost of the consultancy, timeline, oversight framework, and Logical Framework.
2. To provide recommendations to UNICEF on potential partnerships funded by the government of Basra, where UNICEF can invest in-house capacities, including but not limited to supply and logistics, technical health capacity, public financing for children's health, and monitoring and evaluation capacity.

How can you make a difference? 

Key Tasks:
1) SCOPE OF WORK WITH DETAILED CLEAR RESULTS of the consultancy firm: (including but not limited to)
A. Define the government's vision.
B. Provide a detailed baseline of the current health system based on SWOT analysis for the health system pillars.
C. Describe the need for a theory of change from position A to B, where position A is the baseline and B is the target healthcare system.
D. Describe the details of the consultancy assignment and expected results and volume of work required to achieve the result.
E. Review and provide details of the legislative framework of the current health system.
F. Define the final product of the consultancy work that matches the system needs, including infrastructure master plan, human resources, financing and budget allocations, legislation, organizational development, definition of the entire new health services feasibly, supply chain, cost efficiency, coverage and equity, feasibility, clearance of the theory of change. The consultancy firm will need to assess and define a baseline taking into consideration the following:
 
 
(The following are described to inform the individual consultant a background information that he/she can use in his / her assignment).
 
Detailed Report on Current Healthcare Facilities, Workforce, and Services:
  • a. A comprehensive inventory and assessment of all existing healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers in Basra.
  • b. An analysis of the healthcare workforce, detailing the number, distribution, and qualifications of healthcare professionals.
  • c. A review of the range and type of healthcare services currently available to the population.
 
SWOT Analysis of the Existing Healthcare System:
  • d. A systematic evaluation identifying the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to the healthcare system.
  • e. Insights into internal capabilities and external possibilities that could impact the implementation of the health master plan.
 
Stakeholder Mapping Document:
  • f. A detailed map of all relevant stakeholders, including government bodies, private healthcare providers, NGOs, community organizations, and international partners.
  • g. Analysis of the influence and interest of each stakeholder group in the healthcare system.
 
Community Needs Assessment Report:
  • h. Collection and analysis of data on the health needs of the population, with a focus on identifying the needs of vulnerable and underserved groups.
  • i. Recommendations for priority health services and interventions based on community health profiles and epidemiological data.
  • j. Gap in service including mental health services & drugs abuse rehabilitation.
  • k. Current coverage of private health insurance to the population of Basra.
  • l. Access to services between rural an urban.
 
Supply Plan Assessment and sustainable pharmaceutical and equipment needs.
 
Regulatory Assessment Report with Recommendations for Changes:
  • m. An evaluation of current health laws, regulations, and policies, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
  • n. Suggested amendments or new regulations to facilitate the effective implementation of the health master plan.
 
Financial Analysis Report of Current Funding Mechanisms:
  • o. Analysis of existing healthcare financing, including public expenditures, private insurance, out-of-pocket payments, and donor contributions.
  • p. Evaluation of financial sustainability and identification of financial risks or inefficiencies.
 
Proposal for Sustainable Financing Models:
  • q. Development of alternative financing models that could enhance sustainability, such as public-private partnerships, health insurance expansions, or innovative funding mechanisms.
  • r. Analysis of the potential impact of these models on healthcare access and quality.
 
Training Needs Assessment Report:
  • s. Assessment of current skills, competencies, and gaps among healthcare workers.
  • t. Identification of specific training needs linked to strategic goals of the health master plan.
 
Comprehensive Training and Development Plan for Healthcare Staff:
  • u. A detailed plan outlining training programs, schedules, and resources required to upskill healthcare personnel.
  • v. Strategies for continuous professional development and capacity building in the healthcare sector.
  • w. Educational system for medical staff and CME assessment.
 
Health IT Assessment Report:
  • x. Evaluation of the existing health information technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, and usage in healthcare settings.
  • y. Identification of needs and requirements for upgrading or implementing new health IT systems, such as digital health records.
 
Quality and Safety Evaluation Report:
  • z. Audit of current healthcare quality and safety standards and practices within healthcare facilities.
  • aa. Benchmarks and comparison with international standards to identify areas for improvement.
 
Recommendations for Quality Improvement and Safety Protocols:
  • bb. Proposed interventions and measures to enhance the quality and safety of healthcare services.
  • cc. Guidelines and protocols to be adopted across healthcare facilities to ensure high standards of patient care and safety.
 
Detailed Implementation Plan with Timelines, Milestones, and Assigned Responsibilities:
  • dd. A comprehensive action plan detailing the steps, timeline, and responsible parties for each phase of the health master plan implementation.
  • ee. Inclusion of specific milestones to track progress and measure effectiveness of interventions.
 
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework:
  • ff. Design of a framework for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the health master plan.
  • gg. Definition of key performance indicators (KPIs) and tools for ongoing assessment and feedback mechanisms to ensure adaptability and responsiveness of the health system.
 
Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results.
The consultant shall be supervised by the Chief of Field office, with relevant technical inputs and supervision from the Health and Nutrition Section or correspondent field staff.
 
Technical and operational support to programme implementation
The consultant shall be requested to build the capacity of 3-4 Governmental staff on the process as a whole and share the experience required during the consultancy.
 
Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
  • G. Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
  • H. Keep abreast and conduct research to provide evidence for implementation of best and cutting-edge practices in health.
  • I. Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on health-related programmes/projects.
  • J. Support the documentation, reporting and sharing of innovations, success stories and programme activities.
  • K. Provide technical leadership and coordination of relevant operational research, thus contributing to the knowledge base in health systems and innovation.
  • L. Disseminate relevant academic research findings, publications, presentations, and reports.

 

2) Request for proposal (RFP) document preparation :
A. Prepare the RFQ document in accordance with guidelines of government procurement of goods and services adopted by ministry of planning (standardized procurement documents)
B. Provide overview to the planning department on similar cases of procuring international consultancy services procured by the ministry of health and or the government of Basra, recommend procurement module including direct invitations to specialized consultancy with proven history and achievement in similar field of work.
C. Provide recommendation on how planning and contract department can prepare and do the announcement, where and how to attract international reputable consultancies, how to do the bid opening, analysis, and awarding. The consultant to provide risk informed recommendation for the planning department on how to proceed with single source if any. Moreover, UNICEF strong supply and logistics is comparative advantage. It could be utilized as entry point for paid engagement with the government of Basra if UNICEF is agreed as partner in procuring and implementation of the master plan.
D. To define certain Bid evaluation criteria based on which they can select the right consultant. These criteria has to match with government guidelines.

 

3) COST: The individual consultant is to estimate cost of consultancy service. In order for the government of Basra to go ahead with the project, cost of the consultancy work will be needed to be estimated to be submitted to ministry of planning for approval and ministry of finance for allocation of funding before it can proceed with the project if the government of Basra decided to fund the project through the federal budget or Petro-dollar funds. Since the SCR is potential fiscal resource that may help the government of Basra to avoid the routine and accelerate the implementation, this module most be considered as funding source. The consultant is required to:
A. Estimated the cost of the consultancy per deliverable with clear cost units that can be measurable for payment and audition.
B. Cost of UNICEF engagement if UNICEF if at all required or invited to be engaged through providing knowledge or monitoring, procurement or any kind of engagement the government will see necessary.

 

4- TIMELINE: To set a timeline for the work of the consultancy including the time per deliverable, to allow the government of Basra tracking the project progress and on the other hand apply penalties if the work is delayed.
 
5- OVERSIGHT:
1. Define the monitoring framework and based on the capacity of the government include DOH suggest committee to oversee the work progress, authorize payments and ensure the quality of work. UNICEF has comparative advantage because of the strong monitoring and evaluation capacity in house. UNICEF may be able to support the government of Basra if the cost of service is paid.
2. Define the monitoring indicators based on the recommended workplan.
 
6- RECOMANDATION OF UNICEF ENGAGEMNT: UNICEF is planning to engage in the process. However, level of engagement is not defined. The consultant may recommend engagement module and cost of engagement. Within the text above there are several areas highlighted where UNICEF has comparative advantage due to proven capacity. The consultant to recommend in details the level of engagement and rough estimate of capacities required taking in consideration UNICEF field office in Basra capacity, expected changes in the structure of the organization and the CPD 2025-2029.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Educational Qualifications:

  • An advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Economics, Healthcare Management, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

  • Extensive experience (10+ years) in healthcare systems management and reform, with a focus on developing countries and post-conflict settings.
  • Proven track record in designing and implementing health master plans and universal health coverage systems.
  • Experience in conducting comprehensive health system assessments, including SWOT analyses.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale healthcare projects, including baseline assessments, planning, financing, and monitoring.

Language Skills required:

  • Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. 

 

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

Technical Skills and Knowledge:
• In-depth knowledge of health policy and governance, particularly in decentralized health systems.
• Expertise in health economics, including cost estimation and financial analysis of healthcare services.
• Strong understanding of public-private partnerships in the health sector.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing health information systems and digital health records.
• Familiarity with international best practices in healthcare quality and safety standards.
 
Analytical and Research Skills:
• Strong analytical skills to conduct needs assessments, stakeholder mapping, and community health profiles.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience in designing and conducting operational research in health systems.
 
Project Management and Coordination:
• Proven ability to develop detailed project packages, including scope of work, timelines, and oversight frameworks.
• Experience in preparing Request for Proposal (RFP) documents and managing procurement processes.
• Strong organizational skills to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and international partners.
 
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to prepare detailed reports and present findings.
• Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to work in diverse and challenging environments.
 
Additional Competencies:
• Knowledge of the healthcare landscape in Iraq or similar contexts, including understanding of the socio-economic and political factors affecting healthcare access and delivery.
• Ability to innovate and introduce best practices in healthcare system reform.
• Commitment to capacity building and sustainable development in the health sector.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

  

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

  

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

 

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

Advertised: Arabic Standard Time
Deadline: Arabic Standard Time

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