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October 29, 2008
Health Economist / Health Specialist: World Bank, MNSHD
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Closing date: 29 October 2008
Appointment Type: Term (3 years, with option for extension)
Language Preference: English and French required; Arabic desirable.
The mission of the Middle East & North Africa Human Development Sector Unit (MNSHD) is to assist the Bank’s clients in the MENA Region achieve its development goals of poverty reduction and sustainable growth through human development. MNSHD unit is composed of three closely inter-related sectoral teams - Education, Social Protection and Health, Nutrition and Population - which work closely together towards the achievement of Human Development (HD) goals and strategies for the MENA region. The MNSHD unit aims to serve its partner countries through empowered country teams that work around a Country Assistance Strategy developed in close participation with the client stakeholders. To achieve this, MNSHD attaches particular importance to a work environment defined by teamwork, transparency, trust, and client service.
While significant improvements have been made in the overall health outcomes over the last three decades, the Region faces new challenges as well as opportunities in meeting the growing health needs of the population. A convergence of a number of factors is leading to a watershed mark: first, a rapid epidemiologic transition combined with the general movement towards market liberalization and economic growth in many countries will lead to an rapid increase in both demand and supply of health care: diffusion of new technologies, increasing investments in private health sector, and increasing intensity and complexity of health care demanded by the population will likely lead to a general increase in health care costs.
The MENA region comprises a diverse group of countries at different economic levels and with different requirements. The MENA Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP) Strategy reflects the varying needs of the client countries which include low income IDA countries (Yemen and Djibouti), middle income IBRD countries, higher income countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and areas affected by conflict, such as Iraq and the Palestinian Territories. The health reform agenda in these countries are varied and involve multi-sectoral approaches. There is a growing demand for a new generation of health system reforms that would ensure fiscal sustainability, improved social targeting, and higher quality of services. Governments in the region are also seeking advice and support on the introduction of appropriate regulation of the growing private health sector and reforms in the public health programs to respond to the rapidly changing epidemiological profile of the population, including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
To meet these challenges, MNSHD is seeking to recruit a Senior Health Economist, who will provide high level policy advice to Governments in the areas of health insurance and health financing reforms; contribute to analytical work, and take a lead in the design, implementation and evaluation of new projects and innovative programs in the health sector.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Health Economist/Specialist will report to the Health Sector Manager, and will be responsible for the following tasks and duties: Undertakes analytical work and develops policy recommendations and implementation strategies in Health, Nutrition and Population sector, and contributes to the generation of “think-pieces” and “cutting edge knowledge” which will inform the policy dialogue with and technical advice to the client governments.
Contributes to the development of new business in the health sector in the client countries, including new lending operations, technical advisory services, and fee-based advisory services.
Participates in the preparation and supervision of projects in the health sector, supports the team leader in overseeing the work of consultants and technical specialists to ensure consistency and conformity to Bank standards; undertakes economic analysis, preparation of a rigorous monitoring and evaluation system, and other technical analyses.
Contributes to the preparation and assessment of Country Assistance Strategies and represents the health sector in other country team efforts.
Maintains relations with other departments and networks within the Bank to enhance inter-sectoral collaboration, and liaises with relevant units within the International Finance Corporation to promote private-public partnership.
Contributes to maintaining strong partnerships with major international, regional and bilateral agencies active in the region, including funds and agencies located within the MENA region, and represents the Bank at key international and regional conferences and meetings.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The Health Economist/Health Specialist will have:
An advanced degree (minimum MA/MSc) in health economics, public health or equivalent, and at least 5 years of relevant work experience. Prior working experience in the MENA region would be an advantage.
Proven analytical skills and writing ability, as demonstrated by publications in the area of health economics, health finance or related fields.
Ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues in a complex and politically sensitive environment.
Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix management environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French; knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.
Please apply directly via the Employment Opportunities page of the World Bank website: http://www.worldbank.org/jobs/ click on Employment Opportunities, click on professional and Technical Staff Opportunities, and search for job code: 082063 – Health Economist/ Specialist. The vacancy will remain open for applications until Monday, October 29, 2008.
