STC on policy dialogue and communiation

Call for Expressions of Interest and Proposal

#VN022 - Job Title: STC on policy dialogue and communiation

1. Background:

Over the past several decades Viet Nam has achieved a number of impressive milestones in improving the health of its population: life expectancy has increased (from 60 in the 1960s, to 75 today), major strides have been taken in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, preventing and treating infectious disease, building health surveillance systems and expanding the social safety net, including for social health insurance. Such investments in a healthier population have contributed to the country’s remarkable economic success, and its attainment of lower middle income economy status.

In the wake of COVID-19 and on-going global economic uncertainty, Viet Nam’s health system is at a cross-roads, as it faces a number of challenges familiar to many middle income countries, including: a rapidly growing ageing population requiring more, and more integrated, health and social services; increasing rates of noncommunicable diseases, prevention of which requires more effective health policy coordination across sectors; and the increased impact of climate change which puts further strain on an already burdened health system. There is a need to strengthen primary of ‘grass roots’ health care, in order for the health system to be able to meet the health needs of the population into the future.

More broadly, Viet Nam is rapidly and dynamically developing. In this context, and with the challenges the health system faces, WHO’s support needs to evolve too. In recent years, WHO Viet Nam has provided technical assistance for a wide range of health interventions together with the country’s Ministry of Health. However, as the country recovers from the pandemic and looks towards building a resilient health system appropriate for the next phase of the country’s development, there is need for WHO Vietnam to focus its efforts on:

1. policy analysis and advocacy, that synthesizes relevant data and analysis for policy makers, as well as maps out and implements strategies for building support and consensus around policy reform objectives;
2. testing catalytic interventions that have a demonstration effect on policy making (e.g., rolling out pilots on a national basis), and which can be replicated and scaled up;
3. advocacy, including for continued political leadership, investments for sustainable impact, and key partnerships including beyond the health sector; and
4. the strategic use of lessons learned from comparator countries to drive policy progress.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To support in building capacity of the Country Office team in these areas through the delivery of workshops, development of tools and templates for policy advocacy, as well as provide support for the development of related, externally-facing communication products and materials.

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The WHO Viet Nam team requires skills building among its staff, to strengthen capacity in effective analysis, dialogue and advocate for policy change.

The selected Consultant will support in building capacity of the Country Office team in these areas through the delivery of workshops, development of tools and templates for policy advocacy, as well as provide support for the development of related, externally-facing communication products and materials.

Output/s

Under the overall supervision of the UHC-HLE Team Coordinator, the consultant will provide on the following outputs:

Remote desk-research and initial engagement with staff on key policy priorities – May/June 2024 – 5 working days

Deliverable/s:

1. 1-2 policy priorities and mapped
2. Development of plan for onsite skills-building

On site delivery of workshop and development of useful templates and/or guidelines – June 2024 -5 working days for workshop and 4 working days for revision

Deliverable/s:

1. Skills-building workshop with Country Office staff
2. Preliminary development of templates and/or guides for policy advocacy

Development of external facing publication – June 2024 – 6 working days

Deliverable/s:

1. Draft publication on work of the Viet Nam Country Office and how it seeks to deliver impact

Revision and update of Country Office website – June/July 2024 – 10 working days

Deliverable/s:

1. Set of finalized updates to be made to WHO Viet Nam website, in collaboration with Country Office communications team

3. Planned timelines (subject to confirmation and approval process)

Start date: 27 May 2024

End date:  30 Aug 2024

Total 30 working days offsite including 4-5 days of onsite for workshops not including travel

4. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

a.Qualifications required:         

Essential: Bachelor’s degree in political science or social science and master’s degree in related fields from a recognized university.

Desirable: Formal education or training in communication. 

b. Experience required:

Essential: At least 10 years of experience in policy/ advocacy work, including at least 5 years experience at international level.

Desirable: Prior experience of working with WHO in a country context similar to Vietnam. 

c. Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Ability to write
• Knowledge of the health system in Viet Nam desirable
• Specific technical knowledge with health legislation process in Viet Nam is desirable

d. Language requirements:

Expert written and spoken English

e. Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team or independently
• Produces results
• Builds and promotes partnerships
• Fosters integration and teamwork

5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

5.1   Place of assignment

Under the guidance of the UHC-HLE Team Coordinator and relevant technical staff, the consultant will work off-site at VNM CO in Ha Noi, Viet Nam.

5.2  Medical clearance

A fitness of work clearance will be required.

5.3  Travel

Duty travel within Viet Nam may be conducted.

A living expense is payable to on-site consultants – please refer to Information Note 08/2019 for details on eligibility.

Please take note of the following when submitting application:

The contractor will be responsible for paying taxes, if any.

Those who are interested can contact our focal person with contact detail at the end of the announcement before 14^th May 2024

Administrative Officer

World Health Organization

UN Building, 304 Kim Ma Street,

Hanoi, Viet Nam

OR

[email protected]

For further information on this TOR, please contact:

[email protected]