Objectives
The Human Development Department (OSHD) is in charge of the Bank’s operations in the social sector (including education, health and social protection). The Department carries out its work within the overall goal of poverty reduction and in conformity with established Bank policies and strategies on education, health, and social protection. The Department includes three Divisions: (i) Health (OSHD.3), (ii) Education, Science and Technology (OSHD.2), and (iii) Poverty Reduction and Social Protection (OSHD.1). It is guided by the Bank’s Human Capital Development Strategy which focuses on increasing competitiveness and employment opportunities; ensuring value for money and accountability for improved service delivery; and ensuring inclusion and social cohesion.
The Principal Health Economist at the Uganda Country Office (UGFO) will be expected to apply the theories and techniques of health economics in the relevant range of duties assigned to her/him. This will include, inter alia, analysis of trends and modalities of health systems financing, value for money analysis, review of national health and social policies and strategies in the light of international experience and utilisation of economic approaches in the design of the Bank’s projects and strategies. Being the focal point of OSHD in Uganda, he/she will also be in charge of relevant range of duties assigned to him/her in other areas of social sector (namely, education and social protection) in the country.
Duties and responsibilities
Working under the technical supervision of the Division Manager, OSHD.3 and the day-to-day supervision of the Resident Representative of the Uganda Country Office (UGFO), the incumbent will also liaise closely with internal and external stakeholders. His/her specific roles will include the following:
Formulate and propose Bank’s Country Assistance Strategies for the Social Sector by:
Conducting analyses of the social situation in the country, and in particular the health system, and analysing systems and financing constraints, collecting and analysing data on demographic trends, human, material and infrastructure resources, as well as financing and equity indicators;
Recommending social sector studies/projects/programs to be included in the Bank’s lending program for each country, particularly in the areas of medical education, e-health, governance, health insurance, private sector, pharmaceutical and biomedical industry;
Leading Economic and Sector Work (ESWs) to inform country dialogue and policies including public expenditures reviews, Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys (PETS), evidence-based costing and budgeting exercises and other economic analyses pertaining to social sector;
Preparing terms of reference and supervising studies in the social sector, and in particular, health sector and assisting borrowers in recruiting consultants, as well as reviewing and approving reports;
Initiating and maintaining a high level policy dialogue with borrowers and other agencies involved in the social sector but more particularly in the health sector;
Advising the Government/Bank’s Management on proposed health sector strategies and policies and future operational plans. In particular, review technical issues, and propose recommendations relevant to socio-economic policies and their relationship with other sectors within the Bank.
Initiate and conduct missions to:
Identify, prepare, appraise and launch health projects/programs for Bank-financing and contribute to the same processes for social sector projects/programs;
Conduct financial and economic analysis underpinning health projects and provide recommendations regarding the amounts and terms and conditions of the Bank’s loans and grants.
Conduct technical supervision, mid-term review and project completion missions of on-going social projects/programs, more particularly in the health sector by: Monitoring the achievements of Bank-funded programs;
Conducting analysis of Bank project economic and financial performance including cost- effectiveness, cost-benefit, benefit incidence analysis and as the case may be, impact analysis;
Preparing and monitoring portfolio performance reports for the social sector and in particular, in the Health sector.
Identify and coordinate the needs for co-financing social projects/programs and initiate proposals for funding by: Operationalizing an integrated approach to sustainable development, taking into account cross-cutting issues i.e. poverty, environment, population, gender and institutional development;
Reviewing social sector aid programs of other donor agencies and determining financing gaps;
Representing the Bank/Department at national and international relevant meetings;
Perform other technical and administrative duties as required by the Manager or Director by:
Participating in working groups, committees and meetings and assisting other staff assigned to same or related functions;
Reviewing reports prepared by consultants on social sector issues and make recommendations to the Division Manager.
Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience
At least a Master’s Degree in Economics with concentration in Health Economics and/or Economics of Service Delivery;
A minimum of 6 years relevant experience;
Experience in analysis of health policies and strategies in developing countries, particularly in Africa;
Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and to build effective working relationships with colleagues;
Strong leadership and coaching skills, with a proven track record of working within teams and creating an empowering and self-development oriented work environment;
Ability to communicate and write effectively in English or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language. Fluency in English will be an asset;
Competence in the use of the Bank’s standard software applications (as a minimum Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
NB: This Position does not attract international Terms and Conditions of Employment. (Incumbents of the Position will be considered as Local Staff and will not have International Status).
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