Job #: req24319

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Health/Nutrition/Population

Grade: GG

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso

Required Language(s): English, French

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date: 10/15/2023 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org

HEALTH, NUTRITION AND POPULATION GLOBAL PRACTICE CONTEXT:

The central contribution of the HNP Global Practice to the World Bank’s twin goals is to enable the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), in which all people are effectively covered by essential health services, and nobody suffers undue financial hardship because of illnesses. The HNP Global Practice includes staff members in Washington, DC and many country offices.  The HNP Global Practice works with and across multiple sectors, in recognition of the fact that HNP outcomes often depend on actions that lie outside the HNP sector. The HNP Global Practice supports country and regional efforts to: (i) improve health outcomes, especially for the poor and most vulnerable; (ii) expand access to high-quality HNP services, interventions and technologies that give the most value for money; (iii) strengthen health systems for results; (iv) establish and improve health financing mechanisms that promote efficiency, equity and sustainability of investments; (v) strengthen heath-relevant institutions within and outside the health sector; (vi) harness multisectoral policies and investments for better health outcomes; and (vii) develop and learn from rigorous impact evaluations.

For more information:https://worldbankgroup.sharepoint.com/sites/Health/Pages/pc/about/About.aspx 

AFRICA REGION CONTEXT:

Africa has registered strong economic growth in recent years that has helped to reduce poverty levels in the continent. Yet, as Africa’s population expands, the region faces a critical challenge of creating the foundations for long-term inclusive growth. Many countries still contend with high levels of child and maternal mortality, malnutrition is far too common, and most health systems are not able to deal effectively with epidemics and the growing burden of chronic diseases. These challenges call for renewed commitments and accelerated progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—the principle that everyone receives needed health services without financial hardship.

Most African countries have integrated UHC as a goal in their national health strategies. Yet, progress in translating commitments to UHC into expanded domestic resources for health, effective development assistance, and ultimately, equitable and quality health services, and increased financial protection has been slow. To accelerate progress toward UHC in Africa, the countries will require political leadership and a clear strategic vision to achieve their UHC targets and to be able to eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths, strengthen resilience to public health emergencies, reduce financial hardship linked to illness, and strengthen the foundations for long-term economic growth.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/overview

BURKINA FASO COUNTRY CONTEXT

Burkina Faso is currently facing significant challenges due to the security situation, internal conflict, political instability, and climate change. As a result, approximately 2 million people, which is 10% of the population, are internally displaced and are facing major health and nutrition challenges. Many health facilities in conflict-affected areas are closed or understaffed, while those in host communities are overwhelmed with larger populations to serve.

The World Bank has restructured its HNP engagement in Burkina Faso to address the country’s new priorities. The WB has shifted its focus towards strengthening the core building blocks of the health system to support the UHC agenda, while ensuring that services are delivered to the most vulnerable and strengthening public health functions. The engagement has centered on addressing social determinants of health, gender inequality, and health literacy to increase the demand for health services. Additionally, these priority areas are tailored to address the conflict and insecurity situation, as well as the needs of the increasing number of IDPs and their host communities.

There are currently five ongoing operations that are either entirely or partially dedicated to supporting the health sector strategy. These operations are undergoing an intense policy and technical dialogue with various stakeholders in the country.

The World Bank office Burkina Faso – https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/burkina  

Duties & Accountabilities

The (Senior) Health Specialist or Economist will be mapped to HAWH2 and report to the Practice Manager of the Unit.  Their primary role will be to serve as a key member of the HNP and Burkina Faso country team, with responsibilities across the Burkina Faso country program. More specifically, s/he will have the following key responsibilities, inter alia:

• Lead, co-lead or support development and implementation of the Bank’s HNP national and /or regional operations in Burkina Faso. This will include leading technical discussions and monitoring of the Bank defined portfolio on a day-to-day basis, in close collaboration with the relevant government agencies and development partners.

• Organize and lead missions of the health team.

• Lead or co-lead and contribute to high-quality analytical and advisory services tasks in Burkina Faso and HAWH2.

• Participate in and contribute to technical assistance work to support relevant capacity-building activities including workshops, seminars, etc.

• Participate in and contribute to policy dialogue with government counterparts, including at the national and sub-national levels and with other relevant stakeholders.

• Help teams with building and maintaining partnerships and networks within the Bank (in HNP as well as other sectors) and with external partners.

• Contribute to sector-specific or cross-sectoral inputs for various operational products/outputs (e.g. sector/country briefings, background reports, portfolio performance reviews, etc.).

• Review and contribute to sector-specific or cross-sectoral policy and other documents.

• Respond to ad hoc information requests from internal and external parties.

• Carry out any other activity required as part of the health and human capital portfolio.

• Mentor junior staff in the country office and unit.

Selection Criteria

Poverty knows no boundaries, and neither does excellence. Our success is fueled by our diversity and differences, and we are constantly seeking highly qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, both from within countries and across the world. We expect the chosen candidate to possess the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics, public health, health systems, public policy, health financing, or related fields. Additionally, having an experience in the practice of public health in Burkina Faso with a substantial emphasis on public and/or private health sectors, or a focus on health financing / health economics, would be considered advantageous.

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in health and/or related fields.

• Demonstrated operational project management and portfolio management is essential.

• Significant experience with WBG or non-governmental institution policies, operations, instruments, and systems is desired.

• Proficiency in French (a prerequisite) and English (an asset), including excellent oral and written communication skills. The candidate should be capable of producing documents on complex subjects, delivering persuasive speeches, and conveying ideas clearly and succinctly in French. Additionally, the candidate should exhibit a satisfactory level of comprehension and written proficiency in English.

• Strong interpersonal and team skills, and a track record of functioning effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix environment are essential.

• A drive for results, including a proven track record of high standards/accountability for work products, meeting deadlines, an ability to prioritize tasks within his/her work program and strategies for working collectively with others on the team to deliver products of the highest caliber.

Competencies:

• Lead and Innovate: Encourages and works with others to identify and implement relevant solutions. Identifies opportunities in changing circumstances and energizes others to continuously improve, using intentional strategies to boost morale, team spirit, and productivity. Helps others to understand problems, client needs and the underlying context. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

• Deliver Results for Clients: Develops and implements solutions that show understanding of how clients and/or own work achieves results that are financially, environmentally, and socially sustainable. Shares new insights based on in-depth understanding of the client and recommends solutions for current and future needs of clients. Holds self and team accountable for risk management and outcomes. Maintains client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions and provides evidence-based advice and solutions based on sound diagnosis and knowledge.

• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries: Collaborates across organizational boundaries, internally and externally with a sense of mutuality and respect. Consistently engages others in open dialogue, brings out any conflicting viewpoints and incorporates viewpoints into solutions, giving credit where credit is due. Leverages expertise of all team members to ensure successful outcomes. Shows leadership in ensuring the team stays organized and focused, and actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches.

• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge: Ensures systematic sharing of best practices and learning from lessons from across institutions, clients, and partners. Articulates ideas clearly and persuasively, both in spoken and written communication, to effectively engage audiences of diverse levels.

• Make Smart Decisions: Applies critical thinking and seeks inputs and experience from others to recommend a course of action consistent with the WBG’s strategy. Evaluates risk and anticipates the short and long-term implications of decisions.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.