Background

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services [MHMS] National Health Services Strategic Plan [NHSP] articulated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthen coordination mechanisms between the MHMS and all development partners supporting the Ministry.

In accordance with the MHMS commitment and reformed organization structure, a Partnership Coordination Unit (PCU) is to be established under the leadership of the Director – Policy and Planning. Working in close collaboration with the Aid Coordination Directorate (ACD) of the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC), the PCU is assigned responsibility to strengthen aid coordination and aid management processes for all external development partner assistance for health.

The rationale for the establishment of the unit is to ensure a coordinated approach to both development partner financial and technical adviser inputs are in line with the MHMS National Health Strategic Plan and SIG national development priorities, through:

• Providing a recognised MHMS focal point for all health related partnership agreements;
• Coordinating with sectoral directorates and provinces to distribute external and internal resources justly;
• Improving sectoral cooperation between the government and development partners;

Increasing awareness within MHMS at national and provincial levels of the responsibilities to ensure performance indicators are implemented and targets are achieved.

Tasks

1. Provide operational and capacity building support to the management of the PCU and Policy and Planning Division in general.
2. Develop capacity and transfer skills and knowledge to government counterparts in the PCU.
3. Support and guide the PCU staffs to develop systems, policies and procedures that strengthen cooperation with Development Partners.
4. Reporting through the Policy and Planning Division to the Permanent Secretary, work with divisional, branch managers and Provincial Health Directors, to collaborate the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting across all Development Partner supported initiatives.
5. Support integration of the responsibilities of the PCU and Directorate of Policy and Planning to ensure harmony in all development and innovation stemming from PCU support.
6. To support the MHMS, Policy and Planning Division and the PCU in advancing the development of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) programme with Development Partners and assigned SWAp related advisers.
7. to strengthen the PCU to be fully managed by the Manager, PCU.
8. Other duties as required by the Policy and Planning Division

Outputs

Leadership and Capacity Development support

• To support the team of PCU staff including coordination of activities; work planning; performance management; timely and professional reporting of activity progress and risks.
• Support the PCU Manager to ensure that consultants through the PCU processes are appointed within the protocols of the MHMS and are providing high quality, coordinated, timely and provide practical advice and support to government counterparts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Directorate of Policy and Planning, PCU Management and staff, other consultants, MHMS executive and staff and Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Ministries to support the strategic direction of the MHMS for funding purposes. 
• Support the Manager, PCU to coordinate the preparation and timely submission of high quality annual work plans, reports and other written products of the PCU.
• Support the Manager, PCU to ensure sound internal teamwork and close collaboration, communication between PCU staff and development partners, NGOs, and other partner organisations providing technical or financial support to the MHMS.
• Provide guidance and support to the Manager, PCU in meeting the policy directives and reporting requirements of the Ministry of Development , Planning and Aid Coordination

Organisational and Capacity Development

• Identify and facilitate the provision of practical and effective capacity development activities to the Manager, PCU and staff with particular emphasis given to systems development and improvement.
• Provide professional and practical assistance to the PCU to develop, implement and monitor its annual plans, budget and reports.
• Provide guidance on the preparation of the PCU Annual Report for approval of the Executive and distribution to the SIG, donor partners and other relevant stakeholders through regular MHMS agreement arrangements.
• Provide technical support and advice to the Manager, PCU and DP&P regarding:
• the development and refinement of a  PCU Business Plan
• Monitoring progress and results, and recommending improvements.
• Provide technical support to the Executive, through the Manager, PCU and DP&P, on options for the preparation, coordination and monitoring of NGO and Faith based organisations ‘Service Delivery Agreements/Contracts’ should the principle be accepted by the Executive.

Operational  Support

• Provide high quality technical advice and support to the Manager, PCU in progressively strengthening day-to-day operational capacity of the unit including:
  • unit roles and functions
  • staff management &  performance
  • stakeholder liaison and coordination

Timeline

• It is expected that the outputs above will be delivered over a 4-month period starting 1st August to 30 November 2016 

Guidance

• The STC will work as part of WR Solomon Islands team with technical guidance  from WHO Country Office as well from the Pacific NCD and health through the life course (PNH) Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS) in Suva, Fiji.
• A monthly STC report (bullet points of major tasks) will be submitted to the supervisors for approval
• Performance reviews will be conducted midway and at the end of the contract.

Deliverables

• Provide a brief quarterly capacity building and activity update to the MHMS
• Exception reports detailing emerging risks, in line with the PCU risk management matrix as appropriate;
• Submit an Exit and Activity Completion Report to MHMS no later than fourteen days prior to demobilization.

Required profile of the consultant

Skills

Knowledge of and experience working in the health sector in the area of Health Systems Development and Partnership Coordination
Knowledge of and experience working in strategic and operational planning
Knowledge of and experience working collaboratively and cross culturally with government and development partners.
Experience in communicating complex technical concepts for knowledge sharing

Education

Essential: Degree in medicine from a recognized university.
Desirable: Postgraduate degree and specialisation in public health medicine.

Experience

At least seven years of working experience (including international work experience), with specialisation in Health Systems and Partnership Coordination
Experience working in one or more Pacific islands

Competencies
1. Communicating in a credible, effective, and culturally competent way
2. Ability to lead and influence effectively
3. Navigating complex health systems and environments
4. Producing results
5. Moving forward in a changing environment
6. Fostering integration and teamwork
7. Building and promoting cross-sectoral partnerships across the organization and beyond

Languages
Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage

1 August – 30 November 2016

Interested should submit following documents to [email protected] and [email protected] by 8 July 2016. Please use Tender Notice No. 47041 as subject to all submissions.

• Expression of interest (cover letter) that includes proposed consultancy fee (per day) and availability
• WHO personal history form or CV

Please note that the application may be closed before the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. Only successful candidates will be contacted