- Terms of Reference for Fellow – Health Financing
The Health Financing Fellow will play a pivotal role in assisting the health finance unit (HFU) and MoH in developing and implementing the Sierra Leone Social Health Insurance (SLeSHI) financing system. To excel in this role, the Fellow must have expertise in health economics and a broad understanding of digital health and health insurance systems. The Fellow will act as a Health Financing Analyst/Economist, supporting the MoH’s health insurance initiative, SLeSHI, and providing high-quality health economic analysis and reports concerning SLeSHI and other health financing initiatives and projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
SLeSHI Implementation and Expansion:
- Support the planning and execution of strategies to implement SLeSHI across Sierra Leone.
- Collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful rollout of the health insurance scheme.
- Monitor the progress of SLeSHI implementation, evaluate its effectiveness, and make necessary adjustments to enhance coverage and accessibility.
Economic Analysis for SLeSHI:
- Conduct comprehensive economic analyses to assess the financial feasibility and sustainability of SLeSHI.
- Identify potential sources of funding and revenue streams to support the scheme.
- Collaborate with financial experts to develop financial models projecting the long-term impact of SLeSHI on healthcare financing and affordability.
Policy Advocacy and Development:
- Advocate for the development and refinement of health financing policies in Sierra Leone to support SLeSHI’s objectives.
- Contribute to the development of advocacy tools and health financing policy briefs to facilitate engagements with policymakers.
- Contribute to the drafting of regulations and guidelines governing the operations of SLeSHI and other health financing mechanisms.
Data Collection and Reporting:
- Contribute to data collection efforts related to health financing and SLeSHI, ensuring accurate and timely capture of key metrics.
- Analyze data to measure financial models, tools, and the performance of the SLeSHI scheme and identify areas for improvement.
- Prepare and present regular reports on the impact of financing mechanisms and SLeSHI, including financial, coverage, and access indicators, to inform decision-making within the Ministry of Health.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Foster collaboration with key stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, insurance agencies, and civil society organizations, to build support for SLeSHI.
- Contribute to workshops, seminars, and stakeholder consultations to gather input and feedback on SLeSHI implementation and address concerns.
Resource Mobilization:
- Identify potential funding sources and donors interested in supporting the expansion and sustainability of SLeSHI.
- Prepare grant proposals and funding applications to secure financial backing.
- Collaborate with international partners to explore opportunities for technical and financial assistance in strengthening SLeSHI.
Capacity Building:
- Co-create and deliver training programs for Ministry of Health staff and healthcare providers on health financing and the intricacies of SLeSHI.
- Contribute to strengthening the capacity of local institutions to administer and manage health insurance programs effectively.
Monitoring Health Finance Innovations:
- Monitor developments in healthcare financing and resource allocation within Sierra Leone and sub-Saharan Africa.
- Use health economics knowledge and economic evaluations to inform and improve health financing strategies, including SLeSHI and other health financing projects.
- Engage with internal and external resources and subject matter experts to introduce innovative health financing concepts and approaches.
Research and Evaluation Support:
- Provide assistance to colleagues in health financing research and evaluation, applying relevant methodologies to address programmatic issues.
- Contribute to the conduct of economic analyses and impact assessments to inform health financing strategies and interventions.
Support to Senior Staff:
- Assist senior members of the Health Financing Unit with reporting, budgeting, and forecasting activities.
- Contribute to the development of financial plans and strategies aligned with health financing objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Desirable:
- A graduate (BSc/BA), Merit (2:1) or First Division preferably.
- A Sierra Leonean, whether local or from the diaspora.
- Willingness to pursue a master’s degree while working over a 2-year period at the Ministry of Health.
- Willingness to transition into the Scheme of Service to secure a permanent position at the Ministry of Health following the 2-year fellowship.
Expectations (Candidates may have a combination of these attributes):
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Economics, Finance, Business Administration, health informatics, data science, business analytics, or a related discipline.
- At least 1-3 years of relevant experience in health financing, health economics, or related fields.
- Good understanding of health financing concepts, health systems, and healthcare delivery models.
- Strong interest in or the willingness to develop an in-depth knowledge of healthcare policy and health financing mechanisms.
- Working knowledge or proficiency in relevant software and tools, such as financial modelling software, data analysis tools, and presentation software.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
To apply, please send your application (a mandatory cover letter and an updated CV with at least 3 references) to the following email addresses: recruitment@mohsihpau.gov.sl by: 4:00 pm Local Time, Monday 26th February, 2023.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Only email applications sent to the above email address will be included in the pool of applicants to be assessed by MOH. No hand deliveries will be accepted. Please also note that your CV should contain your full contact details such as residence address, working mobile telephone number, working email address, as well as those of your three referees.
- Selected candidates will be required to sign a contractual agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health.
- The recruitment will initially be for a period of 2years and thereafter an annual extension subject to performance and funds availability.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION IS: – 26th February, 2023