Regional Adviser on Health Economics, L-5
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL POLICY DIVISION (ESPD)
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11 September 2003
DATE OF ISSUANCE: 11 July 2003
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Economic Commission for Africa
DUTY STATION: Addis Ababa
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: ECA/ESPD/Health Reg AdvHE/2003

REMUNERATION:

Depending on professional background, experience, and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the Director, Economic and Social Policy Division, the Regional Adviser - Health Economist will focus on country-wide and cross-sectoral issues in the area of health. The Regional Advisor will provide cutting-edge, evidence-based, policy advice that is relevant to the practical needs of member states. In that context, the incumbent will be responsible for:

1. Responding to demand for advice from member states on Health sector reform, participating as a resource person in developing statistical databases and assisting in advising on health policy reform.

2. Undertaking rigorous analytical studies on African development with particular reference to health economics issues.

3. Undertaking research and providing technical assistance in areas such as strategies for combating HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria and other infectious diseases.

4. Helping governments in accession to the Global Fund for AIDS,TB and Malaria.

5. Providing strategic direction within the division by leading efforts to identify and fill knowledge gaps---at both the regional and country level---required for effective health delivery.

6. Undertaking research in health financing, health systems development and analyzing health policies in developing and industrialized countries.

In general, the incumbent may participate in or lead team projects; prepare documents and other communications such as results of studies, reports, letters, proposals, Website texts and speeches; recommend direction and co-ordinate elements of the Division's work plan; implement policy and programme initiatives; identify and assist with recruiting consultants; provide technical assistance; plan and participate in meetings and conferences; represent ECA to member States and in various fora; and lead missions as a senior expert.

EDUCATION:

Advanced degree, preferably a PhD, in health economics, or public health with an emphasis on macroeconomics or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Extensive relevant professional experience required in the application of principles and concepts of public health and health economics. Facility with modern techniques of analyzing social and economic phenomena required. This background may have been gained in activities such as national policy planning, research, academic teaching or related work. Experience in the context of Africa highly desirable. Record of publications preferred.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Understanding of economic theories, especially as they relate to health and other related social issues and experience in applying economic principles to health and health finance issues. Ability to: use quantitative methods of economic research and analysis; draw policy implications, propose options and make recommendations; and advocate for policy and programme initiatives to governments and other bodies. Proficiency in computer systems, including word processing, data base management and Internet required; knowledge of spreadsheet and statistical packages required. Proven abilities to: prepare written materials in a clear, concise and compelling manner; and communicate orally in an effective manner.

ESSENTIAL MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES:

Leadership, supervision, programme and performance management, and judgment/decision making.

ESSENTIAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

Communication, teamwork, analytical thinking, planning and organizing, creativity and innovation, client orientation, technological awareness, and ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR ECA EMPLOYMENT

Please provide all the information requested in these Guidelines. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED.

A. Cover Letter (1 page limit)

1. Indicate the Vacancy Announcement number and the title of the position for which you are applying.

2. In a concise statement, describe why you consider yourself qualified for the particular position for which you are applying and match your background to the duties and responsibilities of the post and the specific requirements as stipulated in the Vacancy Announcement including professional experience, education and training, skills, and competencies.

3. In the last paragraph, indicate if any of your relatives (by blood or by marriage) are currently employed by a public international organization, including the UN. If so provide the name of the person(s), the relationship to you, and the name of the organization.

4. Also in the last paragraph, indicate any restrictions that should be taken into account in connection with your prospective employment with the UN.

B. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (five page limit)

1. Personal Data

• Name (First, Last, Middle initial)

• Mailing Address including city, state, country and postal code

• Telephone number including country and city code

• Fax number including country and city code

• E-mail address

• Date of Birth

• Nationality (if more than one, list all)

• Gender and Marital Status

2. Education

• In reverse chronological order, list your degree(s) and diplomas, the major areas of study, the dates on which they were conferred and the names and locations of the institutions.

• In reverse chronological order, list other relevant training, the dates and the names and locations of the institutions.

• List credentials and certifications [i.e., Certified Public Accountant(CPA)].

3. Professional Skills and Expertise

• List fields of expertise (i.e., Economics, Engineering, Human Resources, Finance, Auditing, Law)

• Indicate computer skills (both software and hardware).

4. Relevant Work Experience

• In reverse chronological order, provide an overview of your full-time employment including dates, your title, employer, type of organization, location, major responsibilities, accomplishments, and beginning and ending salary.

• In reverse chronological order, provide an overview of your consulting and/or short-term including dates, your title, employer (note if UN-related), type of organization, location, major responsibilities (note management/supervisory experience), accomplishments, and salary.

5. Publications

• Provide a list of relevant publications indicating title, type of publication (i.e., book, magazine, journal, thesis), your contribution (i.e., sole author, chapter contributor), and date of publication.

6. Languages

• For mother tongue, indicate level of proficiency for speaking, writing and reading (Fluent or Full Working Knowledge or Minimal Working Knowledge).

• For other languages, indicate level of proficiency for speaking, writing and reading (Fluent or Full Working Knowledge or Minimal Working Knowledge).

7. References

• List your last three supervisors and provide their current telephone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and mailing addresses.

• If self-employed, provide the names of three professional colleagues who know your work.

8. Additional Requirements

• Ensure that the following statement is included and signed at the end of your CV/resume: "I certify that all information stated in this CV/resume is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the United Nations to verify the information provided in this CV/resume."

C. Instructions for Sending Applications

• All applications will be stored electronically. Therefore all cover letters and CV/resumes must be typed (by computer or by typewriter), using 12 point standard fonts, preferably Arial or Times New Roman, and avoiding shading.

• Applications must be sent (preferably) by email to "ecarecruit@uneca.org" or by fax to (251-1) 51-8489. Applications received elsewhere or by third parties will not be accepted.

• If sending electronically, include the cover letter and CV/resume as attached documents in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect or ASCII.

• If sending by fax, ensure that the cover letter and CV/resume are typed and submitted on white, standard size paper (A4 or 8 1/2 x 11) with clear contrasting text.

• Send one complete application, including cover letter and CV/resume, for each position for which you apply. Ensure that the Vacancy Announcement number and the title of the position are stated in the cover letter.

• Acknowledgement of receipt of application will be sent. Further communication will be sent only to those external candidates under serious consideration and will be transmitted either by return e-mail or by fax, depending on how the application was sent to ECA.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.