CONSULTANCY: Human Resources for Health (HRH) Global Expert, Lesotho HSS
Location: Remote
Hours: Approximately 700 hours between November 2024 and September 2025
Rate: Commensurate with required experience and qualifications
Reports to: Team Lead, MCC Lesotho HSS and Counter GBV support
About URC:
URC is a globally recognized leader in healthcare quality improvement. Since 1965, we have been committed to building and sustaining resilient health systems by collaborating with partners to implement science-driven, scalable solutions tailored to local needs. We embody our core values: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), Collaboration, Accountability, and Performance Excellence.
Overview:
Lesotho has multiple health challenges compounded by restricted access to essential services in rural areas. The country has one of the highest maternal and under five mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV levels remain high and there is an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is in the process of updating and reviewing primary health care to address the main health challenges based on data from the recent Demographic and Health Survey. This includes a review of the provision of outpatient preventive, promotive, and curative service delivery at the district level, including the village health worker program.
Under the Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact, the MCC Lesotho HSS and Counter GBV project engages local accountable entities to provide the necessary technical services and support to the MOH and other partners/stakeholders. Through its team of local and international experts, URC provides technical assistance to MCC to improve health outcomes in Lesotho by strengthening the primary health care system.
In 2023, the MOH, supported by URC, embarked on a restructuring exercise involving a structuring team at the MOH. Recent endorsement of the output from this work paved the way for the next steps. The MOH will be undertaking deeper analysis of their staffing and organizational footprint to create a more efficient and leaner MOH with clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting. The new structure will be developed down to the lowest level, outlining the required departments (merged or created), units, sub-units, and number and title of positions in each sub-unit at the central level (from the Director General to drivers). URC, WHO, and UNICEF will jointly be supporting this assessment and analysis. The approach will be collaborative with the restructuring team and engaging closely with the MOH.
URC is searching for an experienced HRH Global Expert to be part of the team that will undertake this assessment and analysis between November 2024 and September 2025.
Responsibilities:
The HRH Global Expert will report to the Team Lead and work with the Organizational Restructuring Expert, HRH National Expert, and GBV/Gender Social Inclusion Technical Specialist.
Specific responsibilities include the following, which will be undertaken with URC, the MOH restructuring technical working group, and the WHO/UNICEF team:
Work with the MOH restructuring technical working group to understand an entry point for collaboration on the current fact finding and situational analysis being undertaken by WHO and UNICEF
Complete a staff assessment to review current job descriptions based on the establishment list and assess the filled positions and vacancies
Propose and implement an approach that understands the reality of the roles and functions against the existing central positions
Work with the Lesotho-based HRH National Expert and Organizational Restructuring Expert to analyze available data on the positions, skills, and competencies against a proposed central MOH structure that services the epidemiological and primary health care needs of Lesotho
Support the update and development of positions for a proposed new central MOH staffing and organizational/departmental structure that meets the requirements and competencies for supporting district service delivery
Propose a career progression approach/framework for implementation that addresses equity, gender, performance, and training
Ensure that HRH requirements are aligned with the requirements of the Ministry of Public Service (Public Service Commission) and fiscal requirements
Collaborate with the Organizational Restructuring Expert to develop a change management, roll-out, and phased implementation plan and timeline for the restructuring process, clearly identifying roles and responsibilities from all the key stakeholders
Meet with the MCC as required to provide updates on the work and fundings, under the guidance of the Team Lead
Travel and work in Lesotho for 3 to 4 times during the consultancy period and stay for several weeks during each visit as required and agreed upon with the team
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to conduct HRH competency and skills assessments
Ability to develop job descriptions for primary health care leadership positions
Experience in developing career progression frameworks
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other relevant HRH software
Experience with visual representation software (e.g., Canva or Strategic Roadmap)
Required Experience and Qualifications:
A Master’s degree, or equivalent accreditation, in health policy, international health, public health, or public health administration
At least 10 years of experience working in HSS contexts
At least 8 years of experience working in HRH or providing technical assistance and guidance on HRH to MOHs in Africa
At least 6 years of experience conducting human resource assessments and competencies analysis and designing job descriptions and career frameworks
Familiarity with the provision of health care in southern Africa
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Unless otherwise directed we will retain your CV in our database for future opportunities.
URC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
We value and seek diversity in our workforce.