somaliland.net

CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL OF SOMALILAND (Apx 1 month)

 

The Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) seeks a consultant experienced in regulation relating to health in fragile states / post conflict environments. The ideal candidate will have experience of working in a country with little or no previous regulation, experience of working in resource poor settings is essential. This is a rewarding position which offers a unique opportunity to instrumental in the development of institutional capacity, crucial for the rebuilding of the health system in Somaliland. Please see below for more details and visit our website www.thet.org for the full terms and conditions.

Background: In 1999 an Act of Parliament was passed to establish the Health Professions Council.  The Act defines the function of the Council which provides for the registration of health professionals and facilities. Although the HPC was constituted in 2001, it was not sustained and the Council was disbanded.  During consultations in November 2006 (as part of the development of a broader health systems strengthening initiative), stakeholders confirmed the importance of and need for the HPC.  In 2008, efforts were made to reconstitute the HPC but there have been challenges. 

Role: The consultant will:

  • Consult with key stakeholders, individually and collectively to:
    • review the remit and role of the HPC as currently delineated
    • review the roles and functions of the HPC vis-à-vis regulatory and professional bodies
    • make recommendations for amendments to the HPC Act
  • Work with key stakeholders, develop a realistic plan to define the initial steps needed to operational the Act focusing on issues such as:
    • the formation of the Council
    • plans for the initial functioning of the Council, including realistic and achievable targets for the first 6-12 months of operation
    • financing of the Council (taking account of short and longer term financing issues)
  • Train board members and stakeholders

Required Qualifications and Experience:

    • Masters level education in a relevant discipline
    • Fluent written and spoken English
    • At least 8 years professional work experience.
    • At least 3 years working in a regulatory environment in a developing country
    • Understanding different means and structures by which health sector regulation can be promoted and enforced

Desirable:

    • Nurse, MD or medical professional qualification
  • Health planning and implementation experience.
  • Spoken and/or written Somali
  • Ability to self-steer and develop work plan.
  • Good analytic, communication and negotiation skills.
  • Computer skills (word, excel etc.)

To apply: Please send a recent CV along with a one page covering letter to

Sharon Horder, Tropical Health and Education Trust, 1 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0AE, UK or email sharon@thet.org. Closing date for applications is 27th October.

 

CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL OF SOMALILAND

Overall Aim: A statutory body with a mandate to protect the public, all consumers of health care services, and to provide guidance on educational, professional and ethical issues to our practitioners. To review the Health Professions Council of Somaliland Act (1999) and prepare recommendations for amendments that may be needed to update it. To develop a sustainable plan, with realistic and achievable targets, for the start-up of the HPC.

Background: In 1999 an Act of Parliament was passed to establish the Health Professions Council.  The Act defines the function of the Council which provides for the registration of health professionals and facilities.

Although the HPC was constituted in 2001, it was not sustained and the Council was disbanded.  During consultations in November 2006 (as part of the development of a broader health systems strengthening initiative), stakeholders confirmed the importance of and need for the HPC.  In 2008, efforts were made to reconstitute the HPC but there have been challenges. 

Despite the challenges, the HPC continues to be seen as a key platform for the overall promotion of standards and a central body in work on regulatory issues in the longer term.  It has become clear however that, while many of the ambitions of the Act remain as relevant and valid today as in 1999, the Act needs to be updated to reflect changes that have taken place in the health sector including, for example, the emergence of professional associations and changes in the broader regulatory environment. 

Duration:  To be confirmed (c. 1 month)

Role: The consultant will:

  • Consult with key stakeholders, individually and collectively to:
    • review the remit and role of the HPC as currently delineated
    • review the roles and functions of the HPC vis-à-vis regulatory and professional bodies
    • make recommendations for amendments to the HPC Act
  • Working with key stakeholders, develop a realistic plan to define the initial steps needed to operational the Act focusing on issues such as:
    • the formation of the Council
    • plans for the initial functioning of the Council, including realistic and achievable targets for the first 6-12 months of operation
    • financing of the Council (taking account of short and longer term financing issues)
  • Training of the board members and stakeholders

Outputs:

  • Report (in electronic format) which includes:
    • Executive summary
    • Review of the issues identified
    • Outline of options and cost implications
    • Recommendations

Key stakeholders include:

  • The MOHL
  • Somaliland Medical Association
  • Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association
  • Health training institutions
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Ministry of Interior
  • Min of Finance
  • Local Government
  • Civil Service Commission
  • Ministry of Commerce

Accountability/Reporting:  

  • Health Profession Council’s Board (primary)
  • THET (secondary, as contracting body)

Required Qualifications and Experience:

    • Masters level education in a relevant discipline
    • Fluent written and spoken English
    • At least 8 years professional work experience.
    • At least 3 years working in a regulatory environment in a developing country
    • Understanding different means and structures by which health sector regulation can be promoted and enforced

Other Qualifications to be considered:

    • Nurse, MD or medical professional
  • Health planning and implementation experience.
  • Spoken and/or written Somali
  • Ability to self-steer and develop work plan.
  • Flexible and patient – yet driving for results.
  • Good analytic, communication and negotiation skills.
  • Computer skills (word, excel etc.)

 

Interested candidates should submit:

  • A 1-2 page (maximum) providing an initial outline of how they would approach this role and what the challenges which might be faced in taking forward the development of the HPC
  • A current CV and details of availability

 

Applications should be sent to:

 

Sharon Horder
Tropical Health and Education Trust
1 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0AE, UK

or by email to sharon@thet.org