Internship Program (voluntary Job) HEFD

About Ministry of Public Health

Job Summary

The Afghan Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is one of the leading Ministries in the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA). In spite of major achievements in the health sector in recent years, Afghanistan still lags behind other countries in the region with respect to key health outcomes; particularly in the areas of maternal, infant and child health.
On May 26th 2009, MoPH established Health Economics and Financing Directorate (HEFD) to reflect the expanded role of the Grants and Contractual Management Unit (GCMU) and Health Care Financing Directorate. In January 2011, the Aid Management Unit (former GCMU) was separated from HEFD. Currently, HEFD is comprised of two units: Health Care Financing Unit (HFU), and Health Economics Unit (HEU).
HEFD is responsible for conducting ongoing management and coordination of external assistance to the MoPH, as well as conducting health economics and health financing related analyses to provide data for key resource allocation and policy decisions throughout the MoPH. In particular, HEFD aims to address identified gaps in several important components—particularly in health economics and financing—which have impeded the development of evidence-based policies and strategies.
Key economic analyses such as cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost analyses, national health accounts, and health financing studies are essential for supporting policy decisions within the MOPH as the Ministry strives to maximize the health of the population with a limited budget. HEFD is tasked with ensuring that the following evaluation and health financing areas are properly covered: costing of BPHS and EPHS, programming of infrastructure, and establishment of financial management systems in some hospitals. Together, these activities will assist the MOPH to expand access to care, improve quality and cost-effectiveness of health services, and manage financial risk of illness among the population, as indicated in the National Health Financing Policy.
The HEU studies outcomes to serve the Health Financing Unit for implementation of feasible supply and demand side financing schemes as well as any further health economics tools and systems, i.e. costing tools and NHA. This unit encompasses a sub-unit focusing on economics evaluation and costing studies. This unit plans to develop a range of tools, including a tool to assist hospital managers in analyzing and managing costs.
HEFD is following the vision, mission, purpose, objectives and strategic directions of the National Healthcare Financing and Sustainability Policy as well as the National Healthcare Financing and Sustainability Strategy.
A. The Purpose of HEFD is to help the health sector:
• Allocate existing resources in an effective, efficient and equitable manner;
• Utilize resources with full accountability and transparency; and
• Obtain additional resources for health.

B. HEFD has sixStrategic Directionsfor the 2009-2013 period:
• Health Economics and Financing Directorate capacity development;
• Support to mapping of health expenditure flows;
• Exploring demand and supply‐side financing;
• Financial sustainability, revenue collection;
• Inequity reduction and advancing risk pooling mechanisms; support to efficient resource use and allocation;
• Enhance aid-effectiveness in healthcare financing

I. Why become an intern?

Internships are an excellent way to shape any career or business development goal and the benefits available for both Interns and Organizations can be a win-win opportunity. Internships offer individuals and organizations the opportunity to “test the waters” before entering into any permanent commitment giving both the ability to explore their options fully. The valuable experience gained by both parties can not only improve but extend their individual reach and potential. Organizations gain the benefit of expanding their staff, obtaining financial benefits and gaining access to talents they may otherwise not have discovered while individuals gain valuable employment experience, a diverse range of skills and abilities and even long-term earning opportunities.

The relationship that both Intern and Organizations enters into is one in which both parties have an equal opportunity to gain valuable, mutually beneficial rewards. Long-term working relationships are often the end result. Exploring the waters before making a firm commitment is Internship working at its best.Internships can be an excellent way for individuals and employers to find just the right match, successfully.

This TOR aims to identify motivated and competent professionals to join HEFD team as an intern or volunteer. S/he will support the HEFD with their routine activities: costing, health insurance, NHA, program budgeting, economic studies, and the like.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assisting the HEFD staff in data collection for costing, NHA, health insurance, program budgeting … etc.
• Collaborating in research activities
• Assisting in organizing meetings and events
• Attending relevant meetings and events and record minutes of the meetings if needed
• Supporting the HEFD staff in translation of documents
• Providing support in general administrative tasks

Job Requirements

• University post-graduate degree holder in field of medicine, economics, or public health
• Motivated to work with MoPH and HEFD
• Interested and inspired to learn about costing, health insurance, NHA, program budgeting, economic studies … etc.
• Ability to multi-task duties and apply practical problem-solving skills as needed
• Shows persistence when faced with challenges and remains clam in handling complex situations
• Excellent and effective written skills in Dari and English(having a TOEFL score of more than 500 or equivalent ILETS score will be an asset)
• Outstanding communication skills
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Work experience with national /international organization is desirable
• Commitment in continuing to work in health economics and financing fields if there are opportunities in the future
• Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply

II. Duration and Dedication:
• The internship is designed for six months. HEFD will award a certificate of completion to those who complete the program successfully.
• Number of positions: two
• Expected starting date of the appointment: Jan 2012
• Dedication: Minimum 20 hours per week/ ideally 40 hours per week


III. Benefits:
• Taking part in cutting edge activities of HEFD
• Learning by doing during fulfillment of daily activities
• Working in a diverse and multi-cultural situation with local and international expertise
• Working with people with different backgrounds
• Interacting regularly with national and international experts
• Gaining a first-had perception of the day-to-day working environment in the field of health economics and health care financing
• Participating in the training conduct inside MOPH/HEFD
• Upon the successful conclusion of the assignment, MOPH/HEFD will provide a certificate, signed by minister of public health
• Possibility of working opportunities in the future(Based on their performance and appraisal results)
• HEFD will pay $100 monthly stipend to each intern as an incentive.


IV. Supervision:
The incumbent will work under the direct guidance and supervision of the HEFD director and unit team leaders.

Submission Guideline

• Electronic applications will be sent to: e-mail (gdhr.moph@gmail.com) which corresponds to the PRR Consultancy Office, Ministry of Public Health.
• Hard copies will be sent to: HR Department, Second floor, PPR Consultancy Office at the Ministry of Public Health, Great Masoud Square
• The Contact Person at Human Resources is: Mr. Ab.Wasay Alokozai, HR Officer, MoPH-GD HR. Phone number: 0093- (0)- 786-175876
• Please mention in your subject line the post title as well as in your CV exact date of your work experience and graduation (Day, Month, and Year).
• You must attach your RECENT photo on your Application or CV.

Note:
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to a written test. In case you don’t receive any reply within six weeks counted form the closing date for this application, most likely you will not have been shortlisted. Please feel free, however to contact the person in charge (Mr.A.Wasay Alokozai) for confirmation.

Functional Area

Health/Medical

Countries

Apply Now