KP TA: Revision of the National Health Support Program (NHSP) PC-I for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Evidence for Health (E4H) is a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)-funded programme aimed at strengthening Pakistan's healthcare system, thereby decreasing the burden of illness and saving lives. E4H provides technical assistance (TA) to the Federal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Punjab governments, and is being implemented by Palladium along with Oxford Policy Management (OPM).

Through its flexible, embedded, and demand-driven model, E4H supports the government to achieve a resilient health system that is prepared for health emergencies, responsive to the latest evidence, and delivers equitable, quality, and efficient healthcare services. Specifically, E4H delivers TA across three outputs:

Output 1: Strengthened integrated health security, with a focus on preparing and responding to health emergencies, including pandemics.

Output 2: Strengthened evidence-based decision-making to drive health sector performance and accountability.

Output 3: Improved implementation of Universal Health Coverage, with a focus on ending preventable deaths.

The primary objective of this TA is to ensure that the necessary health system strengthening components are incorporated for the PfR approach. This will be achieved by revising the PC-I to include the required provisions for financial assistance under PfR.

The team of consultants is expected to provide embedded support throughout the rollout of this assignment and be present with the designated focal point - the NHSP team, to ensure seamless coordination and progress.

1. The consultants are required to conduct a thorough review of all relevant documents, policies, and materials, followed by consultations with the NHSP team, other units within the DOH, World Bank, and implementing partners to gain clarity, understanding, and ensuring alignment with ongoing DOH initiatives as well as E4H and partner initiatives.
2. The consultants will review the NHSP PC-I to identify any gaps and propose recommendations to the Project Director (PD) NHSP and DOH.
3. After the suggestions are agreed upon with the PD NHSP and DOH, the team will conduct the costing of the initiatives in PC-I to ensure their financial feasibility, alignment with the objectives, and fulfil the requirements outlined in the PC-I submitted for approval to the relevant authorities.
4. The team is expected to make all necessary revisions to the PC-I, incorporating the changes mutually agreed upon with the PD NHSP and DOH.
5. Additionally, the team will support the preparation of a slide deck, and a concept note with justifications to facilitate presentations to the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), Central Development Working Party (CDWP), and the World Bank to expedite the approval process and ensure timely implementation of the initiatives.

Responsibilities

The PFM Expert will work to achieve the following:

1. Revised draft of PC-I, finalized and agreed by PD NHSP.
2. Costing of all initiatives outlined in the PC-I, formatted as required for approval.

The level of effort for the role is 15 working days, from December 2024 – March 2025.

Requirement

Technical Expertise

• Advanced degree in Public Financial Management, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of public financial systems, budgeting, and financial reporting, particularly in the context of health sector projects and UHC initiatives.
• Familiarity with the World Bank’s health financing mechanisms, including Pay-for-Results (PforR), Input-Based Components (IBC), and performance-based approaches in health financing.
• Expertise in developing and reviewing financial models, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and ensuring budgets align with project objectives.
• Strong skills in financial planning, forecasting, and resource allocation for large-scale development programs, ensuring efficient fund use aligned with performance-based approaches.
• Specific experience in health sector financing, including health systems strengthening, UHC implementation, and development financing.
• Familiarity with the health sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be an added advantage.

Competencies

• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, donors, and implementing partners to ensure alignment on financial strategies and objectives.
• Strong ability to prepare financial reports, budgets, and presentations for senior management, donors, and approval bodies such as PDWP, CDWP, and the World Bank.
• Proficiency in analyzing financial data and tracking expenditures to ensure transparency and accountability in financial management.
• Capable of managing project timelines, ensuring deliverables are met, and addressing emerging challenges dynamically.
• Skilled in preparing detailed technical reports and policy recommendations.
• Strong attention to detail in reviewing documents, analyzing financial information, and ensuring the accuracy of financial reports and budgets.