Technical Specialist - Restructuring and Integration of Health (Retainer)
Dhaka
- Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
- Location: Dhaka
- Grade: LICA 10
-
Occupational Groups:
- Public Health and Health Service
- Project and Programme Management
- Documentation and Information Management
- Closing Date: 2025-11-27
General Information
Job Highlight
About the Project Office
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing a range of reform measures to strengthen the resilience, efficiency, and equity of the health system in line with the recommendations of the Health Reform Commission (2025). These reforms aim to align Bangladesh's health system with the principles of equity, participation, and accountability ensuring that health is realized as both a constitutional right and a public good. In this regard, the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive proposal titled "Health Sector Transformation in Bangladesh", outlining -
"the strategic priorities, implementation modalities, and expected outcomes of the reform agenda. The proposal emphasizes eight key strategic areas including governance and institutional reform, primary healthcare restructuring, workforce planning, financial sustainability, digital transformation, medicine regulation, documentation of transition strategies, and stakeholder communication. The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives.
Job Specific Context
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), Government of Bangladesh currently operates through two distinct divisions - Health Service Division and Medical Education and Family Welfare Division—each overseeing complementary but interdependent areas of health service delivery, medical education, and family welfare. Over time, this bifurcation has contributed to overlaps, inefficiencies, and fragmented coordination across the health system.
As part of the ongoing health sector reform efforts, the Government of Bangladesh aims to establish a unified and integrated health administration structure that promotes coherence between service delivery, public health, and medical education. The Health Sector Reform Commission Report 2025 recommended structural integration and the creation of new directorates to ensure strategic focus and operational effectiveness in priority areas.
The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives. WHO will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and coordination support to ensure that the reform measures are effectively implemented and aligned with global best practices in health system strengthening.
This assignment seeks to develop a restructuring framework that aligns with the Government’s broader reform goals and the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Role Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to review and revise the existing structure of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) with a view to improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability through the integration of the Health Service Division (HSD) and the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division (ME and FPD). The consultant will also develop the concept and framework for the establishment of new directorates for Public Health and Primary Health Care, Medical Education and Research, and Clinical Services in alignment with the recommendations of the Health Sector Reform Commission Report 2025 and the national health reform agenda including the rules of business.
Objectives of the Assignment
Review the current organizational structure, mandates, and operational frameworks of HSD and MoME &FW.
Identify overlaps, gaps, and areas for integration to improve efficiency and accountability.
Develop the conceptual and functional framework for an integrated MoHFW structure.
Propose the establishment of new directorates for Public Health and Primary Health Care, Medical Education and Research, and Clinical Services.
Prepare draft Rules of Business, organizational charts, and operational guidelines for the restructured ministry.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Scope, Responsibilities, and Methodology
Review and analyze the existing organizational setup, mandates, and coordination mechanisms of HSD and MEFWD.
Assess overlaps, gaps, and functional relationships between divisions, directorates, and subordinate institutions.
Develop the concept and framework for the revised structure of health administration through integration of the two divisions, ensuring alignment with national reform priorities.
Propose the establishment of new directorates for:
Public Health and Primary Health Care
Medical Education and Research
Clinical Services
Define mandates, functions, reporting lines, and resource requirements for each new directorate.
Draft Rules of Business, organizational charts, and operational guidelines to support implementation of the new structure.
Facilitate consultations and validation workshops with MoHFW leadership, DGHS, DGME, and development partners.
Prepare a phased implementation plan including change management, capacity development, and monitoring arrangements.
Expected Deliverables: | ||
SL# |
Deliverables |
Description |
1 |
Situational Analysis and Institutional Review – Conduct desk review, data collection, and institutional assessment of existing MoHFW structures, divisions, and directorates to identify overlaps, functional gaps, and reform opportunities. |
Situation Analysis and Institutional Review Report – Comprehensive review of current MoHFW organizational setup, mandates, and coordination mechanisms with analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and reform needs. |
2 |
Design of Integrated MoHFW Structure – Develop a draft proposal for an integrated and streamlined MoHFW structure aligning Health Services Division (HSD) and Medical Education & Family Welfare Division (ME&FWD) functions. |
Comprehensive Proposal for Integrated MoHFW Structure and New Directorates – Including conceptual framework, governance model, and coordination mechanisms. |
3 |
Development of Directorate Mandates and Organizational Frameworks – Define roles, responsibilities, and reporting structures for proposed new directorates (Public Health & Primary Health Care; Medical Education & Research; Clinical Services). |
Defined Mandates and Organizational Frameworks for New Directorates – Detailed ToRs, functional linkages, and proposed staffing structures. |
4 |
Preparation of Final Restructuring Framework and Transition Plan – Finalize a consolidated framework including Rules of Business, operational guidelines, and a phased implementation and resource plan for institutional transition. |
Final Restructuring Framework – Comprehensive document integrating Rules of Business, operational guidelines, implementation roadmap, and resource mobilization plan. |
5 |
Consultation, Validation, and Presentation – Conduct high-level consultations and a validation workshop with WHO, MoHFW, DGHS, DGME, DGFP, WHO, UNOPS, and other key stakeholders to present the final framework and agree on the implementation roadmap. |
Technical Presentation / Workshop Materials – Presentation slides, consultation summary, and validated roadmap endorsed by stakeholders. |
6 |
Final Submission and Handover – Submit the consolidated final report and all annexes, datasets, and technical documentation to MoHFW and UNOPS. |
Final Consolidated Report – Complete set of endorsed deliverables formally submitted and accepted. |
Skills
Competencies
Education Requirements
Required
Bachelor’s degree in medical science with an advanced degree in Public Health, Health Systems, Health Policy, or Public Administration.
Desired
PhD in Public Health, Health Systems, or related field is desired.
Experience Requirements
Required
At least 5 years of professional experience in institutional reform, public administration restructuring, or health governance.
Proven experience in developing organizational frameworks, rules of business, or directorate-level reforms in the public sector.
Strong understanding of the Bangladesh health system, public administration structure, and government reform processes.
Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills in English.
Desired
Experience in large-scale program design and sector program planning.
Demonstrated ability to engage in multi-stakeholder processes and policy dialogues.
Language Requirements
| Language | Proficiency Level | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| English | Fluent | Required |
| Bengali | Fluent | Required |
Additional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
- Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- For more details about the contract types, please click here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.