General
Description of assignment title: Conduct Desk Research on the Political Economy of Health Issues
Assignment country: Türkiye
Expected start date: Invalid Date
Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being
For how many hours per week will the volunteer be required?
6 – 10
Host entity: UNDP HIV, Health and Development Unit
Type: Online
Duration: 8 weeks
Number of assignments: 25
Details
Mission and objectives
UNDP’s commitment to helping countries address major health challenges is based on the principles that health is both a driver and outcome of development and that actions across a wide range of development sectors have a significant impact on health outcomes. As a development agency, UNDP focuses on addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health, which are primarily responsible for health inequalities. UNDP’s work in health is undertaken by an integrated team operating at global, regional and country levels. The work falls within three inter-connected areas of action: — Reducing inequalities and social exclusion that drive poor health; — Promoting effective and inclusive governance for health; and — Building resilient and sustainable systems for health.
Context
UNDP, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Secretariat to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the United Nations Interagency Task Force on NCDs (UNIATF) and national governments have collaborated to conduct national Investment Cases on tobacco control, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, alcohol control, nutrition, and health taxes. The Institutional Context Analyses (ICAs) are designed to complement the economic modeling component of Investment Cases, by providing an assessment of the forces driving health policies and laws in a country, what actors and institutions are most influential, and what the best path would be to scaling up action. The investment cases can be used as advocacy pieces for policymakers, as well as for the Ministry of Health to present to non-health ministries.
Task description
The Online Volunteer will use desk research to conduct Institutional Context Analyses (ICAs) as part of national Investment Cases on tobacco control, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, alcohol control, health taxes and other investment cases related to health. The Online Volunteer will be assigned a country or countries and will use UNDP’s relevant Guidance Note to summarize the scope of the problem, historical and present barriers to adoption, institutional and governance arrangements and capacities, political economy drivers, in addition to proposing priority actions. UNDP Health and Development Unit will provide required information and guidance. Upon completion, the online volunteer will be given due credit and receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their contribution. No financial compensation is provided for this online volunteering opportunity.
Requirements
Required experience
The Online Volunteers are expected to have experience with desk research, analyses of policy environment/political economy, referencing, and excellent writing skills in English. At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in public health, international development, political sciences, economics or a relevant field is needed to perform this task. Experience and/or interest in health issues and health taxation are considered assets. For some countries, knowledge of Spanish or French could afford easier access to sources but is not considered essential.
Languages
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Other information
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.