National Health Spending Efficiency Analysis Consultant

National Health Spending Efficiency Analysis Consultant (Nationals Only)

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi (Remote)

Contract Type: Consultant

Duration: 4 months

Job ID: 594926

UNICEF is seeking a dedicated National Health Spending Efficiency Analysis Consultant to contribute to critical health sector analysis in Malawi. This role, based remotely from Lilongwe, offers a 4-month contract opportunity for a qualified Malawian national.

Reporting to the Health Specialist and working under the strategic direction of the Chief of Health & HIV and the Chief of Social Policy, you will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, district authorities, and other key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inception and Analytical Framework Development: Prepare an inception report detailing the methodology, analytical framework, workplan, stakeholder engagement strategy, and data requirements. Develop or refine essential tools for expenditure analysis, budget tracking, cash flow forecasting, procurement monitoring, and financial performance assessment. Enhance district-level financial monitoring tools, potentially integrating with DHIS for expenditure tracking.


• Health Financing and Expenditure Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive five-year analysis (2021/22–2025/26) of national and district health financing and expenditure trends. Evaluate financing adequacy, expenditure patterns, budget execution, efficiency, equity, and sustainability across major program areas. Analyze financing flows, resource allocation, and expenditure performance, considering fiscal constraints, decentralization, and external financing shifts.


• District Budget Execution and Public Financial Management Assessment: Assess district planning, budgeting processes, budget credibility, execution performance, procurement, cash flow management, and financial reporting. Identify obstacles hindering budget absorption, expenditure efficiency, and service delivery outcomes. Analyze the alignment between District Implementation Plans, approved budgets, and actual spending, examining implications for provider autonomy and decentralized services.


• Programme-Specific Expenditure and Efficiency Analysis: Undertake expenditure and efficiency assessments for priority program areas, including Primary Health Care, SRMNCAH/SRHR, HIV programs, Immunization systems, and Essential medicines and supply chain systems. This analysis will focus on how financing decisions impact service delivery, sustainability, and health outcomes, evaluating adequacy, execution, efficiency, equity, and value for money.


• Stakeholder Consultations, Validation, and Dissemination: Engage with government institutions, district structures, development partners, civil society, and implementing partners. Validate findings through technical consultations and stakeholder workshops. Organize dissemination events and policy dialogues to promote the uptake of recommendations.


• Evidence Generation and Policy Support: Identify systemic bottlenecks and opportunities for enhancing expenditure efficiency, sustainability, and accountability. Formulate evidence-based recommendations to strengthen planning, budgeting, and expenditure management. Produce policy briefs, policy notes, advocacy materials, and financing recommendations to inform health financing reforms and stakeholder engagement.

For detailed information, please consult the complete Terms of Reference here: TOR ext TMC0004924.pdf

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Master’s degree in Health Economics, Economics, Public Finance, Health Financing, or Public Financial Management.


• Work Experience: A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in health financing, budget analysis, public health budget analysis, or public financial management. Demonstrated experience in conducting budget execution and efficiency studies or expenditure reviews within the health sector.


• Skills: Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills. Experience working with UN agencies, government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and District Health Management Teams is highly desirable. Prior experience with UNICEF or any UN organization is preferred.


• Language: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the focus districts (e.g., Chichewa or Tumbuka) is an asset.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV).


• Cover letter.


• A separate financial proposal (using the template provided).

Advertised: 04 Aug 2026, South Africa Standard Time

Deadline: 18 Aug 2026, South Africa Standard Time

UNICEF does not charge any processing fees and is committed to diversity and inclusion. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.