Health Economist Consultancy

Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is a global health organization that partners locally and globally to create and scale solutions to the world’s deadliest health threats. Millions of people die from preventable health threats. We collaborate to close the gap between proven, life‑saving solutions and the people who need them. Since we have worked with governments and other partners in more than 60 countries, we have saved millions of lives. We work toward a future where people live longer, healthier lives, communities flourish, and economies thrive. TERMS OF REFERENCE Position: Health Economist Consultant Location: South Africa Duration: 6 months (Aug – Jan) at 25% time (approximately 30 days) RTSL is a US-based, global public health organization with a mission to prevent million deaths from heart disease and to make the world safer from epidemics. Position Purpose In South Africa, Resolve to Save Lives supports a multi‑sectoral preparedness team within government to improve planning and implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), including improved financing for NAPHS. The Health Economist Consultant will undertake a rapid landscape analysis of health security financing in South Africa, working closely with RTSL global staff and a multi‑disciplinary, national government team. This work aims to strengthen epidemic preparedness in the country. The analysis will identify feasible, sustainable financing solutions to reduce the funding gap for implementing the NAPHS and ensure effective use of financial resources available for health security. The rapid landscape analysis requires reviewing quantitative data on government revenues, budget allocations, and spending by sector and program, as well as external financing support for health security. The consultant is expected to review documents and interview key stakeholders to fill information gaps and identify practical steps for implementing financing recommendations. The consultant’s synthesis of findings will culminate in a final presentation and stakeholder meeting. Key Responsibilities Synthesize South Africa’s budgeting process and budget allocations (ministry, province, local government / municipalities) as it relates to health security. Liaise with RTSL and government staff to design and implement the rapid financing landscape assessment and identify key informants for interviews. Collate and analyse quantitative data on domestic and external financing for health security, including government budget allocations by sector and program. Conduct document reviews and key informant interviews to better understand the health security financing system and potential financing opportunities. Synthesize data to develop recommendations for health security financing reforms and key actions needed for implementation. Collaborate with RTSL and the government to present findings and recommendations and solicit feedback on proposed actions. Key Contract Deliverables Final methodological approach (PowerPoint) with corresponding data collection and analysis tools (Word / Excel documents). Preliminary findings in PowerPoint, with raw data collection and analysis files. Final analysis in PowerPoint, with raw data collection and analysis files. Deliverables will be submitted to RTSL’s Senior Technical Advisor, Domestic Financing, who serves as Contract Manager. Required Qualifications Education & Background: Graduate degree in public health, economics, public policy or other relevant field. Research & Analytical Skills: Experience in analysing financial and economic data, particularly government budgets and expenditures. Experience conducting qualitative research, including designing, conducting, and analysing key informant interviews and focus groups. Ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources into clear, actionable insights. Sector‑Specific Expertise: At least 8 years of experience working in health financing, particularly related to domestic resource mobilization, evidence generation (e.g., expenditure tracking), public financial management systems, and strategic purchasing. Experience partnering with government officials in key sectors such as health and finance. Basic understanding of epidemic preparedness and response concepts. Preferably, has knowledge of health security capacities and functions in South Africa. Communication & Collaboration Clear and effective communicator with experience developing reports, policy briefs, proposals, and presentations for senior leadership, donors, and external stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with high‑level stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and development partners. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Application Instructions Candidates for this consultancy must submit a letter of interest with their CV. RTSL accepts and reviews applications on an ongoing basis. We are grateful for your interest in our work and for your application. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we are unable to respond to every applicant. Someone from our talent team or hiring team will contact you if your qualifications match the role. Equal Employment Opportunity We encourage applications from and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, organ donor status, or status as a veteran. Resolve to Save Lives complies with all applicable US EEO laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr