The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Ethiopia is committed to strengthening its human resource management (HRM) system to ensure a highly skilled, motivated, and efficient workforce capable of delivering high-quality healthcare services across the nation.  This requires a modern, competency-based HRM system that effectively attracts, develops, retains, and manages talent.  To achieve this ambitious goal, the MoH is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Special Advisor for Human Resource Administration.  This crucial role will provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in building and implementing a world-class HR function.
SUMMARY:
The Special Advisor will be a key member of the Competency & HR Administration Executive Office, providing high-level strategic advice and technical expertise to the Minister and senior leadership on all aspects of human resource management.  The advisor will play a critical role in transforming the MoH’s HR function by developing and implementing a competency-based HRM system, improving HR administration processes, and ensuring alignment with national health strategies and international best practices.  This will involve substantial policy development, process improvement, system implementation, and stakeholder management.
OBJECTIVE:
To provide expert guidance and support to the MoH in developing and implementing a high-performing, competency-based human resource management system that attracts, retains, and develops a highly skilled and motivated workforce capable of achieving Ethiopia’s national health priorities. This includes optimizing HR administrative processes, improving data-driven decision-making, and fostering a positive and productive work environment.
 

Strategic Human Resource Planning & Policy Development:

• Develop and implement a long-term strategic HR plan aligned with the MoH’s overall strategic objectives and national health priorities.
• Conduct workforce planning and forecasting to anticipate future needs and proactively address skill gaps.
• Develop and revise HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Ethiopian labor laws and regulations, while promoting best practices.
• Develop and implement HR metrics and reporting systems to monitor progress and inform strategic decisions.
• Regularly review and update HR policies, procedures, and practices to remain current and responsive to changing needs and regulations.

Competency Framework Development and Implementation:

• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive competency framework for all MoH staff, encompassing core competencies, technical skills, and behavioral attributes.
• Develop competency-based job descriptions and performance standards for all roles within the MoH.
• Integrate the competency framework into all HR processes, including recruitment, selection, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Regularly review and update the competency framework to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness.

 Talent Acquisition & Management:

• Oversee and enhance the recruitment and selection processes to attract and retain highly qualified personnel.  This includes developing effective recruitment strategies, utilizing various recruitment channels, and implementing robust selection methods (e.g., competency-based interviews, skills assessments).
• Develop and implement effective onboarding programs to ensure new employees are quickly integrated into the organization.
• Develop and implement talent management strategies focused on identifying, developing, and promoting high-potential employees.  This includes succession planning, leadership development programs, and career pathing initiatives.
• Implement strategies to improve employee retention rates and reduce turnover.

Performance Management & Development:

• Design and implement a competency-based performance management system that aligns with the MoH’s strategic objectives.
• Develop and deliver training programs for managers on effective performance management techniques.
• Develop and implement employee development and training programs to enhance skills and competencies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to employees.
• Develop and implement performance improvement plans for underperforming employees.

Employee Relations & Engagement:

• Develop and implement strategies to foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Address employee concerns and resolve workplace conflicts.
• Promote open communication and collaboration between management and employees.
• Conduct employee surveys to assess morale and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement employee engagement initiatives to boost morale and productivity.

HR Information Systems (HRIS) Management:

• Oversee and improve the MoH’s HRIS to ensure accurate and efficient data management.
• Implement new HR technologies to automate HR processes and improve efficiency.
• Ensure data security and privacy compliance.
• Use HR data to support strategic decision-making.

Reporting and Monitoring:

• Regularly report on progress towards achieving HR objectives and provide data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track HR performance.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on HR activities and outcomes.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

• Work effectively with various stakeholders, including MoH staff at all levels, other government agencies, international partners, and development organizations.

• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and support

Required No:  

• One

Salary:   

• Negotiable

Location:

• MoH, Addis Ababa

Duration & Type of the Employment: 

• One year contract agreement, renewable based on performance and availability of funds

Category:

• Federal Level

Division.

• Competency & HR Administration Executive Office

Reports to:

• CHRA, EO

Required No:

• One

About You

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

• Minimum of master’s in Public Health. PhD is preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 14 years proven work experience in health systems capacity building and strengthening, out of which at least 6 years proven experience in a research and training.
• At least one-year proven experience in national level project implementation
• Proven experience in Competency Framework Development and Implementation is mandatory.

SKILLS:

• Strategically thinking skills
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Leadership skills and team building skills
• Problem solving skills
• Strategically Excellent in inter personal and communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information and data with maturity and professionalism, with extreme confidentiality.
• Strong facilitation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Proficiency in computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office,
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, demonstrate self-initiative, and solve problems
• Proven record of accomplishment in delivering quality performance in highly pressured environments
• Health workforce motivation and retention mechanism skills
• Strong Coordination and collaborative skills
• Document development skills
• Implementation research skills

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Both the Civil service and MoH rules and regulations will be applied to guide the day-to-day activities and performance of the employee.
• *As new priorities emerge, the MoH may periodically revise this TOR for this position