The Norwegian Red Cross (NoRC) is one of 192 Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) national societies across the globe and has been part of the RCRC Movement since 1865. NorCross operates through a network of Branches in Norway and Internationally, with the HQ based in Oslo.

As a humanitarian organization whose work is driven by a desire to help others we are committed to, and bound by, the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and acts as the guardian of the Geneva Conventions.

Our mission is to protect life and health without discrimination or to improve health and protection of the most vulnerable people in conflict and crises, and climate change.

NoRC is seeking for consultancy services for STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH SYSTEM OF SYRIA THROUGH HEALTH COST RECOVERY for the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

Syria's healthcare system is facing several challenges after 14 years of conflict, with the majority of the population in need of urgent medical assistance. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is a critical healthcare provider but faces immense strain due to a worsening economic crisis and shrinking global humanitarian funding, threatening the sustainability of its operations.

A previous consultancy developed a strategic roadmap for SARC's financial and operational transformation. This consultancy aims to put that plan into action to enable SARC's health services to be financially sustainable by introducing fees and better managing grants, supported by improved data.

In 2025, the main tasks will be:

Produce a report on the legal and financial starting point, with a plan for 2026.

1. Run a workshop to train staff on a new tool and create a final plan for which health facilities to keep or change. change

Purpose of the Consultancy

This consultancy aims to assess and strengthen the financial and operational sustainability of SARC’s primary healthcare services by conducting a legal-financial baseline review, developing cost-recovery strategies, and piloting scalable models. Through stakeholder workshops, system evaluations, and phased implementation, it will equip SARC with tools and frameworks to optimize cost recovery while ensuring equitable access to care in alignment with Syrian regulations and humanitarian principles.

In 2025: Initial Kick-Off Phase: Assessment and Prioritization Development

1. Legal & Financial Baseline Review (Remote-In country)

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of legal frameworks, financial constraints, and operational mandates affecting SARC’s health facilities in Syria.
• Provide tailored recommendations to align Health and Humanitarian Services with Syria’s legal system.

Deliverable: Legal and financial baseline diagnostic report with legal/financial compliance status, actionable recommendations, and a prioritized 2026 roadmap (including matrices and executive summary).

1. Sustainability Planning Workshop (in country)

• Train SARC’s staff on the utilization of Sustainability Dashboard Tool to:
  • Identify current healthcare service delivery and associated costs.
    • Identify funding gaps and revenue potential.
• Facilitate SARC’s prioritization of self-sustainability strategies for health facilities for 2026.

Deliverable: Trained SARC staff + finalized 2026 Prioritization Plan (using the tool to decide facility retention/transition), supported by manuals and case studies.

In 2026: Pilot Implementation & Systems Strengthening

1. Cost Recovery Roadmap Workshop (In-Country)
   • Finalize a phased 2026–2028 implementation plan (Gantt chart + narrative).
   • Define criteria for pilot facility selection.

Deliverable: Cost-recovery implementation plan (including co-funding/fee-based models).

1. Pilot Implementation (In-Country)
   • Systems & Compliance Evaluation:
     • Audit financial systems, data infrastructure, and SOP gaps.
   • Stakeholder Alignment:
     • Conduct workshops with SARC leadership to align on regulatory/operational priorities.
   • Pilot Facility Selection:
     • Select 3–5 representative facilities (diverse in location/capacity/demographics).
   • Financial Model Deployment:
     • Equitable fee structures: Sliding-scale pricing with exemptions for vulnerable groups.
     • Policy standardization: Train staff on SOPs for financial management/MoH compliance.
   • Data Systems Optimization:
     • Integrate financial-clinical data flows; deploy Power BI dashboards to track:
     • Cost-recovery rates, service utilization, and facility efficiency.
   • Systems Audit Report (financial systems, data infrastructure, SOP gaps)
   • Stakeholder Workshop Summary (SARC alignment on priorities)
   • Pilot Facility List (3–5 diverse facilities including NoRC supported facility with selection rationale)
   • Financial Model Framework
   • Sliding-scale pricing & exemption policies
   • Standardized SOPs & staff training materials
   • Optimized Data System
   • Integrated financial-clinical data flows
   • Power BI Dashboards (tracking cost recovery, utilization, efficiency)

Essential Qualifications:

We require experienced consultants with:

1. A strong background in health economics, public health policy, or health systems management
2. Proven experience working in Syria or similar conflict-affected humanitarian contexts

The successful consultant must demonstrate:

1. Context-Specific Expertise
   • Hands-on experience designing and implementing health programs specifically in Syria or similar context.
   • Deep understanding of Syria's health system challenges, operational constraints, and local dynamics
2. Solution-Oriented Approach
   • Ability to analyze complex problems and develop practical, actionable solutions.
   • Track record of creating sustainable health financing models that work in crisis settings.
3. Technical Capabilities
   • Expertise in:
     • Health system strengthening
     • Cost-effectiveness analysis
     • Primary healthcare service delivery models
   • Strong skills in financial analysis and data-driven decision making
4. Implementation Skills
   • Experience adapting solutions to changing field conditions
   • Ability to translate analysis into operational plans that can be immediately applied
5. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Proven ability to work effectively with:
     • Local health authorities
     • Humanitarian partners
     • Community representatives

Priority will be given to candidates who:

• Have previously worked with SARC or other health actors in Syria
• Can provide concrete examples of solutions they've implemented in similar contexts
• Understand both the technical and practical realities of delivering healthcare in Syria's current environment

The consultant must be prepared to not just analyze but deliver actionable recommendations that can be implemented within Syria's operational constraints.

Bidders are expected to show evidence and experience in these kinds of assignments. In addition, the bidders are expected to submit their proposals in English.

One Bidder can only send one offer.