Health Economist at Management Sciences For Health - MSH

MSH is seeking a Health Economist for a potential Gavi project in Nigeria. The purpose of this activity is to design and provide a package of technical assistance activities to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), to institutionalize sustainable mechanisms for domestic financing (budgetary allocation and release of funds) for vaccines and supply chain operations and improve capacity of NPHCDA to generate and use evidence in supporting efficient immunization decisions and advocating for improved and timely financing in Nigeria. 

This position is subject to project award and funding. 

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Health Economist will work closely with the technical staff of the project, country team and the technical experts in the US to provide technical support to the national Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA), Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), and other State agencies to deliver project objectives, which broadly cover fiscal space analyses and development of domestic resource mobilization, investment case as well as strengthening institutional capacity for use of economic modelling to guide vaccine prioritization decisions in Nigeria. The work will also require close collaboration with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and other state agencies and stakeholders’ ministries to advocate for health financing (HF) issues and ensure domestic resources are allocated properly to support immunization. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Participate in the design and implementation of technical support activities related to health finance policy and health economics analysis to assist the Ministry of Health. 
•  On a daily basis through on-the-job training and mentoring, build the capacity of NPHCDA and FMOH staff so that they can manage health financing challenges and activities. 
• Stay abreast of key developments in health finance, cost-effectiveness analysis, and resource allocation methodologies for health to inform technical support activities. 
• Regular interaction with the central and state/local government stakeholders relevant to this area as well as multilateral partners and donor agencies. 
• Assist/guide FMOH/NPHCDA with health economics and financing analyses, recommendations, briefing notes, and assessments for internal and client use, especially with HF advocacy. 
• Work with FMOH staff to analyze large datasets related to health financing or other domains, using advanced statistical methods, in order to create technical reports, government briefs, journal articles, or other products as required. 
•  Develop analytical skills around health sector efficiency and resource allocation patterns and health services and assist FMOH/NPHCDA in enhancing value for money. 
• Plan and implement capacity building activities, including cost-effectiveness modeling for NPHCDA/FMOH and states matters related to economic analysis of health programs and technologies and applies relevant methodologies to health-related programmatic issues of importance. 
• Represent the project and company in the health financing area in Nigeria and with others in the professional community. 
• Conduct all work compliant with appropriate standards of research ethics. 
• Collaborate with colleagues as required to ensure timely and accurate reporting. 
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A postgraduate degree in health economics, health financing, or another relevant field. Certifications in Health Products Logistics are advantageous. 
• 7+ years of related work experience in health financing and health economics in Nigeria.  
• Deep understanding of Nigeria health system and health financing. 
• At least three (3) years of experience working with similar projects. 
• Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and using health economics evidence to support health sector decision-making. 
• Experience in coordination, teamwork, and planning skills, with proven ability to function effectively with multiple host-country counterparts. 
• Experience in working with Teams and building capacity of individuals and teams. 
• Sound knowledge of methodologies used in health finance research, cost-effectiveness analysis, quantitative analysis, and statistical/econometric analysis. 
• Appropriate software skills necessary to conduct research, and to conduct analysis of study data, such as STATA, SPSS, R or equivalent. 
• Computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications and Quickbooks. 
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills both in local languages and English. Ability to deliver presentations for high-level policy audiences. Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff