Specialist - Health Systems at The West African Centre for Public Health and Development (WACPHD)

About Program

• We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Health System Specialist to join our team in WACPHD.
• The successful candidate will play a crucial role in improving health outcomes by focusing on the health system and keeping the primary health care approach in mind.
• This position requires extensive experience in public health, particularly in health systems strengthening and assessment in low-resource settings, and a deep commitment to enhancing health services in underserved communities.
• Reporting to: Specialist / Senior Specialist - Systems will be reporting to the Country Coordinator WACPHD, based in Abuja.
• Travel Requirements: The position requires extensive travel within different states of Nigeria and other parts of Africa, as per need.

Job Description

• Specialist, Health systems will support health systems assessment and strengthening (HSS) work across various projects of WACPHD and work directly with health partners and government departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Health Systems Strengthening support - Support in developing and implementing strategies to strengthen the health system components:
  • Human Resource System (HRH), including HRH policies, defining HRH norms, Human Resource Management System (HRMS), technical support for expediting government recruitment, setting up competency-based Systems, etc
  • Supply chain/logistics processes
  • PPP/Contract Management; Private sector strategy
  • Behaviour Change Strategy
  • Budgeting/planning processes; Payments/Financing processes
  • Support the Digital Health team
  • Support data use/M&E team
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of the health system to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Ensuring the integration of health services and systems to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system.
• Capacity Building:
  • Provide technical assistance and training to healthcare providers and local partners.
  • Develop and deliver capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local health systems and improve service delivery.
  • Promote the adoption of best practices and innovative solutions in health system management.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Establish and oversee monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure program impact and effectiveness.
  • Analyze data and report on health system performance, providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting to donors, partners and stakeholders.
• Advocacy and Partnership:
  • Foster partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for health system-based approach in program designs
  • Represent the organization in relevant forums and working groups, promoting best practices and innovations in HSS.
  • Collaborate with government agencies, partners and donors to contribute towards development of national and sub national health plans and policies.
• Research and Development:
  • Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and advancements in HSS and HSA to ensure the incorporation of evidence-based practices.
  • Conduct research to inform health system strengthening initiatives and policy development.

Qualifications
Education:

• MBA / MPP / MPA / MPH / MSW / advanced degree in Public Health, Health System Management, Health Policy, or a similar degree from a reputed institute.
• PHD candidates will be desirable.

Work Experience:

• At least 8 years of experience in Public Health, working directly or indirectly with government, health partners, or funders; candidates with experience of at least 3 years of working with government health systems will be preferred
• At least 2 years of experience in one component of HSS - HRH, SC, Data/HIS, PPP/private sector, behaviour change, budgeting/financing, digital health.

Key Competencies:

• Knowledge of government systems
• Proven ability to conceptualize, analyze, innovate, plan and execute ideas
• Strong background and work experience in Financial Management and Administration
• Knowledge of government contract management
• Deep understanding of govt./non-govt. recruitment processes
• Demonstrates efficient decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to function effectively as a team member
• Fluency in English and knowledge of French is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.