Jobs at Management Sciences For Health - MSH

Main responsibilities of the position:

The STA will support MSH-led health financing projects and be responsible for increasing worldwide knowledge and understanding of MSH’s health financing work publications in journals; presentations to donors, stakeholders, and other development partners; and at conferences. The incumbent will also be expected to identify other project opportunities with health financing elements and participate in developing new business development proposals.

More specifically:

Technical Assistance and Expertise 70% LOE

• Provide technical oversight on current and future projects and technical activities related to Health Financing for current MSH project.   

External representation 15% LOE

• Ensure strong representation of MSH Health Financing activities to local, regional and global partners – including USAID, governments, and other donors. Strengthen collaboration with these partners to advance MSH’s global mission.
• Establish and manage relationships with partner organizations. This will include prime and subcontractors.
• Partner and build strong relationships with thought leaders and engage new audiences in the area of practice.
• Represent MSH at industry conferences and workshops as appropriate and as funding permits.

Business Development 15% LOE

• Use network and connections to identify and build relationships with strategic partners and funders on practice priorities.
• Support the development of  strategic plans for growing the business portfolio for MSH in Health Financing.
• As a technical leader, participate in new business development efforts and act as a reviewer of proposals.
• Work in close coordination when needed with MSH’s Business Development (BD) BD Unit reviewing bid opportunities, determining the opportunities that MSH should pursue in the practice area.
• Provide critical strategic guidance and insight into pre-positioning for practice area bids as needed.
• Work in coordination with BD Unit to track funding opportunities.  Lead and/or participate in pitching ideas to donors and funders on practice area topics.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key players among US government and non-US government donors and partners.
• Partner with MSH’s BD in scanning both the market and potential competitors.

QUALIFICATIONS

What do you need to apply?

MSH employs people of passion, we seek those individuals who dream of a better world. We look for professionals who combine experience, local knowledge, and an understanding of international best practices. The successful candidate for this role will be driven by passion for achieving the operational excellence required to achieve MSH's mission. 

Required Education:

• Masters in Health Economics, Economics, Public Health, Public Policy, or other related field.
• Advanced graduate degree (Masters level or above); formal training in health financing, health economics, health systems strengthening, health technology assessment, public health, health services research, policy analysis, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related discipline preferred.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in leading health sector projects and activities in low-resource settings with an emphasis on managing and coordinating economic evaluations and analytical assessments.  
• Significant and successful experience in providing technical assistance in the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of health finance policies and programs at the country level.
• Demonstrated success in leading successful proposals to donors, especially USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, or the World Bank.
• Extensive experience in providing capacity-building training in LMICs.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong analytical and quantitative analysis skills and a track record of leading technical activities in the field of Health Financing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a track record of publications in the field of health economics in established peer-viewed journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Good interpersonal and relationship-building competencies in both developed and developing country settings coupled with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Fluency in English required, working professional knowledge of French, Spanish, or Portuguese language preferred.
• Proven skills in working and collaborating with donors, host country institutions, and international organizations.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank, other donor and country level policy and strategy orientations in relation to the practice area.
• Strong written and oral communication skills demonstrated management experience.
• Fully aligned with MSH mission and values.

Competencies

• Energetic, forward thinking, independent, creative person with intellectual depth and high ethical standards.
• Collaborative leadership approach that contributes to positive team environment, and builds strong relationships with people from all backgrounds, genders, cultures and viewpoints.
• Excellent ability to build personal networks at all levels, resulting in securing new opportunities and strategic growth for the organization in relation to the practice area.
• Energetic, forward-thinking and creative with intellectual flexibility and depth and strong ethical reasoning.
• High level capacity to work in a variety of cultural settings, complex environment and fragile states.
• Proven record of aligning diverse, multi-level teams towards a shared vision.

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Overall Responsibilities:

The MEL Principal Advisor works under the direction and supervision of the MEL Lead on the Strategic Information (SI) Team. They support the MEL Lead in the accomplishment of MEL functions related to supply chain and pharmaceutical strengthening activities, including but not limited to the following:  

• Leads the development and implementation of MEL plans and systems, with a focus on using data to strengthen projects and decision making.
• Develops or facilitates the development of project learning agendas.
• Develops and tracks indicators through dashboards and other compelling data visualizations.
• Participates in and oversees data quality assurance processes.
• Helps prepare for and participates in routine project technical performance reviews.
• Contributes to the compilation, analysis, and documentation of aggregated results at output and outcome levels and contribution to long-term health impact from the portfolio of MSH projects.
• Leads review or writing of MEL sections of proposals, including developing Theories of Change and thought leadership on MEL methods.
• Brings a data-driven approach to supporting projects with knowledge management and learning activities.
• Promotes and facilitates a culture of data use for decision making and adaptive management within projects and across the organization.
• Contributes to MEL team strategy, thought leadership, and annual planning.

Specific responsibilities include:

MEL Project Support (80%)

Serves as SI Liaison to PSS/SCMS projects, including:

• Foster an environment where data-driven decision making is prioritized.
• Provide direct project support to in MEL throughout the project lifecycle, including developing and implementing MEL plans, ensuring data quality, promoting data use, actively monitoring work plan implementation, and building the capacity of project teams.
• Strategically guide field projects (especially pharmaceutic sciences focused ones) in the areas of MEL and HMIS, providing expert advice and support to ensure the effective implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and data management activities.
• Collaborate with teams to contribute to work planning and budgeting for MEL activities within field projects and at the home office level.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned within the domains of expertise in Strategic Information.

Organizational Initiatives (20%)

• Contribute to SI guidance documents.
• Participate in Scientific Committee reviews
• Support business development and proposal teams in designing robust MEL approaches that align with programmatic rationale and technical approaches.
• Contribute to other SI Team activities as requested

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION

Required:

• Master’s Degree in pharmacy, public health, or other related field (e.g., population health, epidemiology, biostatistics, demography)

Preferred:

• Doctoral degree in a related MEL or public health discipline preferred.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 12 years of related experience in MEL, with a strong focus in MEL for pharmaceutical system strengthening or supply chain.
• Significant experience providing MEL support to large, complex global health projects implemented in low-resource settings, including designing and supervising MEL plans at the project level and managing MEL staff.
• Hands-on experience in designing and delivering face-to-face and virtual workshops, including learning agendas, theory of change, research ethics, protocol and instrument development, and approaches to enhancing utilization of MEL findings.
• Experience leading and mentoring on data management and analysis (quantitative and qualitative).
• Strong experience in designing and developing MEL systems at the proposal development stage and implementing the MEL system during the project. This includes developing the overall project MEL approach and MEL plan, developing performance monitoring plans and any tools and/or approaches needed for data collection and analysis, and providing capacity building to MEL staff,
• Full proficiency in English

Preferred:

• Full proficiency in French.
• Experience developing MEL guidance documents to guide MEL at the organizational level.
• Experience providing MEL mentorship.
• Experience living and working in LMICs.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Advanced evaluation and study design skills, including complexity-aware monitoring.
• Advanced skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis for international/global health projects, especially supply chain and pharmaceutical system strengthening.
• Proven skills in at least one statistical package software for quantitative data analysis (SPSS, STATA, R, etc.).
• Experience with at least one statistical package software for qualitative data analysis (Nvivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, etc).
• Experience with designing and implementing electronic surveys is desirable.
• Understanding of and experience using HMIS databases (especially DHIS2) and understanding the value of interoperability.
• Experience writing and presenting research results.
• Familiarity with USAID indicators and metrics in specific content areas.
• Enjoys learning and teaching. A team player and a self-starter who can use her/his own initiative to identify useful work.

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with professional colleagues from multiple units and within various socio-cultural contexts.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with and/or managing staff in a matrixed organization.
• Excellent writing, analytical, organizational and communications skills including organizing, scanning, summarizing and presenting information
• Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment and working under tight deadlines.  
• Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and solve problems using innovative, evidence-based solutions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Travel requirements: 20-30%
• Keyboard use, Pulling drawers,
• Lifting papers <10lbs.

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Overview

The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) provides management support and technical assistance for the design and implementation of interventions related to Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) portfolio of MTaPS countries, specifically focusing on technical areas of infection prevention and control (IPC), water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). The STA provides support primarily to the MTaPS Country lead, the Portfolio Manager of GHSA/IPC/AMR portfolio and to the MTaPS Technical Strategy Lead, but also to other senior technical staff assigned to specific activities to ensure that the work is of the highest quality. As required, the STA also works with other MTaPS portfolios and technical staff on opportunities, new and existing tools, and headquarters-based and country implementation programs related to strengthening pharmaceutical management systems.

General

• The STA supports in-country teams in the design and implementation of technical activities, based on international technical guidance, ensuring their adequate contribution to achieving overarching MTaPS results. The STA is also responsible to collect, validate, and report indicator data and develop progress narratives as required by MTaPS and USAID.
• STA is also responsible for the implementation and evaluation of those designated field activities such as deployment of tools or implementation of facility and community-based interventions. Under guidance from the country director and technical lead, s/he provides support to activity planning and implementation, program quality reviews, activity reporting, and knowledge management activities.
• As required, other areas of work may include activities aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical systems, supply chain management or pharmaceutical services in developing countries. The STA will provide support to development of a multisectoral approach to the work, involving other sectors across the one health, including the animal health sector.

Technical Support

• Work closely with the GHSA/IPC/WASH/AMR Country project lead, portfolio manager, and country stakeholders and international counterparts to help develop, review, implement, and monitor technical approaches and strategies for strengthening response to GHSA antimicrobial resistance challenges, specifically focusing on IPC, WASH, and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), and on improving pharmaceutical management systems to support these technical areas as related to MTaPS deliverables, reporting, knowledge management and learning goals.
• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and public and private facilities to support the design and implementation of core and country interventions to contain antimicrobial resistance by improving IPC, WASH, and AMS practices as outlined in GHSA and USAID AMR strategy. 
• Provide direct technical assistance to the National AMR secretariat, AMR Technical Committee and its subcommittees to foster multisectoral coordination in AMR containment strategies and policies
• Collaborate with stakeholders for the development, deployment and implementation of appropriate tools necessary to improve pharmaceutical management information systems and their appropriate use for decision making.
• Monitor achievement of key deliverables and identify the most important technical deliverables of the portfolio.
• As needed provide support to other MTaPS pharmaceutical systems strengthening and health elements portfolios in the development and implementation of strategies and work plans, technical activities and monitoring and reporting.
• Facilitate the planning, organization, and conduct of training courses and data collection/analysis covering AMR and pharmaceutical management technical areas for external audiences and MTaPS staff as required.
• Supervise technical staff as assigned.

Coordination

• Serve as MTaPS liaison with the GHSA Focal Point at the Health Office of the USAID Mission working in collaboration with the Home Office to ensure the client expectations are met or managed
• Coordinate with other MTaPS country project technical activities ensuring harmonized approach in line with MSH quality standards
• Coordinate assigned technical areas and activities with other USAID-funded and international projects in the country

Capacity Building

• Participate in human resource capacity assessments in the pharmaceutical sector and collaborate internally and externally to develop country-specific capacity building material, strategies and roll out plans.
• Assist Department of Health (DoH) and National Programs to design and review, policies, standards, guidelines, procedures and other relevant materials,
• Participate in the planning and delivery of Pharmaceutical system strengthening programs aimed at building the capacity of department of health, national programs, drug regulatory authority, other pharmaceutical cadres and training institutions.
• In conjunction with country counterparts, develop/revise required training packages and materials
• Design, develop training packages, and conduct ToT exercises related to pharmaceutical management
• Facilitate AMR trainings and other capacity building exercises as planned
• Collaborate with stakeholders for the development, deployment and implementation of appropriate tools necessary to improve pharmaceutical management information systems and their appropriate use for decision making

Monitoring & Evaluation

• In coordination with the M&E team, support project to establish mechanisms for collecting relevant data in accordance with established indicators. Also participate in program review activities and provide adequate recommendations.
• Support Technical Advisors and other project staff in the adequate documentation and dissemination of program results and lessons learned including the development and submission of abstracts and articles to scientific journals and conferences.

Team Management

• Supervise assigned Technical Advisors, volunteers and interns, ensuring the adequacy of their performance and their continuous professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Postgraduate degree in a health-related field with specialized training and/or experience related to GHSA elements such as pharmaceutical and drug management, IPC, WASH and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS);

Preferred:

• Pharmacist, Physician nurse, or public health qualification preferred.

Experience

 Required:

• 7 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical management and pharmaceutical systems development and strengthening in developing country context.
• Experience in infection prevention and control activities is required, preferably including that at health facility level.
• Experience in other areas of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) containment such as WASH and antimicrobial stewardship highly desirable.

Preferred:

• Experience with public health programs in developing country context supported by bilateral agencies such as USAID, CDC and international agencies such as the Global Fund, UNITAID, WHO and World Bank preferred.
• Experience working on issues related to pharmaceutical governance including policy and regulation preferred
• Experience working with varied stakeholders in a multisectoral approach developing and implementing tools preferred

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English are essential.
• Languages of other USAID-supported countries is an asset.
• Strong computer skills; Excel, MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and manage a variety of activities in a time-sensitive environment and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.

Competencies

• Cultural sensitivity and diplomacy
• Ability to work independently and in Team
• Good judgment for decision making.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability in consensus building and constructively leading a team.

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MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

The M&E/HSS Officer will be supervised by and report to the State Coordinator. S/he will provide technical leadership of PMI-S Project’s surveillance, monitoring and evaluation (SME) and health systems strengthening (HSS) interventions, including the rollout and integration of PMI-S M&E plans in the states with other HSS activities as well as generating strategic data for program management, reporting, and documentation of best practices. The position will use analyzed and triangulated HMIS, LMIS, and surveillance data at strategic policy and management discussions to influence state HSS. S/he will build the capacity of SMEP and LGA malaria focal persons in use of evidence to influence HRH, health financing, and service delivery system decisions. S/he will provide timely analyzed data to inform AOP processes. The position will build capacity of SMEP and LGA malaria focal persons in monitoring AOP implementation and budget performance to inform mTWG decisions.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical guidance in the planning and implementation of all state and LGA level M&E/HSS activities.
• Develop and implement an M&E/HSS plan for the program in the state, in collaboration with the State Coordinator
• Take lead in the implementation of PMI-S state level Task Order M&E plans and state work plan and reporting on USAID indicators and targets in collaboration with the State Coordinator;
• Establish system for flow of information from service-delivery points to the PMI-S central database and ensure timely M&E/HSS technical support to all implementing health facilities.
• Build capacity of SMEP and LGA M&E officers in monitoring and evaluation, data management and data use
• Support the SMEP team to analyze and use data to inform decisions and guide malaria interventions
• Participate in data quality review meetings at the state and LGA levels
• Work with SMEP and LGAs to train health workers in the use of HMIS tools
• Support monitoring of quality of service at health facilities
• Take lead in implementation of selected health systems interventions including for example evidence-based state malaria annual planning to fit into state planning and budgeting cycle
• Support state malaria partners to build an evidence base to monitor state malaria program performance towards elimination goals
• Provide HRH analytics to inform state HRH deployment and management practices
• Engage with the State DHPRS, SPHCDA, State Health Insurance Scheme to mainstream state malaria budgets in state government budget. 
• Provide TA in analysis and management of a state Malaria Data Repository drawing from the federal MDR instance; and promote dissemination of information to policy and decision makers through bulletins and policy briefs

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• A first degree in any field of study and at least 5 years of progressive experience in Monitoring and Evaluation of health programs; or a postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Epidemiology or related field with at least 3 years field experience in monitoring and evaluation of health programs is required.
• Experience in developing monitoring plans and/or management information systems, generating, triangulating and using health data to inform State health systems strengthening is required.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in malaria programs in Nigeria
• NGO experience is an added advantage
• Familiarity with USAID or any donor M&E and reporting systems is highly desirable
• Excellent data quality assurance, analysis, presentation and reporting skills.
• Strong computer skills particularly in spreadsheets, database and statistical applications, including DHIS 2 for data management
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to foresee problems and initiate appropriate action
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and fluency in English
• Strong report writing skills
• Excellent organizational, inter-personal, multi-cultural and team building skills