Partners in Health (PIH)
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
Partners in Health (PIH) is a non-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through service delivery, training, advocacy and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH has programs in Haiti, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kazakhstan and Boston.
PIH began working in Malawi in 2007, where today we support the Ministry of Health (MOH) to serve a catchment area of 165,000 through 12 health centers and two hospitals in partnership with our sister organizations. Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU) has its headquarters in Neno District with operations across the country.
We therefore seek to recruit suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following positions:
Position: Health Systems Policy Specialist
Reports to: Chief Health Systems Policy Advisor
Commitment: Full Time (Monday-Friday)
Working Hours: Regular Office Hours (40-45Hrs/Week)
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Position Summary
The Policy Specialist will be a core part of the dynamic Policy, Partnerships and Advocacy team working directly with national and district level policymakers and implementers with a focus on
the Ministry of Health. The Policy Specialist will develop, prioritize, and manage strategic Health Sector Strategic Plan III (2023-2030) reform implementation projects with Ministry of Health, technical partners, donors and in close partnership with the APZU’s policy and technical teams including Chief Health Systems Policy Advisor and technical advisors. This position will help ensure alignment of HSSP III reform accompaniment with national and district government priorities and support APZU investigate new and innovative ways to support implementation of the HSSP III. This
includes strategizing and managing projects at district level with improving performance management workflows, direct district and facility funding for effective care delivery and redesign of
care pathways to improve quality of care with oversight from the national Ministry of Health, APZU and other technical partners. He/she will also coordinate between national level stakeholders and
policy and technical teams within APZU to assist in identification, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of broader policy and implementation space. S/he will also provide technical support to the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Grants Acquisition in ensuring that all proposal designs pursued by APZU are aligned to government priorities including Malawi 2063, HSSP III and other related health policies.
Within this role, the policy specialist will work with the policy, partnerships, and advocacy team and broader APZU teams to cultivate key in-country relationships and ensure close coordination and communication with internal teams. The candidate will require experience, independent work, and demonstrate leadership in designing, managing, implementing, and evaluating programs in close
partnership with government, technical partners, and donors. The candidate for this position must be self-motivated, have superb interpersonal and communication skills, be passionate about equitable healthcare and social justice, and show creativity in tackling challenges.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Health Sector Strategic Plan III (HSSP III) and Policy Implementation Support (90%)
- Lead district implementation support for the HSSP III reforms, including co-production and design with national and district government teams, budget development and monitoring,
implementation supportwith coordinating national and district support, including technical and financing assistance, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, and collaborating with technical partners and donors. - Work closely with finance, grant management, and technical teams with the Ministry of Health, other technical partners, and APZU to lead effective and efficient HSSP III reform implementation while ensuring the program has the right support at the right time.
- Investigate and collaborate on innovative and creative funding pathways, monitoring and performance-based financing and management at the district level for HSSP III and supporting
policies. - Support strong relationships with partner organizations, government, civil society, and non-state actors for collaboration, information-sharing, and joint planning and implementation.
- Support policy, guideline, and concept development with technical and persuasive writing, budgeting, project management tasks (i.e., Gantt chart, responsibility matrices), financial tracking key performance indicator development and evaluation in addition to reporting for stakeholders and donors.
- Represent APZU in policy forums with the government, Ministry of Health, and stakeholders with note taking and synthesis with presentation of policy work.
- Work with the Policy, Partnerships and Advocacy team, Chief Health Systems Policy Advisor and the entire OnePIH Policy, Partnerships and Advocacy team on collaborations with stakeholders and MOH on policy and advocacy efforts with a focus on Universal Health Coverage, supporting health systems strengthening and key policy documents and updates. Provide inputs to partner and government engagement strategy in partnership with the Policy & Partnerships, communications, and management teams to identify high-potential relationships and funding opportunities.
- Work closely with CHSPA, CMO, APZU leadership team and DHMT’s to coordinate APZU’s overall involvement and technical support towards district level planning and implementation. Ensure coordinated and strengthened organizational participation in DIP processes and ensure that APZU plans and investments are subsequently informed and aligned to district priorities and plans.
Coordination, Advocacy and Strategy (10%)
- Work with the Policy and Partnerships, clinical and technical including M&E teams to design, implement, monitor and evaluate APZU’s work in coordination with MOH and stakeholders on
key topics of advocacy and policy. - Assist the Policy and Partnerships Department with budget review for financial systems, reviewing and input to data review and trackers, transport requests, procurement processes, etc.
- Mentor team members in the areas of policy and program management, including budget and data review.
- Stay up to date with PIH strategy (local and global level), programs, models, and data and maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders.
- Partner with the Policy and Partnerships leadership and the senior management teams to identify opportunities for growth that align with PIH and MOH strategic priorities.
- Deputize the Chief Health Systems Policy Advisor and Strategic Partnerships and Grants Acquisition Director as required.
- Any other duty that may be required.
Qualifications, Attributes and Experience
- Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Public Policy, or Clinical Medicine or Nursing or other related field is required; a Master’s degree or strong experience at management level in
one of these fields will be an added advantage - At least 5 years’ of experience working in a resource-limited environment is required; Strong preference for public health background and understanding of clinical and programmatic
health interventions - At least 3 years’ of experience managing budget and implementation activities
- Work experience with government, especially at district level
- Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships with government partners, including the Ministry of Health, DHMTs, other local and international organizations
and APZU leadership and departments - Demonstrated strong analytical, leadership, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, including a strong action and solutions-oriented nature
- Excellent coordination and communications skills; ability to conceptualize and articulate funding needs persuasively to potential funders; Demonstrated excellent technical writing
skills related to key health and governance areas (i.e., RMNCH, performance management, etc.) - Ability to navigate complex government and donor processes with multiple influencers, and to negotiate and achieve consensus, use discretion, professionalism, integrity and diplomacy all with respectful and supportive attitude in alignment with APZU’s mission, vision and values
- High levels of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet applications
- Entrepreneurial mindset, including the ability to work independently, self-motivate, and propose and implement new initiatives with minimal oversight and direction
- Ability to work independently and effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Ability to navigate ambiguity effectively and move from ad-hoc and reactive processes to forward-thinking organizational practices
Benefits & Remuneration
An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidates commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Method Of Application
Qualified and interested persons should apply to the address below, enclosing their cover letter; copies of relevant certificates and Curriculum Vitae indicating three names of traceable referees with valid telephone numbers and email addresses not later than Friday, 12th April, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Email: [email protected] with the title of the position indicated on the subject of the email.
Or
The Director of Human Resources and Administration
Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU)
P.O. Box 56
NENO
Or
P. O. Box 1774
BLANTYRE
Or
P.O. Box X172
Area 3
LILONGWE
NB: Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) is is an equal opportunity employer, so, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, tribe, disability status, or any othercharacteristic protected by law. We strive to
provide an inclusive and supportive working environment.
Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) is committed to safeguarding staff, children and communities with whom we work with. We are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work-including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and are protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. Therefore, any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks.
The Organisation does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked to make a payment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and
[email protected].