Prof. Bill Bicknell’s Lecture now online
For those of you who may not have been able to attend Bill Bicknell’s lecture on May 2nd, you can now view a video of this truly unique event online.
You can click through to the SPH article and watch the film by following this link.
Please visit his CaringBridge site if you would like to share your thoughts with Bill’s family.
June 8 BUMC Housing Fair
from: Barbara Attianese, Housing Resources/Senior Financial Aid Advisor ohr@bu.edu 638-5125
Location: BUSM Instructional building, 72 E. Concord St. Hiebert Lounge 14th Floor
Need to find a roommate, an apartment? Incoming and continuing students on the Boston University Medical Campus are welcome to attend the annual BUMC Housing Fair. Let us guide you through the housing search process. The Housing Fair offers a great opportunity to meet with landlords, property managers, realtors, City of Boston Inspectional Services, Boston's Rental Housing Resource Center, Boston University Rental Property Management, Public Safety and more. A light brunch will be available to all fair participants. Join us Friday, June 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
MSH Summer Practicum (finalizing an excel based tool). Apply by May 29th
MPH Alum, Kate Dilley is seeking a great student who has Excel talent for an unpaid, part-time, summer internship with MSH.
MSH (Management Sciences for Health) seeks a BUSPH practicum student this summer. Kate is working with David Collins and Zina Jarrah on a project that has built an excel based tool that allows for the calculation of costs and financing for community case management (iCCM) programs. This tool is almost finalized, and they are hoping that they can bring in a practicum student to help finalize the tool. Below the Scope of Work. It gives a much more detailed description of what we’re hoping that the student(s) will be able to accomplish.
They would like to have someone start June 18, and work through the summer for about 10 hours per week. It is MSH policy that they cannot pay interns, but do require that the internship count for credit, or graduation requirement. This would be a great opportunity for a BUSPH student.
Interested applicants can submit CVs and cover letters to me at kdilley@msh.org by next Tuesday, May 29.
Still looking for an international summer job? Work with Putney Tours (a student travel company). Stipend and expenses paid!
GHFP Technical Advisor I: Nutrition Advisor position in DC. Applications due June 15th!
Global Health Fellows Program II
Technical Advisor I: Nutrition Advisor
Nutrition Division, Office of Health, Infectious Diseases and Nutrition, Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development
Location: Washington, DC
Assignment: Two year fellowship
GHFP-P1-042
The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with CDC Development Solutions and Management Systems International. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
GHFP-II's goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by developing and increasing the capacity of health professionals with tailored development opportunities. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels, and performance management and professional development activities aimed to enhance the technical and leadership skills of fellows.
INTRODUCTION:
The Nutrition Division, within the Office of Health, Infectious Diseases and Nutrition in the Bureau for Global Health (GH), provides global technical leadership to USAID Missions, host governments, other partners and stakeholders to improve nutrition and food security strategies, policies and programming. The Division works with various USAID operating units and their partners implementing food security and nutrition programs, including Title II Cooperating Sponsors/Private Voluntary Organizations, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief partners, Child Survival and Health Grant Program partners and host country institutions.
The Nutrition Advisor will serve as a member of the Nutrition Division providing broad expertise in food security, nutrition programming, nutrition in emergencies, food/nutrition interactions with HIV and other infectious diseases, and monitoring and evaluation of these programs toward achieving the overall operational objectives of USAID.
Under the programmatic direction of the Nutrition Team Leader, the Nutrition Advisor contributes to the implementation of USAID's strategies, policies, and programming as they relate to nutrition and food security. The Advisor will be primarily responsible for backstopping centrally funded projects and providing support to daily activities related to the Scaling Up Nutrition movement, Feed the Future, and the Global Health Initiative. The Advisor also provides technical assistance on the integration of nutrition into food security, humanitarian assistance, health and infectious disease programs. On behalf of the Nutrition Division, s/he collaborates with other USAID Bureaus in accomplishing the Agency objectives, including policy and strategic development, program and project planning, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nutrition and food security activities of the Agency programs.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Nutrition Advisor will:
- Serve as a member of the Agency's nutrition team providing technical expertise on nutrition-related topics across a broad portfolio as required
- Provide support to centrally managed programs, such as the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) 3 Project, and Strengthening Partnerships, Results and Innovations in Nutrition Globally (SPRING), and others as needed
- Provide support to the Nutrition Division on the Scaling Up Nutrition movement, and assist with tracking relevant global activities and responding to requests for information on food security and nutrition
- Support the Nutrition Element Team Leader in overall strategy development and technical nutrition leadership
- Actively coordinate with team members and other divisions/bureaus on the production of communications materials, talking points, briefers, analyses, reports, and participate in relevant meetings to technically represent USAID and the Nutrition Division in a variety of forums
- Work with the Bureau for Global Health, the Bureau for Food Security, Office of Food for Peace, the Office of HIV/AIDS, and USAID Missions in relation to the integration of nutrition into food security, family planning and reproductive health, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, and infectious disease programs through field support and core programs
- Provide strategic planning guidance to USAID Missions on activities related to the integration of nutrition into food security and other health and development programs through field support and other mechanisms
- Collaborate and provide assistance to plan, facilitate and deliver technical presentations at international and domestic meetings, workshops and conferences as required
Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational programming need and/or (b) the Advisor's own interests.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
- Master's degree in public health, food security or related disciplines
- Up to 7 years' experience with or without experience in international or resource challenged setting
- Preferred candidate will have two years' experience working on international programs, with one year in an international or resource challenged setting
- Experience in food and nutrition issues in health, agriculture, or food security settings
- Familiarity with the US Government's policies and procedures; experience working with USAID, host country governments, cooperating agencies, or private voluntary organizations preferred
- Strong interpersonal, communication, public speaking and writing skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams
- High degree of professional judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop and present work and to monitor and evaluate programs
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally
- Fluency in a foreign language preferred
- US Citizenship or US Permanent Residency required
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2012_Benefits_Booklet_GHFP.pdf
TO APPLY:
All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II's online recruitment system at https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on June 15, 2012.
Global Health Fellows Program II: Technical Adivosor II Policy Advisor position available in DC!
Global Health Fellows Program II
Technical Advisor II: Policy Advisor
Office of Strategic Planning, Budgeting and Operations, Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development
Location: Washington, DC
Assignment: Two year fellowship
GHFP II-P1-024
The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with CDC Development Solutions and Management Systems International. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
GHFP-II's goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by developing and increasing the capacity of health professionals with tailored development opportunities. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels, and professional development activities aimed to enhance the technical and leadership skills of global health professionals.
BACKGROUND:
The Strategic Planning, Budgeting and Operations (SPBO) Office within the Bureau for Global Health provides leadership, advice and support for overall strategic direction, resource allocation, and procurement planning. SPBO works across the Bureau's technical offices to promote program integration and coordination. SPBO further supports efforts to monitor and promote the effectiveness of programs and the achievement of Global Health (GH) objectives, and is integrally involved in performance monitoring and evaluations.
The Strategic, Planning and Budget (SPB) Division takes the lead in the Bureau's review and facilitates the approval of strategic plans. Additionally, the Division liaises with the Department of State's Office ofthe Directorof US Foreign Assistance with regard to Agency strategy, policy development and implementation. SPB leads the Bureau in program planning and performance monitoring, and the Division conducts analyses and provides written inputs for annual reports and other Agency performance reporting requirements. SPB serves as the Bureau's resource on USAID evaluation policies and practices; oversees implementation of the Bureau's evaluation plan and analyzes and disseminates evaluation findings, conclusions, recommendations and best practices as appropriate. SPB provides analyses for the Bureau's planning and portfolio reviews and supports planning efforts for the Bureau and its technical offices.
INTRODUCTION:
The Policy Advisor will work in the Strategic Planning and Budget Division of the Strategic Planning, Budgeting and Operations Office in the Global Health Bureau and will support the relationshipwith the Department of State's Office ofthe Directorof US Foreign Assistancewith regard to USAID'sstrategy,policy development and implementation of Global Health programs. The Policy Advisor, working in collaboration with the strategy and legislation team, will conduct analyses and provides written inputs for annualreports and other Agencyperformancereporting requirements, provide analyses for Global Health planning andportfolio reviews, assist in providing support for planning for the GlobalHealth Bureau and its technical offices, and conduct independent program and technical reviews.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The primary responsibilities of the Policy Advisor include:
A. Program Planning
- Support the GH Bureau's program design and development process, including reviewing concept papers and supporting project design teams within the Bureau's technical offices. Assist with the development of requests for proposals and ensure that project designs and objectives are in alignment with Bureau and Agency policies and strategies
- Work with the Acting Division Chief and other SPB advisors on identifying policy issuesand priorities that may affect the GH Bureau and draft recommendations to GH senior leadership that address identified policy issues
- Conduct analyses and providewrittencontributions for GH planning and portfolio reviews, annual reports and other Agency performance reporting requirements and assist in development of policies, strategies and plans for GH and projects with Agency-wide application
- Provide specialized expertise to regional and other central Bureaus and to Missions in designing and monitoringpolicies, strategies, and programs in thepublic healtharea
B. Strategic Planning
- Perform and/or guide strategic planning and program monitoring tasks, as requiredby the GH Bureau. Participate in the development of strategies, plans, program guidance, and dissemination of results for Agency-wideapplication and incorporation into publichealth programs
- Coordinate with the Bureau of Policy Planning and Learning and regional Bureaus to provide GH input into draft agency policies and strategies
- Guide the formulation of the GH Bureau's strategic planning guidance and initiate plans for incorporation of this guidance across the Bureau
- Assist in the development and implementation of broadprograms based upon new or revised legislation. Assist in the development of new program objectives to facilitate theachievement of new and/or existing agency goals
Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on(a) organizational and programming need and/or (b) the Technical Advisor's own interests.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master's degree in public health, public policy, international health, social sciences or other related discipline with specialized training in global health
- Minimum five years' experience in designing, implementing, and managing health or development programs with at least two years' experience in international or resource challenged setting
- Knowledge of project design best practices desirable
- Ability to work effectively with a broad range of US Government personnel and partners, and in a team environment
- Ability to communicate technical health information to both health and non-health audiences
- Demonstrated project management, technical leadership, policy experience, and problem solving orientation working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment
- Knowledge of USAID programs, procedures, and systems for program design, procurement, logistics, management and monitoring desirable
- Computer skills in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Access
- Skills in oral and written communication to prepare and present analyses, provide guidance, solicit information, defend proposals and negotiate agreements
- US citizenship required
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2012_Benefits_Booklet_GHFP.pdf
TO APPLY:
All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II's online recruitment system at https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on June 13, 2012.
Applicants who have applied previously have been given consideration and need not re-apply.
Senior Program Officer position with MSH for French speaking countries
Check out the job posting here!
House of Hope Kandaria Practicum Opportunity June-December 2012 (One month minimum)
House of Hope Kandaria is located 1 hour east of Kisumu. The organization has been serving children orphaned by AIDS for the last decade through community development. They recently built a health center in the town of Kitito just 10 miles from Kandaria. This area of Kenya has an extremely high HIV prevalence and has very few non-profit organizations helping with health and development. House of Hope is supported by several churches and organizations from the US, including Project AIDS Orphan, which former BU SPH student Brandi Harless helps lead. The opportunities for students are very grass work but could include things like a community needs assessment, resource development for the clinic, stakeholder analysis for further development, or case study preparation.
The practicum is available between June 2012 and December 2012. Students must be able to stay in Kandaria for at least ONE month, but can stay as long as 6 months. Project length will be determined by the Scope of Work chosen. Student will need to cover the cost of airfare and transportation to Kandaria from Nairobi. A small monthly fee of $20 is required to cover housing and food. If you are interested, please contact Brandi Harless at brandi.harless@gmail.com.
Check out their Facebook page here!
New GHFP-II Position Available: Advisor for Program Integration, Iringa Initiative and Evaluation
Global Health Fellows Program II
Technical Advisor II: Advisor for Program Integration, Iringa Initiative and Evaluation
USAID/Tanzania
Location: Iringa, Tanzania
Assignment: Two year fellowship
GHFP II-P1-034
The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with CDC Development Solutions and Management Systems International. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
GHFP-II's goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by developing and increasing the capacity of health professionals with tailored development opportunities. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels, and professional development activities aimed at enhancing the technical and leadership skills of global health professionals.
BACKGROUND:
The United Republic of Tanzania is culturally diverse, with a population estimated at nearly 42 million persons, approximately 75% of whom live in rural areas. Tanzania is ruled by a united government, with many structures of government separate on the mainland and the archipelago of Zanzibar. Despite economic gains of approximately 7% over the last decade driven by tourism, mining, trade and communications, continued rapid population growth has increased the absolute number of Tanzanians living in poverty by over a million persons. The overwhelming demands from this growing population and poor health status put tremendous pressure on an already fragile social service system. Tanzania relies heavily on foreign aid, with roughly one-third of the national budget financed by direct budget support. Though over 40% of health financing comes from donors, per capita health spending in 2009/10 was only $14.70.
There are key systems challenges related to the growing financial demands for health services, particularly to address the Millennium Development Goals and the HIV/AIDS situation, with few immediate alternatives to increase funding levels for health. In addition, a crisis related to health worker shortages exacerbates an already weak system, with approximately two thirds of health worker positions vacant (primarily in remote, rural areas). Tanzania has decentralized services by devolution, where 131 districts are primarily responsible for the delivery of services through a network of district hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries, with referrals directed to regional hospitals (run by 23 regions) and then to 5 zonal hospitals operated by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW). Sixty-four percent of health facilities are public, and 36% are private, including faith-based and for-profit providers. A dramatic expansion of health facilities is underway through a ten year primary health service expansion that will double the number of facilities - putting a health facility in every village and improving infrastructure at many higher level facilities that will exacerbate an already impossible manpower situation. Disparities in access to quality health services in rural vs. urban areas is a notable challenge.
Nonetheless, it is a time of significant opportunity in the health sector, with renewed attention to the human resources for health issues, pay policy reform and civil service expansion, local government reform, and the development of Tanzania's first health financing strategy. These reforms are tied into the comprehensive Health Sector Strategic Plan III (HSSP III) 2009-2013 and Zanzibar's Health Sector Reform Strategic Plan, presently being updated for the coming five years.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a strong development partner of Tanzania for over 30 years. USAID partners with the Government of Tanzania (GoT), other US Government (USG) agencies and implementing partners, as well as other donors, to address health challenges. USAID has made significant contributions in the areas of population/family planning; maternal and infant mortality reduction; child survival; malaria control; and HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. In the last years, it has become very apparent that systems issues, if left unaddressed, stand to preclude sustainable progress in the health sector. Consequently, there has been heightened attention to critical systems challenges in Tanzania since 2008.
Tanzania has benefitted from the US President's Malaria Initiative since 2005, with $46.9 million in funding for FY 2011. Family planning interventions include increased access to, use of, and demand for contraceptives, with FY 2011 funding of $22 million. The maternal/child health activities, with $8 million in funding in FY 2011, target major causes of maternal mortality, as well as reduction of under-five mortality through Integrated Management of Childhood Illness.
The budget for HIV/AIDS under the PEPFAR program was $357 million for FY 2011. Tanzania has been a focus country for the scale up of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs since 2004. PEPFAR/Tanzania, along with the Global Fund, is by far the largest donor for HIV/AIDs programs in the country. Presently, it has approximately 350,000 individuals under care and support, approximately 150,000 of whom are receiving antiretroviral treatment. In addition, approximately 300,000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are served under the PEPFAR/Tanzania program. All of these programs are designed and implemented under the GoT's HIV/AIDS National Care and Treatment Program or the National Plan of Action for Most Vulnerable Children. Approximately 40% of the PEPFAR resources are managed by USAID.
PEPFAR programs are coordinated through an interagency management structure, which includes the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, Peace Corps, and USAID. Under the reauthorization of PEPFAR, entitled the Leadership Act, new targets include prevention of 12 million new HIV infections worldwide, provision of care to 12 million individuals infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS (including 5 million OVC) and providing antiretroviral treatment to 2.5 million individuals. In Tanzania, HIV/AIDS programs have been negotiated with the GoT through a five-year Partnership Framework.
All of these Health and HIV/AIDS programs will come together under the Global Health Initiative (GHI), which aims to take the many health accomplishments of the last decades to the next level by helping countries achieve long-term sustainability in their health services. Through the GHI, and under GoT guidance, partners will coordinate technical assistance across service delivery platforms and projects to strengthen health facilities' capacity to provide a full range of services at multiple contact points with clients. These include HIV prevention, care, and treatment; maternal and child health clinics; and community-based services (such as gender-based violence, nutrition, programs for orphans and vulnerable children, HIV/AIDS prevention, etc.). In the Iringa region of Tanzania, in the name of the Iringa Initiative, efforts are already underway to start implementing USAID partner programs through a "HIV/AIDS combination prevention approach," i.e., a combination of HIV/AIDS biomedical, behavioral and structural interventions. This also includes incorporation of family planning/reproductive health integration into existing HIV services. Gradually, maternal/ child health and OVC programs will also be closely linked with the combination prevention coordinated approach. A critical element of this coordinated and integrated model is to ensure the application of updated quality assurance and integrated program monitoring systems. In addition, a well-functioning environment of programmatic accountability will need to be in place whereby districts include the full array of essential health services in the district-level planning and budgeting systems.
The core principles of GHI include a women- and girl-centered approach; increased impact through strategic coordination and integration of services; leveraged donor and private sector engagement; country ownership; strengthened systems to build sustainability; improved metrics, monitoring, and evaluation, and increased research and innovation. The Iringa Initiative will be designed to achieve this vision building on the platform of health and HIV/AIDS programs that have been in place for several years. The Mission has prioritized the Iringa region because it has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS (15.7%) in the country, has high maternal and infant mortality, and a preponderance of orphans and vulnerable children. In addition, USAID has had a program underway in all districts in Iringa since 2010 to strengthen fiscal and programmatic accountability related to health programs, with a local "mentor" placed in each district to help with planning, budgeting, prioritization, and coordination.
At the same time, USAID has embarked on an ambitious reform effort, USAID FORWARD, to change the way the Agency does business, through expanded partnerships, an emphasis on innovation, and a relentless focus on results. It gives USAID the opportunity to transform the way it does business and unleash its full potential to achieve high-impact development. Critical elements of USAID FOWARD that will impact the Iringa Initiative are:
- Procurement reform, where USAID will provide direct support to more and varied local partners as well as local government authorities, using host-country systems, while strengthening capacity.
- Application of cutting edge and evidence-based development policies, leveraging USAID's relationships with other donors, using its strength in science and technology, and reintroducing a culture of research, knowledge-sharing and evaluation.
- Strengthened Monitoring and Evaluation, systematically monitoring performance and evaluating impact.
- Focus on innovation, searching for creative development solutions (e.g., through linkages with the private sector and academia) that can be piloted and brought to scale.
These developments coincide nicely with the selection of Tanzania to conduct a multimillion dollar, centrally funded (Office of Global Aids Coordinator, Washington) HIV/AIDS combination prevention evaluation study (Iringa Combination Prevention Evaluation). The focus on Iringa, as well as the fact that myriad partners have been working in that region for several years with USAID funding, provides a unique opportunity to create synergy through enhanced HIV prevention, care and support, and treatment services. To support this coordinated technical content are districts that have received technical assistance to strengthen leadership and management capacity for greater potential for sustainability. These systems strengthening interventions have been aimed at:
- addressing the shortfall of health workers through improved recruitment and retention of health workers and the potential for performance-based payments;
- improving the procurement and logistics systems for consistent and reliable supplies of health commodities;
- strengthened accountability for programs with local government authorities (LGAs), since they are the linchpin of successful USAID/Tanzania-supported health and community services;
- an enhanced policy environment to support the implementation of quality health and HIV/AIDS programming; and
- improved coordination of quality improvement efforts.
Given the potential for all these somehow unrelated pieces, there is great opportunity to see actual impact in terms of reduced morbidity and mortality through the aggregation of all these technical and systems strengthening efforts. At the same time, there will be significant need for coordination to pull these efforts together.
INTRODUCTION:
The Advisor for Program Integration, Iringa Initiative and Evaluation, will work with a multicultural, multi-specialty team bridging programs across development sectors - Health and Population (including HIV/AIDS), Education, Democracy and Governance, and Agriculture (Feed the Future). S/he will receive direction from the Iringa Initiative and Evaluation Team Lead. S/he will be expected to work independently yet very collaboratively with the team of professionals who are involved in managing activities included in the Iringa Initiative and Evaluation, make program recommendations, and take initiative. S/he will advise USAID/Tanzania on all aspects of the implementation of the Iringa Initiative and Evaluation, considering on-the-ground realities.
The Advisor for Program Integration, Iringa Initiative and Evaluation, under the guidance of the Iringa Initiative and Evaluation Team Lead, will coordinate field implementation of program activities across the HIV/AIDS and Health teams (including wraparound projects with the Education, Democracy and Governance and Feed the Future teams) to ensure a holistic approach and rational calibration of interventions to support an effective and well-functioning health system in Iringa. These activities range from facilitating effective communications, information sharing, and linkages across all USAID implementing partners in the region, to liaising with Regional and District Authorities, and USAID evaluation partners (Johns Hopkins University, Muhimbili University for Allied Sciences, and the Primary Health Care Institute), in monitoring programmatic inputs and results (in the form of meeting program implementation targets) with regards to the Iringa Combination Prevention Evaluation. S/he will work in consultation with technical staff for health and HIV/AIDS programs, to synchronize project work plans and analyze process bottlenecks and barriers to effective coordination and collaboration. With them, the Advisor for Program Integration and Evaluation will identify complementarities, as well as opportunities for greater synergy across programs. The Advisor will provide any recommendations for significant program corrective actions to both the Health and the HIV/AIDS Team Leaders in conjunction with the Iringa Initiative and Evaluation Team Lead.
Because of the interagency nature of the GHI programs, the Advisor will also support the Iringa Initiative and Evaluation Team Lead in working closely with technical staff from CDC, DOD, and the Peace Corps to coordinate and consolidate lessons learned across USG combination prevention efforts in country.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Advisor for Program Integration and Evaluation will:
I. Provide coordination and strategic oversight to the linkages between and among partner activities as well as local government in Iringa (50%)
(a) Serve as the primary point of contact for Iringa LGAs and Iringa Initiative Implementing Partners (IPs) in the field. S/he will facilitate and support programmatic planning, monitoring, information sharing and coordination in the field in Iringa region. S/he will maintain strong relationships with Iringa LGAs, encouraging their leadership and ownership of the Initiative as it evolves and facilitating their active engagement in programmatic and Iringa evaluation working sessions as appropriate.
(b) Establish and maintain processes for coordination of activities in the field across USAID IPs to ensure collaboration, synergies and minimal duplication of efforts across programs. S/he will work with HIV/AIDS and health partners to ensure linkages are maintained across programs leading to minimal loss to follow up of people living with HIV/AIDS, but not eligible for ART, adherence to ART for people on treatment, and linking HIV negative and positive people with quality health care services.
(c) In consultation with technical staff from USAID, and under the guidance of the Iringa Initiative and Evaluation Team Lead, identify opportunities for integration of family planning, maternal/child health, malaria, and HIV/AIDS programs to achieve management and programmatic efficiencies that result in leveraged improvements in health and HIV/AIDS outcomes. In particular, along with existing USAID systems strengthening and capacity building partners in Iringa, the Advisor will identify ways to further accountability within LGA systems in Iringa. As systems begin to come together, the Advisor - in collaboration with the Iringa Team Lead - will leverage this activity as a safeguard to be certain that LGAs are engaged in achieving the desired results. S/he will also continually look for new opportunities for integration across development sectors - Education, Democracy and Governance, Feed the Future in addition to continually engaging already existing wraparound projects in the Iringa Initiative.
(d) Convene and facilitate quarterly Iringa Initiative IP meetings in the field as a forum to exchange ideas and showcase collaboration efforts and success stories. S/he will invite LGAs to actively participate and contribute to this process.
II. Monitor IP performance and target achievements to ensure quality and effectiveness of the program within the Iringa Combination Prevention Evaluation intervention areas, as well as facilitate the program evaluation feedback loop in the context of the evaluation (50%)
(a) Maintain close and continuous contact with the Iringa Combination Prevention Evaluation research team based in Iringa. This will include working closely with research staff from Johns Hopkins University, Muhimbili University, and the Primary Health Care Institute, to track the implementation of evaluation plans and report back to the Iringa Team Lead in Dar es Salaam, as well as USAID/Washington on a regular basis on progress made.
(b) Work closely with the Iringa Combination Prevention Evaluation Team to establish and implement a comprehensive monitoring system that tracks key indicators across a subset of USAID IPs. This subset of partners will include a mix of HIV/AIDS care, treatment and prevention partners identified as key service delivery partners within the evaluation intervention areas. The enhanced monitoring system will be designed to capture synergies as well as individual program contributions to the combination package. Once the system has been established and refined, s/he will work with the larger set of USAID IPs in Iringa to adapt it for implementation across the region as part of the larger Iringa Initiative outside of the Iringa evaluation areas.
(c) S/he will have the overall responsibility of working with the respective program managers (Assistance Officer Representatives) in Dar es Salaam, for ensuring open and appropriate information sharing between USAID IP staff based in the field in Iringa and evaluation partners. S/he will serve as the link between USAID IP staff in the field and evaluation partners with regards to the day to day implementation of program and evaluation activities on the ground. The Advisor will also facilitate and ensure information from the field is fed up to IP headquarters through the respective program managers and the Iringa Evaluation Team in Dar es Salaam.
(d) Ensure that program monitoring data collected by the evaluation partners is shared across all IPs involved in the evaluation in a timely and meaningful manner. S/he will collaborate with the Iringa Evaluation Team in designing a feedback loop to efficiently and effectively facilitate program course corrections when necessary. Lastly, s/he will document operational and program management lessons learned to be shared across regions.
The Advisor will be based in Iringa Region and will travel to Dar es Salaam at least once every three months.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
- A minimum of a master's degree in a relevant discipline such as health management, public health, the social sciences, reproductive health, MCH, or other field related to international development and/or public health.
- Minimum five years' progressively responsible experience working with a donor agency and/or a development organization, with at least 2 years' experience supporting development programs (Africa-specific preferred, but not required) in an international or resource challenged setting.
- Technical knowledge of HIV/AIDS care, treatment and prevention service delivery programs is required. Technical knowledge of family planning, maternal/child health, gender-based violence, malaria, tuberculosis, and public health service delivery programs and systems in developing countries is also desirable.
- Demonstrated experience working with developing country program managers, government authorities, and a broad array of local health service providers and community leaders highly desirable.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural setting required. Able to motivate team members and work toward positive overall performance, work as a member of a technical or office management team, and to work independently required.
- Excellent collaboration skills; proven track record in building and maintaining relationships across multiple entities in a technical environment.
- Proven ability to communicate quickly, succinctly, and tactfully both verbally and in writing; ability to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and partners in a multicultural context; ability to produce concise, clear reports, and use word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs required.
- Proficiency in Kiswahili highly desirable.
- US citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain medical clearance to live and work in Tanzania.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary will be based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2012_Benefits_Booklet_GHFP.pdf
TO APPLY:
All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP's online recruitment system at https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All online applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time, June 6, 2012.
Community Mobilization Project Intern: Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography for Community Mobilization Project in Uttar Pradesh, India
Please send a Cover Letter, CV/Resume, brief Writing Sample of past individual work and 2 References from the School of Public Health, at least one from the International Health Department:
Please note that only the most promising candidates will be contacted and interviewed.
Abanish Rizal, Senior Program Manager, Department of International Health
Email: abanishr@bu.edu
Please include in the subject box: CMP Literature Review Intern
Deadline: Monday May 21, 2012
