Job Description
Job Summary
Abt Associates is currently seeking a qualified Private Health Sector Systems and Policy Director for the upcoming USAID Private Health Sector Program in Ethiopia. The project’s goal is to further strengthen private sector engagement to support service delivery to address diseases of public health importance in Ethiopia. This includes diseases that previous projects have focused on (HIV, Malaria, TB, FP/RMNCH) and include new clinical areas. The activity will concentrate in solidifying the strong foundation of work to engage private health sector participation gained in previous projects and further enhace policy, regulation, financing and facilitation of private/public partnerships in health (PPPH).
The Private Health Sector Systems and Policy Director will be responsible for leading the project’s strategic direction and oversee implementation of activites to further government’s stewardship of private sector participation in health service delivery to address and mitigate diseases of public health concerns and private sector actors capacities to advocate for scaled-up participation of the private health sector. This position will report to the Deputy Chief of Party and will have direct reports.
Position is contingent upon contract award to Abt Associates.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction for and lead the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of program activities to 1) enable the MOH and other relevant entities to provide stewardship and leadership to further enhance the policy and regulatory environment for private sector participation in health service delivery; 2) support the MOH and regional health bureaus to advance public/private partnerships in health; 3) strengthen advocacy and leadership within the private health sector; and 4) collaborate with partners on innovative access to finance approaches;
- In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureaus and other institutions, set the agenda for strengthening the enabling policy environment for the private sector and, as appropriate, inclusion of private sector concerns and specific needs in health systems strengthening initiatives;
- Provide management and technical leadership and implementation support to ensure that the key interventions under policy and systems program area are successfully implemented in accordance with the goal, objectives and expected results of the project;
- Provide high-quality technical products and services, deliver required results, and uses resources efficiently and cost-effectively. This includes timely preparation and submission of deliverables and coordination and oversight of program area teams to do the same;
- Monitor the progress and pace of program area implementation, ensuring that project performance meets the expectations of USAID and clients, and brings any issues and concerns regarding project implementation to the attention of the COP/DCOP in timely manner.
- Perform/contribute as member of the project’s Senior Management Team (SMT).
- Identify policy, regulatory and other barriers that impact participation by private sector organizations in health service delivery; and collaborate with internal and external partners to address issues;
- Support the MOH to strengthen the Public/Private Partnership Unit within the PCD Directorate;
- Identify policy gaps and provide needed support to private health sector reporesentative associations to enage in advocacy and dialogue
- Lead efforts to facilitate dialogue between MOH, MOFEC and if/when appropriate regional health bureaus to broker public private partnerships in health;
- Lead efforts to identify and implement activities aimed toward enriching awareness and the policy dialogue on private provision of program clinical areas;.
- Participate in technical working groups at the MOH and liaise with relevant stakeholders (MoH, RHB, NGOs, FBO, associations) on private health sector related issues;
- Support and supervise a team of health and systems strengthening professionals.
- Perform other activities as assigned by immpediate suppervsior.
Preferred Qualifications
- MD with experience in clinical practice and public health, Masters degree in Public Health highly desirable. MPH with extensive health policy experience will be considered;
- 10 years of demonostrated relevant professional experience in management of public health policy research, policy advocacy, policy planning and implementation, systems strengthening, institutional capacity building in the health sector;
- Demonstrated in-depth understanding of public and private healthcare systems in Ethiopia;
- Proven track record managing a project team composed of several technical experts and fostering team work;
- Excellent working relationships with key officials in the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and ability to operate at high levels in the Ethiopian and international public health communities;
- Strong communication and facilitation skills with the ability to lead high-level meetings, forums, and conferences;
- Ability to independently plan and execute complex tasks while addressing daily management details and remaining organized and focused on long-term deadlines and strategy;
- Demonstrated leadership and team work skills, and ability to produce high-quality work in a timely, cost effective manner;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the capacity to prepare and deliver formal presentations in Amharic and English;
- Functional fluency in English required.
Minimum Qualifications
- (10+) years of experience and a bachelor degree OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
About the Organization
Abt Associates is a global leader in research, evaluation and program implementation; driving innovation and measurable impact for more than 50 years. What sets us apart is our evidence-based and multi-disciplinary approach to solving tough challenges in health, social and environmental policy and international development.
Specific areas we work in include:
- Health
- Education and workforce development
- Climate change and the environment
- Food security and agriculture
- Housing and communities
- Survey and data collection
Abt is a mission-driven company with a staff of 2,600. Our focus is on using evidence and cutting-edge methods to improve the lives and economic well-being of people worldwide.