About the Program
The PNG-Australia bilateral relationship is evolving from a donor-recipient relationship to one of a genuine and maturing economic and strategic partnership. A new Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP) is being developed, to outline the mutual economic, strategic and development priorities agreed to by the PNG and Australian Governments.
The current PNG National Health Plan (2011-2020) (NHP) outlines that PNG’s goal for the health sector is to have ‘strengthened primary health care for all, and improved service delivery for the rural majority and urban disadvantaged’. To achieve this, the PNG Government is implementing significant reform processes, such as the establishment of Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and the decentralisation of health service delivery. A new NHP is under development which will outline PNG’s health sector priorities for the next ten years (2020-2030).
The DFAT PNG Health Portfolio Plan (2018-2022) sets out three broad outcomes for DFAT’s support across the health sector in PNG:
• Outcome 1: Health Security and major communicable disease control
• Outcome 2: Improved rural primary health care through stronger health systems
• Outcome 3: Integrated, client-centred sexual, reproductive and family planning service deliver
The Portfolio Plan aligns with, responds to and contributes to the sustainable delivery of the PNG NHP and the PNG Government’s reform efforts. The plan will need to adapt (in consultation and agreement with the PNG Government) to changes in the operating environment including changes in priorities that may arise in the next PNG NHP and changes resulting from decentralisation and other reforms. There is also a need to test, adapt, scale and deliver sustainable and politically informed approaches which build the long-term capability of PNG’s health system to independently plan, budget, coordinate and deliver primary health care to support PNG’s long-term economic and development objectives.
The PATH is a key investment to deliver the Portfolio Plan. PATH has been specifically designed as an ‘adaptive program’ to implement a flexible approach to respond to changing circumstances in PNG, informed by evidence and lessons from previous experience of what does or does not work.
As part of delivering PATH’s End-Of-Investment Outcomes (EOIOs) and Intermediate Outcomes (IOs), Abt Associates will also continue to deliver a number of existing DFAT investments in key areas.
About the Opportunity
The Provincial Facilitator role supports the Provincial Performance Facilitation Lead to implement the day-to-day activities to improve leadership and management of health services for the selected Provincial Health Authorities (PHA). This role will coordinate the activities to support PHA capacity to plan, budget, deliver and coordinate health services, including the coordination of analyses/assessments to identify bottlenecks at the selected PHAs.
The Provincial Facilitator will be responsible for:
Leadership Support
· Promote a strong work culture at senior PHA management level and PATH Program Activity Managers
· Improve strategic planning and resource mobilisation
· Strengthen service delivery through the development of policies, guidelines and systems
· Develop good neutral relations with leadership networks in the province - National leaders such as MPs, Provincial and local government leaders at the community level
· Recognise and respect other key stakeholders involved in health service delivery in the province
Operational Management
· Ensure AAP are being completed and implemented in line with National Department Policies and National Health Plan
· Oversee effective use of finance, human and other resources
· Effectively coordinate and contribute in operational research to strengthen evidence-based policy to address specific bottlenecks that impede health service delivery
· Provide PHA secretariat support to the board and ensure that it is in place and functioning
· Assist PHA to encourage more inclusive workplace culture
· Work with the GESI team to actively promote gender equality by ensuring women are being brought into management and leadership roles to contribute meaning fully towards the health of women and girls
· Work closely with Frontline Health Outcomes Team and Health Security team
Financial Management
· Oversee budgeting and expenditure of PHA, ensuring that revenue and expenditures are in line with PHA priorities and national health standards
· Support PHAs financial reporting and accountability complied with at all levels
· Ensure that a financial management system is established to capture all different funding that will be allocated to the PHA
Human Resource Management
· Oversee the effective recruitment and retention of health and support staff
· Explore opportunities to continually improve staff skills and performance
· Institute mechanisms to enable training and development in performance management skills
· Provide some guidance and counselling around staff discipline and appraisal processes in line with DPM processes.
Stakeholder management/partnership
· Lead engagement and develop good relations with the Provincial Health Authorities Board members, Senior Executive Management Committee, CSOs/NGOs, donors and community.
· Provide effective secretarial support to PHA Board and Committee meetings and ensure resolutions are effectively implemented
· Assist in organising partner engagement opportunities.
· Facilitate service agreements with different service providers
Public Health
· Support public health intervention programs at the planning and program level
· Ensure better coordination exists with Frontline Health Outcomes team on Immunisation, TB, Malaria and Sexual Reproductive Health programs
· Provide input into COVID-19 control measures and disease outbreak activities
Medical Supplies
· Provide support to medical drugs/supplies and distribution to respective health facilities are done in a timely manner
Monitoring & Evaluation
· Work alongside and oversee the Provincial M&E Coordinators, ensuring the Performance and Adaptive Systems (PAS) Team are regularly updated and involved in activities
· Monitoring and evaluation of the performance of PHAs in line with National Health Service Standards and other national and global standards
· Report key findings back to PAS Team
· Other duties as reasonably directed.
About You
We are seeking an individual who will bring:
· Tertiary qualifications (Masters preferred) in epidemiology, medicine, public health, or health security
· Demonstrated mminimum 10 years’ of senior management experience in PNG Provincial Health Authority including implementing PHA reform with good understanding of NDoH/DPM/DoF systems, legislation, policy, governance, resourcing, financing and decentralisation
· Demonstrated understanding of the PNG health sector (required) and sound understanding PNG Provincial Government systems and central agencies (DPM, DoF) sector will be highly regarded
· Familiarity with PNG Health reform policies and exposure/experience working with health boards and committee
How to Apply
Please submit your application online; attach your cover letter and CV as a single document, addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.
Closing Date: 12 May 2022
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtassociates.com
Equity
Abt Associates values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.
