Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too.
We have a unique and vibrant culture at R4D. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work environment and help advance our mission. Diversity—of ideas, identities, perspectives and backgrounds—is vital to who we are and what we do. We seek people who embrace these values and will help reinforce them. Our work culture is collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial. We operate based on trust and respect. Teams across the organization frequently collaborate on programmatic work and support each other in continuously building a better R4D.
R4D seeks a highly motivated and dynamic Program Officer based in Accra, Ghana to play a key role on the USAID Health Systems Strengthening Accelerator (HSS Accelerator) program in Ghana.
Please note, this position is grant-funded through 2023. Ghanaian nationals are encouraged to apply. This position includes a Ghanaian benefits package and does not include international relocation or expatriate benefits.
Program summary:
The HSS Accelerator is a global, USAID Cooperative Agreement to strengthen institutions and processes, and build local expertise, to ensure that health systems can tackle future challenges and weather shocks with less reliance on external support. The HSS Accelerator is applying a potentially paradigm-changing approach to support countries on their journey to self-reliance. And, to ultimately ensure that health systems work for the people and communities who need them.
The HSS Accelerator is led by Results for Development (R4D) with support from the Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF, headquartered in Nigeria), and ICF. Additional global, regional, and local partners will be selected in partnership with USAID/OHS and USAID Missions based on demand.
Opportunity:
R4D is seeking a Program Officer (PO) based in Accra, Ghana. The Program Officer will support the Accelerator’s activities in Ghana, and work on selected workstreams within the portfolio, alongside staff based in Ghana and the US.
A successful candidate should have strong leadership, program management, and stakeholder management skills. S/he should have a technical background in health systems strengthening, with experience in program management. S/he should also be highly motivated, a creative problem solver; have strong analytical, writing, communication, process facilitation, and collaboration skills; and have a commitment to excellence and producing results.
This position is based in Accra, Ghana and will report to the Country Director.
Responsibilities
- The PO will serve as a key member of the team, contributing technical assistance to specific health system challenges and supporting implementation of project activities. Responsibilities will encompass administrative, project management, research, business development, and communication tasks (among others). S/he may be expected to:
- Serve as a liaison between the HSS Accelerator activity in Ghana and the Accelerator Management team in DC.
- Facilitate development and monitoring of workplan for activities in Ghana, working with team members and accounting for inputs from key partners and USAID
- Facilitate development and timely submissions of biweekly, quarterly, and annual reports. Identify key milestones to highlight to Accelerator Management team and donor.
- Work with team to develop theory of change, results frameworks, and key performance indicators for the activity, and apply project-wide MEL plans
- Throughout implementation, identify and manage risks to minimize programmatic disruptions.
- Develop and facilitate organization and maintenance of knowledge management and communications materials, including communications plan for Ghana activities.
- Foster collaborative relationships with country and technical partners. Ensure effective and regular communications with internal and external stakeholders (including government partners, USAID, etc.).
- Work with Finance team to carefully monitor and track budget and expenses
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis on technical and policy issues related to health systems and financing, and contribute to highly polished presentations, concept notes, briefing materials, and other products such as blog posts, newsletters, meeting summaries, thought pieces, and e-communications on key topics of interest including Accelerator’s activities in Ghana
- Develop key deliverables, including analytical and communication materials (e.g., technical tools, workshop reports, operational guidelines etc.) in collaboration with other team members. Review and provide constructive feedback to work products developed by other team members and consultants within select activities.
- Represent R4D and the HSS Accelerator at health policy forums in Ghana, as designated by the Country Director and Senior Program Director. Seek opportunities to present HSS Accelerator work both in Ghana and globally.
- Contribute to new business development efforts including proposal writing
- Contribute to various other tasks including identifying/recruiting consultants, developing contracts, recruiting new team members
Qualifications
- 5+ years of relevant professional experience on issues related to health systems strengthening in Ghana. Ability to understand and describe complex health systems issues.
- Self-starter with demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and independently
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (public health, health economics, public or social policy, public administration, business, management or similar) preferred
- Experience with USAID or other donor-funded grants, with specific experience reporting to and managing relationships with USAID as a donor is highly desirable. Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations highly desirable.
- Experience providing process facilitation support on issues related to health systems strengthening – i.e., supporting a country-led process that has broad stakeholder buy-in, develops the capacity of country partners, and leads to contextually appropriate and technically valid solutions.
- High level of organization, attention to detail, professionalism, and reliability. Ability to prioritize and manage work in a fast-paced environment and be responsive to country partners and funders amidst competing time and resource demands.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to effectively facilitate high-level meetings, and prepare clear and concise emails, presentations, and reports.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience effectively working with and meeting needs of various stakeholders in Ghana and globally
- Self-starter with demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and independently
- High level of Microsoft Office proficiency, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and preferably Teams.
- Experience providing process facilitation support on issues related to health systems strengthening – i.e., supporting a country-led process that has broad stakeholder buy-in, develops the capacity of country partners, and leads to contextually appropriate and technically valid solutions.
How to apply
Please click here to apply.