Pact seeks an experienced Senior Technical Advisor – Health Systems Strengthening (STA-HSS) for the USAID/Zambia Integrated Health Activity (ZIHA). USAID/Zambia intends to award a $120M contract to support the USAID and PEPFAR objectives of 95/95/95. ZIHA will improve health outcomes of Zambians through equitable access to high-quality, client-centered HIV, TB/HIV, MNCH, and FP/RH services, products, and information, and strengthen integration of these services at the health facility and community levels when applicable. The STA-HSS will provide technical leadership and manage the implementation of HSS interventions at national and sub-national levels in support of sustainable achievement of ZIHA’s goals. ZIHA is anticipated to be a five-year activity. This position is contingent upon award and is anticipated to be based in Lusaka.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership, guidance, and support in building the capacity of the Government of Zambia (GRZ) and community-based structures to lead and manage local health systems that provide quality, integrated health services to vulnerable populations.
- Provide technical expertise on HSS issues, including but not limited to service delivery integration and quality; policy formulation and dissemination; human resources for health; supply chain management; monitoring, planning and coordination; and/or health systems resilience to public health threats.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for GRZ partners, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), for coordination and provision of technical assistance on HSS.
- Lead the implementation of a site-by-site transition plan to shift project support from direct service delivery to technical assistance in focus districts and provinces, based on agreed upon criteria and milestones.
- Provide targeted capacity building to Provincial and District Health Officers (P/DHOs) in translating national policies into action and implementing HSS initiatives that strengthen coordination and effective integration of HIV, TB, MNCH and FP services.
- Provide input into HSS components of project workplans, reports, and budget, and participate in project level processes to ensure integration with other project components.
- Monitor the implementation of HSS activities, ensuring that HSS objectives, targets, and deliverables are achieved on time and on budget.
- Liaise with USAID and key stakeholders, including MOH, civil society, private sector, and other USAID projects, on HSS issues relevant to the project.
- Participate in technical working groups addressing HSS issues linked to the project.
Basic Requirements
- Graduate Degree from an accredited university in public health or a relevant field.
- At least 8 years of experience in a senior leadership role in the health sector in implementing programs and interventions that support HSS.
- Demonstrated competencies in designing and implementing HSS activities for provision of HIV, TB, MCNH, and/or FP services in large-scale, complex, international development assistance programs, preferably with USAID and PEPFAR-funded programs.
- In-depth understanding and knowledge of Zambia’s healthcare and public health systems across all government levels.
- Experience leading technical teams, achieving deliverables, and working under USAID contracts preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, and work with and between different stakeholders.
- Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with government and civil society stakeholders.
- Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
- Strong professional written and oral communications skills in English.
- Ability to travel within Zambia and occasionally internationally, when health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 diminish.
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical qualification (medical doctor, clinical officer, nurse, midwife, or other cadres).
- Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Zambia.
- Zambian nationals are encouraged to apply.