Organization Background

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world. Founded in 1978, JSI collaborates with government agencies, the private sector, and local nonprofit and civil society organizations to identify and implement solutions to the most pressing public health and education challenges.

In Ethiopia, JSI has been working to improve health outcomes for more than 25 years, implementing more than 60 projects and working in every region. JSI has historically managed a large portfolio of projects focusing on the quality, and equity in access to, reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, primary health care (PHC) including community health programs, digital health, health information systems (HIS), supply chain management, public health emergency responses, and social and behavior change.

Projects Overview

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), JSI is implementing the Strengthening Service Delivery (SSD). The Strengthening Service Delivery (SSD) in Ethiopia Project is a new opportunity to build upon the substantial innovative investments the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has made toward improving the lives of people in Ethiopia.

The SSD project focuses on building upon and leveraging previous and current BMGF and other donor investments to improve the quality of downstream, supply-side integrated services, and supply in three high-impact areas: 1) strengthening provider competencies to deliver integrated, high-quality services; 2) improving service delivery structures and processes required for high-quality care; and 3) improving the last-mile delivery of the supplies and commodities. The SSD aims to utilize existing resources and opportunities from Improve Primary Healthcare Service Delivery (IPHCSD) where the implementation woredas overlap and other partners. The IPHCSD on the other hand design a broader PHC model to pressure test the operationalization of PHC service delivery packages and modalities through the Networks of Care (NOC) approach in different contexts. This will be realized via strengthening the functionality of and bi-directional linkage across Ethiopia's primary health care delivery platforms—HP to health center to primary hospital—for improved quality RMNCH-N outcomes. The IPHCSD intends to achieve three primary objectives at the PHC level: 1) ensure equitable access to and utilization of essential health services, 2) improve the quality of essential health services, and 3) strengthen oversight and accountability

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The position requires a comprehensive understanding and analysis of the health system in terms of maternal, newborn, and child health, immunization, and nutrition interventions, last-mile delivery, and availability of RMNCH commodities. Enhancing the workforce capacity through blended approaches (Combined online and face-to-face) is also one of the key activities. Furthermore, s/he will need to support the implementation activities under the IPHCSD projects in collaboration with the local implementing partners. Key activities under the IPHCSD are strategic and technical issues relating to community engagement, HEP optimization interventions, PHC service delivery models, quality improvement strategies and interventions, and a bi-directional accountability system in the selected woredas through a network of care (NoC) framework/ approach. S/he will represent JSI at the zonal level in any matters related to the IPHCSD and SSD projects. The role involves working closely with the regional, zonal RMNCH team as well as digital health, supply chain advisors, HEP/PHC and other teams of the projects at the central levels. Collaboration with other investments and other partners working in the region is essential for the effective coordination and integration of the project activities. The position holder will work under the direct supervision of the regional program coordinator and zonal health department.

KEY DUTUES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan detailed activities for PHC/HEP, MNCH and nutrition, and last-mile availability and supply of commodity-related activities under the project and facilitate their implementation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

• Provide training and supervision for the health facility staff, and zonal technical teams through blended approaches (combined face-to-face and online approaches) to build their capacities in MNCH and nutrition and supply chain management specifically last-mile delivery and availability of RMNCH commodities.

• Support the Zonal health departments, woreda and the project’s local implementing partners in the operationalization of HEP optimization, PHC service quality improvement packages, and bi-directional accountability through the Network of Care (NoC) approaches.

• Work closely with the regional coordinator and central team of the project and collaborate with the SSD and IPHCSD project’s technical staff, and local implementing partners to ensure effective coordination and integration of MNCH activities and that they are implemented effectively.

• Ensure the integration of gender and social inclusion considerations in the implementation of all MNCH interventions and activities.

• Represent the project in relevant technical working groups, conferences, and meetings related to MNCH nutrition, and supply chain and in-service training at the zonal level.

• Regularly conduct supportive supervision to monitor progress, identify challenges, and course-correct activities as needed.

• Collaborate with other organizations and projects/programs working on maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition issues to ensure synergy, sharing of technical resources, learning, and mutual support.

• Prepare regular reports (bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual) on the assigned activities' progress and share them with relevant stakeholders.

Job Requirements

Required Experience:

• BSc or a Master's degree in Public Health and other related field

• At least 5 years of experience for BSc_PH and 3 years of experience for MPH in planning and implementing MNCH programs, including nutrition programs.

• Advanced understanding of national MNCH and supply chain management policies, strategies, and guidelines.

 Required Skills and Competencies:

• Understanding of and relevant work experience in the national primary care space in Ethiopia

• Experience coaching and capacity-building skills in key programs of maternal, newborn, and child health, immunization, nutrition, and supply chain management.

• Experience in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Blended learning approaches can be an added advantage.

• Experience in working with government, and partner agencies.

• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• Strong result orientation, with the ability to work dynamically in a changing environment.

• Excellent writing and speaking skills in English and the regional working language.

How to Apply

JSI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suited to work with the children served by our programs.

JSI is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or military status (special disabled veterans or veteran status) in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D.

Interested applicants who met the above minimum requirements should send and apply online by using THIS LINK

• Please submit your Only your application letter and CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post. 

• Please mention to which location you are applying for on your application letter subject line. ( Amahara /Oromiya) 

• Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline:  May 26, 2024