JSI is a US-based public health nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality technical and managerial assistance programs throughout the world. 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 of, RMNCAH services, primary health care (PHC) including community health program, digital health, health information systems (HIS), supply chain management, public health emergency responses, and social and behavior change. 

USAID Quality Healthcare Activity (QHA) aims at improving health outcomes through improved readiness of health facilities to deliver quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, increased management and accountability for quality service delivery, and restoration of services in health facilities in conflict-affected areas. QHA's strategies and implementation approaches will help the government of Ethiopia build public and private health care systems that are responsive, resilient, and sustainable. QHA will cover urban and peri-urban primary health care units (PHCU) and referral health facilities in select regions and woredas. The Activity, through funding support from USAID, will be implemented by JSI in collaboration with Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI), Project HOPE, and Network of Ethiopian Women's Associations (NEWA) for five years (May 01, 2023 - April 30, 2028). 

The primary health care specialist will play a pivotal role in collaborating with local civil society organizations (CSOs) or local implementing partners (LIPs) to strengthen RMNCAH health care delivery systems, providing technical support for public health facilities, woreda health offices and zone health departments under Bahir Dar area implementation office. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical Support for Local CSOs, Zone Health Departments, Woreda Health Offices and Health Facilities:

• Provide technical guidance and support to local CSOs/LIPs, zone health departments, healthcare facilities at the woreda level, with an emphasis on primary health care and RMNCAH services.

• Provide regular virtual technical assistance and facility visits (in security accessible areas) to assess service delivery, identify challenges, and offer practical solutions and recommendations.

• Collaborate with local CSOs/LIPs and health facility staff to develop action plans for implementing quality improvement activities.

• Provide technical assistance to the RHB during annual plan development, periodic supportive supervision and review meetings, as related to primary health care and quality RMNCAYH service delivery activities in the region.   

Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health Integration:

• Work with RHB, local CSOs/LIPs, ZHDs and health facility managers to ensure that RMNCAH services are fully integrated into existing healthcare delivery platforms.

• Strengthen linkages between primary healthcare services and higher-level health facilities for referral and continuity of care.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Conduct regular virtual skill and knowledge gap assessment on RMNCAH and Quality Management 

• Supporting zone health departments, woreda health offices and facilities to develop their training database and regular update

• Conduct training sessions for key staffs of local CSOs/LIPs, ZHDs and healthcare providers at health facilities to enhance their skills and knowledge in RMNCAH service delivery.

• Provide mentorship and on-the-job training to local CSOs/LIPs, ZHDs and healthcare providers, particularly in areas related to RMNCAH

• Support the development of job aids to improve the quality of care.

Quality Improvement Initiatives:

• Facilitate and support woreda health offices and facilities to develop and implement quality improvement projects on RMNCAH) and support the implementation of quality improvement initiatives to enhance primary healthcare service delivery, with a focus on RMNCAH.

• Provide timely supportive supervisions and technical mentorship on developed QI projects Facilitate timely clinical audits

• Monitor progress and outcomes of improvement activities and support healthcare facilities in achieving set targets.

• Utilize data-driven approaches to track performance indicators and identify areas for improvement.

Data Collection and Monitoring:

• Establish monitoring and evaluation systems to track the performance and impact of primary healthcare and RMNCAH services at the facility level.

• Collect, analyze, and report on data to inform local evidence-based decision-making and identify areas for improvement.

• Support data quality assurance  activities 

• Support strengthening of woreda health office and facilities’ performance monitoring team 

• Ensure availability of necessary MEL tools at woreda health offices and facilities 

• Support strengthening culture of data visualization at woreda health offices and facilities

• Support efforts of woreda health offices and facilities efforts on data use for decision making 

• Collaborate with data management teams to ensure timely and accurate data collection and reporting.

Collaboration and Networking:

• Mapping of relevant stakeholders including development partners in the woreda with regular updating 

• Foster close and smooth work relationship with woreda health office and facilities managements and experts 

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including woreda health officials, community, and other partners, to strengthen primary healthcare services.

• Participate in coordination meetings and forums to share best practices and lessons learned.

• Foster partnerships with local community-based organizations to enhance community engagement and health promotion.

• Participate in relevant coordination meetings and working groups to promote synergy and avoid duplication of efforts.

Community Engagement:

• Engage with communities to understand their healthcare needs and preferences.

• Collaborate with community health workers and local leaders to promote RMNCAH services and health education.

• Support community-based initiatives and outreach programs to improve health-seeking behavior and access to services.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare regular progress reports and documentation on activities, achievements, and challenges related to primary healthcare and RMNCAH services at the woreda level.

• Share findings with project leadership and stakeholders for informed decision-making.

• Contribute to project assessment, evaluation and impact assessments.

• Identify, document and disseminate success stories, case studies, and lessons learned from QHA interventions.

Job Requirements

• MD or advanced degree in public health with a focus on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the private or public health sector, with a proven track record in supporting private or public health facilities at the district level.

• Experience of working in hospitals at least for four years and has solid knowledge on hospital level care 

• Solid understanding of quality improvement methodologies and tools in healthcare settings, especially in the area of RMNCAH.

• Extensive experience in developing and nurturing successful public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector, particularly in the context of RMNCAH services.

• Familiarity with Ethiopia's healthcare system, policies, and regulations pertaining to RMNCAH services and public health facilities.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience working with local civil society organizations (CSOs) or implementing partners (LIPs) in RMNCAYH projects. 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to design and implement effective RMNCAH improvement strategies.

• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of healthcare projects to track performance and outcomes.

• Fluency in English and local languages of the intervention area is preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare reports, presentations, and documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, showing flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic project environment.

• Previous experience in leading and managing projects related to RMNCAH service improvement is an advantage.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who met the minimum requirements should send and apply at THIS LINK Please submit your application letter with your CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post.

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

JSI/WEI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a hepriority 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/WEI 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 protected veteran status in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D