The Center for Implementation Sciences (CIS) in Health of Addis Ababa University, collaborating with Emory, Hawassa, and Mekelle Universities, along with the Ministry of Health and nine regional health bureaus, is implementing the Saving Little Lives (SLL) 360 project in Ethiopia, supported by the NEST360 Consortium via Rice University, USA and the Gates Foundation. SLL360 program is working to scale up an optimized bundles of Level 2 SSNC packages in Ethiopia using a hub and spoke model. The packages include training and blended catchment-based mentorship, installation and maintenance of devices and technologies, implementation of an integrated maternal and neonatal inpatient data (IMNID) system, quality improvement packages for Level 2 SSNC, and enhancement of facility space and infrastructure. These bundles will be implemented in 20 learning hospitals across six regions and scaled up to an additional 206 hospitals across eight regions leveraging existing and upcoming investments.

SLL360 is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of National Quality Improvement Co-Lead. Under the direct supervision of the National Implementation Director and oversight of the National Quality Improvement Lead the Co-Lead will guide the design, implementation, and scaling of QI initiatives that improve neonatal outcomes and foster a culture of continuous learning. This includes supporting frontline teams in applying QI methodologies, analyzing performance data, and documenting progress to inform adaptive strategies and national learning.

The QI Co-Lead will also help embed QI into Ethiopia’s broader health system by aligning facility-level efforts with national priorities, facilitating integrated mentorship across clinical, biomedical, data, and quality domains, and promoting collaborative problem-solving. This role is not only technical but also deeply relational and strategic, contributing to a resilient health system where quality is practiced, measured, and sustained across every level of care.

Key Responsibilities

QI Strategy & Implementation

• Guide QI teams in designing, testing, and implementing improvement initiatives in health facilities using the Kaizen and Model for Improvement and iterative PDSA cycles

• Support the development, testing, and implementation of QI projects in the health facilities across the SLL360 facilities

• Monitor QI indicators and support adaptive strategy development

• Ensure adherence to Quality-of-Care standards through regular clinical auditing

• Facilitate regular QI team meetings to sustain momentum and accountability

Knowledge Translation & Innovation

• Identify bottlenecks using data sources and propose evidence-based interventions\

• Support the analysis of data using run/control charts and performance interpretation to monitor QI project progress

• Builds capacity of frontline teams in QI methodologies, data interpretation, and peer learning

• Embed principles of Ubuntu and African thinking into QI culture and foster cross-country learning with NEST360 African partners

Regional Systems Strengthening

• Collaborate closely with the QI National Lead and SLL360 partners to align facility-level initiatives with national priorities and standards

• Supports the integration of QI into national frameworks, guidelines, and digital platforms (e.g., IMNID, dashboards)

• Facilitates regional integrated blended mentorship, coaching, and capacity-building efforts across SLL360-supported facilities

• Build collaboration with clinical, BMET, and data teams, MOH, RHB, and health facilities to strengthen quality neonatal care systems

• Contributes to strategic planning, policy dialogue, and national learning forums to elevate QI as a core pillar of health system resilience

Strategic Data Use

• Support the analysis and visualization of performance data to inform decision-making

• Use run/control charts and other data tools to interpret trends and guide QI efforts

• Ensure data-informed feedback loops during mentorship and learning sessions

• Plan and track QI activities at the SLL360 facilities

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Build collaboration with MOH, RHB, and facility-level teams to align QI efforts with national priorities

• Supports the integration of QI into national frameworks, guidelines, and digital platforms (e.g., IMNID, dashboards)

• Support leadership engagement in QI initiatives and foster ownership at all levels

• Represent the SLL360 program QI activities in local and international platforms

Capacity Building & Workforce Development

• Build capacity in QI methodologies across facilities in the SLL360 intervention regions

• Support regular learning sessions that foster peer-to-peer learning

• Facilitate reflection rituals, collaborative problem-solving, and peer learning among ward improvement teams

Ethics, Equity & Inclusion

• Promote inclusive learning environments that honor cultural wisdom and shared humanity

• Embed Ubuntu principles to ensure equity and dignity in QI practice

Documentation & communication

• Establishes and fosters excellent and regular communication with SLL360 team members, key stakeholders and partners in Ethiopia, notably the partner implementing institutions, and the Ministry of Health. 

• Meticulously document QI related meeting notes and share them with relevant SLL360 teams for decision making and documentation

• Document and share implementation learnings to inform national and global practice

• Write reports and disseminate insights regularly to stakeholders and partners

Time Commitment: 40 hours per week with flexible time management. This is a full-time position with candidate expected to work from office Monday to Friday 8 am – 5 pm, with occasional early morning, evening, or

 weekend work required to accommodate time zone differences for important meetings with teams in the US, UK, and across sub-Saharan Africa.
Organization: Addis Ababa University, Center for Implementation Science, Saving Little Lives 360 (SLL360) Program
Reports to: National Implementation Director and National QI Lea
Type of employment: Full-time employment on a contract basis.  
Number required: 1
Duration of the contract: 1 year with possible extension based on the grant availability and performance appraisal
Monthly Salary Range: 152,000 – 168,000 ETB

Job Requirements

Qualifications & Experience – QI Co-Lead

• Master’s degree in public health, Health Systems, or a related field

• Formal training in Quality Improvement (QI) methodologies, including PDSA cycles and systems thinking

• Clinical or public health background with demonstrated experience in QI, mentorship, and health system strengthening

• Minimum of 5 years leading QI initiatives in facility, regional, or national settings

• Proven ability in facilitation, team leadership, mentorship, and data analysis and interpretation

• Deep understanding of Ethiopia’s health system architecture, QI frameworks, and national priorities

Desired Attributes

• A systems thinker who sees connections across clinical, data, and policy domains

• Committed to equity, collaboration, and inclusive leadership

• Skilled in translating philosophy into practice, especially Ubuntu and African thinking models

• Energized by team building, legacy creation, and the pursuit of continuous improvement

• A reflective and culturally attuned leader who listens deeply and acts strategically

How To Apply

 Interested applicants should submit their Recent CV, Cover/Application letter mentioning the specific position, and relevant credentials through THIS LINK
P.S-Make sure your documents are properly updated to Ethiojobs and your Cover/Application letter addressed to the above stated position. Applications addressed to another position will automatically be discarded!
Female applicants are highly encouraged!!