Human-Centered Design Consultant, Kenya at John Snow Inc (JSI)

The HCD Exchange is a community of implementers, funders, designers, and evaluators committed to advancing learning and practice related to the integration of human-centered design (HCD) and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) in low-resource settings. The HCD Exchange was launched in 2018 and is entering its next phase. Over the next two years we are excited to expand the community of partners and actors who are reaching and engaging youth effectively through HCD to improve ASRH programs and outcomes. Together, we will continue to build interest in human-centered design as an approach for ASRH, generate tools and learning across the community and build capacity and networks that advance our practice in this new and exciting area of global health. Our Youth Leadership Hub will guide our work and catalyze partnerships with young people and youth-focused service providers and advocates.

About the HCD Exchange Hosts

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) and inSupply Health, Ltd. have joined forces to host the HCD Exchange and engage the ASRH/HCD community in advancing practice and building a robust ecosystem of dedicated actors. JSI is deeply committed to improving the health of individuals and communities, working for over 40 years in partnership with people, their communities, organizations, and governments to advance health outcomes and build responsive health systems. inSupply Health, Ltd. an East African JSI affiliate, cultivates locally grown solutions and builds capacity to strengthen health systems and supply chains and to improve people’s access to quality, affordable health services and products in Africa. inSupply’s team of African professionals co-design solutions with clients and communities, embedding HCD approaches in implementation models and deploying innovative methods for reaching youth, such as gaming platforms. inSupply also empowers young professionals through internships and placements.

HCD Exchange is co-funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, William & Flora Hewlett Foundation and Children’s Investment Fund Foundation

JSI and inSupply Health are recruiting an HCD consultant to support our team in Nairobi, Kenya.

About You

You are an HCD practitioner with experience in global health, preferably reproductive health, and potentially youth programming. You are excited about integrating HCD into global health practice and have experience working with both public health implementers and designers/design firms generating insights and co-creating solutions in the health space. You excel at communicating and connecting people to work toward a common purpose and learning goal.

About this Role

In this role you will be instrumental in supporting the HCD Exchange Community of Practice (CoP) to define gaps and needs related to capacity and experience in HCD/ASRH practice, creating opportunities for collaboration and learning, and supporting CoP working groups to develop and test practical tools and guidance related to advancing the integration of HCD into ASRH. You will work with the HCD Exchange Advisor to conduct design research and guide the HCD Exchange team and CoP in defining and executing the agenda for HCD Exchange over the next two years. You will also help co-create a Youth Leadership Hub that will guide the work of the HCD Exchange with respect to youth involvement. You will also serve as a focal point for promoting high standards in HCD practice.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Support and promote the use of HCD in ASRH programs across the HCD Exchange Community of Practice, including managing or providing HCD technical assistance and learning and exchange opportunities for CoP members and funders
• Ensure the human-centered perspective is maintained as central throughout the work of the HCD Exchange
• Design or enable capacity building in HCD approaches (design research, iterative prototyping, user testing, and learning-through-making) for CoP members.
• Raise awareness of HCD methods and tools and their relevance to ASRH practice.
• Provide direction, manage deliverables, and ensure high quality standards are met related to the development of tools and public goods related to HCD/ASRH integration.
• Cultivate collaboration across CoP members and attract new members to the CoP through networking, communication and outreach
• Contribute to HCD Exchange team and CoP collaborative activities for a range of purposes including facilitation of multidisciplinary co-creation workshops.
• Develop and nurture links between the HCD Exchange and the HCD practitioner community in East Africa and globally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree required in fields of design, innovation, behavioral science, anthropology or sociology; or Bachelor's degree with relevant experience
• At least five years of work experience in international development and/or global public health, innovation, or a design-related field related field, with at least four years of work experience applying and leading HCD methodologies.
• High level of creativity, adaptability, and expertise in delivering technical assistance or consulting services to local and international organizations.
• Knowledge of emerging HCD research approaches, tools, and ways to present findings.
• Proficient in research methodology, study design, and analysis/reporting.
• Previous experience in developing and implementing HCD-related training or learning activities.
• Organized, proactive, self-directed, efficient, and able to manage multiple and complex activities in a timely manner.
• Strong interpersonal and social skills including excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills and experience working across diverse cultures.
• Previous experience working with major international development organizations and technical partners.
• French not required but preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel.