Health Systems Technical Officer at Population Reference Bureau

Essential/Primary Responsibilities:

The HSS Technical Officers will advance the HSS component of the Kenya KHPQS Coast Project by driving results in capacity strengthening, advocacy, and meaningful engagement of young people in project activities. This role is located in Kilifi.  Specific responsibilities include:

Technical Leadership and Advisory role

• Provide Technical Leadership and Advisory Services on health financing, health services, commodity security, HRH and leadership and governance.
• In close liaison with county HSS officers, support the County Health Management Teams (CHMTs) to strengthen capacity and systems for efficient delivery of essential health services, including planning and budgeting and implementation of the MTEF Cycle. 
• Continuously assess county needs in liaison with other consortium staff and recommend additional HSS support that would achieve the project’s objectives, and provide technical support to implement the same, 
• Contribute to design and use of HIV Prevention and treatment, FP/RMNCAH and Nutrition data, such as coordinating the completion scorecards i.e., Strengthening HMIS with support from the project’s MLE Advisor. 
• Co-ordinate development of organizational capacity assessment tool with counties and develop targeted capacity development plans. 
• Work closely with other project staff to ensure that project strategies and approaches are delivered in a coherent and coordinated way.
• Facilitate legislative efforts towards financial autonomy in the counties for health Department through contribution to Health Bills i.e., FIF, CHS and improved understanding of the Public Financial Management Act. 

Capacity Development: 

• Promote the development of CSO and CHMT service delivery and policy development capacity through HSS strategies such as training, one-on-one mentorship and on-the-job training, supportive supervision, etc.

Project Management: 

• Ensure quality and timely delivery of project activities. 
• Ensure implementation of HSS work plans and achievement of results in the 2 counties of focus. 
• Manage performance of the Health Systems Strengthening milestones to the donor. 
• Provide regular narrative and milestone reports for donor reporting as required. 
• Promote a culture of learning within the project and more broadly, proactively document and disseminate technical results and lessons. 

Partnerships and Teamwork:

• Represent PRB and consortium partners professionally ensuring the project is well regarded. 
• Build strong partnerships with the county government and other key stakeholders to ensure the project is in line with government priorities and the successful implementation of the project. 
• Actively identify and follow up on opportunities to leverage support and resources for the project that will contribute to, or further the objectives of the project. 

Required Qualifications:

• A first university degree in public health, health systems/services administration, health management or health related field from an accredited/recognized institution.
• An advanced university degree (master’s level or above) in public health, health systems/services administration, health management or health related field from an accredited/recognized institution, or post-graduate qualification in policy analysis.
• Experience in broad range of the HSS pillars
• Experience in the provision of technical support to the annual planning and budget process within a ministry of health or local health authority
• Experience in budget tracking and budget analysis for use in decision-making and/or advocacy
• Solid understanding of health systems in Kenya including the relationship between national and decentralized levels.
• Experience in evidence-based advocacy for improved health outcomes
• Experience of working and interacting with CSOs, Faith Based Organizations and government officials at national and sub-national level.
• Experience of packaging and communicating information for different audiences in an engaging way.
• Knowledge of HIV Prevention and Treatment, Family Planning, Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Nutrition
• Experience in the remote and in-person provision of technical assistance to build and transfer skills and ensure high-quality delivery.
• Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation of health programs.
• Experience of networking to build successful relationships with potential clients, collaborators, and consultants.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with decision-makers.  
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and prioritize according to staff needs and deadlines. 
• Ability to work independently. 
• Excellent group facilitation skills. 
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, with the ability to work occasionally in the evenings to participate in meetings with US-based PRB staff.  
• Excellent organizational, writing, and oral presentation skills. 
• Proficiency in Zoom and other web-based communication platforms.
• Proficiency in the use of social media for advocacy and communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build relationships with stakeholders, local partners, host country governments, and international donor agencies—especially USAID.
• An understanding of and ability to navigate the cultural sensitivities in the Coast region. 
• Willingness to relocate to Kilifi as neeed
• Kenya National or legal Resident with the ability to work legally in Kenya without sponsorship. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with USAID program implementation.
• Significant experience in Health System strengthening with particular focus on quality health service delivery, Health Financing, Health Information, commodity security etc. 
• Experience conducting policy analyses, using data and evidence to advocate for policy change, and designing advocacy strategies.
• Solid skills in translating data, synthesizing, and writing for non-technical policy audiences.
• Experience working with Kenyan government institutions, particularly in Coast province.