Primary Health Care Specialist at SoCha

• The Government of Kenya has accelerated the implementation of primary healthcare networks, the enactment of legislation, and payment of stipends to CHPs in pursuit of achievement of universal health coverage (UHC). SoCha, on behalf of COG and USAID, seeks a Public Health Expert to work closely with the Chairperson of the Health Committee and the Director of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Directorate to provide technical expertise on how to strengthen implementation of the primary health care model in the counties. The Expert will work closely with the Council of Governors and counties to support the roll out, functionality, measurement, and sustainability of the Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs).

Roles and Responsibilites

• Provide strategic thought leadership to the Health Committee of the COG in implementation of primary health care networks, health digitalization, and community-based referral systems.
• Advise on best practices regarding universal health coverage, PHC, digital health, and referral systems/m-mama to ensure the highest level of quality for the delivery of healthcare in the counties.
• Support the Health Committee of the CoG in documentation of the implementation and operationalization of primary healthcare networks in the country with a keen focus on the 24 USAID supported counties.
• Aid the counties in development of regulations for the enacted laws in the counties e.g. FIF, Quality of Care, PHC act. Support the development of work plans, policies, and strategies that incorporate the vision of primary healthcare and address universal health coverage.
• Act as a liaison between the National Government, the CoG, and the donor community and USAID that provide assistance to different counties.
• Work with the County Epidemiologists to compile data to track and trace emerging trends in diseases within PCNs, analyze trends regarding the health of certain populations and demographics, and coordinate monitoring and evaluation of the roll out and operationalization of PCNs and community- based referral systems/m-mama and the development and implementation of the regulations for UHC (results framework, baseline, processes monitoring to ensure quality in establishment of PCNs in accordance with the guidelines including social determinants of health).
• Strengthen linkages and coordination of public health interventions between counties and relevant national level intergovernmental structures.
• Perform any other tasks that may be assigned on related Primary Health Care issues.

Skills

• Policy development: Ability to conduct strategic analyses of health sector challenges and develop policy responses and implementation plans for those policies.
• Research: Ability to conduct information gathering, operational research, and data analysis and synthesize evidence from the findings into health policy recommendations, especially on health hazards and disease risks and on sanitation.
• Excellent coordination skills, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate effectively with other teams are essential traits for the consultant.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for effectively communicating findings, insights, and recommendations.
• Advocacy: Be an effective agent of change in the County health care system, advocating for evidence-based program and policy changes that enhance and ensure healthy populations.
• Relationship building: Establish credibility and earn the trust of those you work with in support of successful outcomes.
• Capacity building: Ability to design, develop and implement health education programs.
• Communication: Ability to speak and write persuasively to various audiences on health policy issues.
• Teamwork: In order to work toward shared goals and objectives, there will be a need to work closely with colleagues at CoG, National Government, and the donor community.
• Manages complexity and ambiguity effectively: demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively work virtually, and conversant with virtual meetings apps such as zoom, google meets, Microsoft teams.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Research, International Health, Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Family Health, Socio-medical Sciences, or any other field relevant to public health required.
• A minimum of three (3+) years of relevant work experience in the related area.
• Experience working in Kenya’s devolved health sector and other international development organizations is an advantage.
• Experience working in Primary Health Care Projects. Having participated in setting up of Primary Care network is an added advantage.
• Track record of analytical/diagnostic work: preparing high-quality technical reports, policy briefing materials, and presentations to influence public health decision making and implementation at national and county levels.
• Deep understanding of the Kenyan Health System at National and County Levels, preferably on-the-ground experience in both levels.
• Deep understanding of health legislation and regulations
• Experience working with/ consulting for development partners preferred.