Health Systems Specialist

Job Overview

This position is for a proposal the organization is working on. The Health Systems Specialist will provide support to the program, including governance, strategic planning, and other areas as desired. S/He will facilitate capacity building of state structures to institute feedback systems across facilities, conduct routine surveys and evaluations, and utilize findings for reviews, policy advocacy, and adaptive programming.

Responsibilities:

• Provides technical assistance to strengthen health systems and primary healthcare governance and management structures.
• Foster partnerships and collaborations with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, and community organizations.
• Ensure the integration of maternal and neonatal healthcare services within the broader health system framework.
• Identify training needs and develop capacity-building programs for healthcare professionals, focusing on maternal and neonatal healthcare.
• Provide technical assistance and support to healthcare facilities and staff, promoting best practices and evidence-based interventions.
• Identify opportunities for research and innovation to improve health outcomes and the delivery of services.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the healthcare system.
• Supports the adoption and implementation of the Group Antenatal Care (G-ANC) model.
• Assists in designing and implementing gender-intentional maternal and newborn health programs.
• Utilizes data and evidence to guide program design, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Support health systems strengthening interventions including leadership and management capacity building, policy development, health information systems, enhanced efficiency of supply chains, and skills building among health providers.
• Establish quality assurance mechanisms and standards for maternal and neonatal healthcare services.
• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and guidelines, maintaining high-quality care standards.
• Support client-required reporting and ensure knowledge management and documentation of effective application of HSS tools and resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Degree in health policy and administration, health sector development, public health, or any related field.
• A clinical background in obstetrics, gynecology, or pediatrics is desirable.
• At least 8 years of experience strengthening health systems with a focus on RMNCH programs at the state level in Nigeria.
• Experience with private sector engagement in the health sector
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives,
• Proven knowledge of HSS issues and trends, and the ability to integrate HSS with RMNCH services improvement and delivery.
• Strong analytical, advocacy, and program planning skills are required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to foresee problems and initiate appropriate action.
• Strong report-writing skills.
• Fluency in English required; Fluency in any local language in the project state will be an advantage.