Senior Program Associate, Health

Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too.

We have a unique and vibrant culture at R4D. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work environment and help advance our mission. Diversity—of ideas, identities, perspectives and backgrounds—is vital to who we are and what we do. We seek people who embrace these values and will help reinforce them. Our work culture is collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial. We operate based on trust and respect. Teams across the organization frequently collaborate on programmatic work and support each other in continuously building a better R4D.

R4D’s health portfolio leverages extensive networks and expertise to improve health and achieve equity in health outcomes for all people around the world. Whether it’s assessing policies that can support research and development on new drugs and vaccines, exploring innovations in healthcare and connecting innovators to each other or to investors, supporting the growing global movement for universal health coverage, or producing on-demand research and forecasting to help countries and global institutions plan their healthcare futures, R4D’s global health work unlocks new possibilities for global health actors worldwide.

R4D is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Senior Program Associate (SPA) to work on our Global Health Team to provide technical and program management support across R4D’s program, the Health Systems Strengthening Accelerator. Responsibilities on the Accelerator will include providing analytical and logistical support to learning activities on equitable approaches to health systems strengthening and countries’ efforts to sustainably integrate COVID-19 vaccination into their routine immunization programs.

This position is currently remote due to COVID-19. There is a strong preference for those who can be based in Washington, DC once COVID restrictions have been lifted. This position will report to a Senior Program Officer on the Health team.

Responsibilities

The SPA will serve as a key member of the project team, providing support for implementation of project activities. Responsibilities of the SPA will encompass administrative, project management, operational, research, writing, and communication tasks.

Potential responsibilities include:

• Monitor and facilitate the execution of deliverables through collaboration with implementing teams, country-based consultants, funders, and other technical partners
• Support project teams with the development and production of highly polished briefs, reports, presentations, concept notes, blog posts, meeting summaries, and e-communications on key topics of interest, including taking on independent development of short project documents
• Support technical teams in designing and conducting virtual/in-person/hybrid meetings with project staff, consultants, and external partners, including, but not limited to: supporting the identification of webinar platform and connectivity options; supporting participant outreach and management before, during, and after meetings or events; working closely with project and IT teams during events; and providing logistical support as needed (e.g. notetaking, emailing handouts, keeping track of attendees, etc.)
• Support the implementation of high-quality monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities related to project implementation (e.g. developing and or monitoring theories of change and qualitative research protocols, gathering and organizing data from public sources)
• Provide support on a range of administrative/operational tasks including developing contracts; budget and expenditure tracking; invoice processing; organizing meetings and webinars; monitoring workplans; liaising with project stakeholders; and supporting the recruitment of staff and consultants
• Support the development and/or maintenance of strong relationships and clear communications with key external stakeholders, including funders, partners, and country officials.
• Participates fully as a member of R4D by contributing, assisting and participating in projects, activities, and initiatives as requested by management.

Qualifications

• BA in health policy, public health, or relevant field; at least three (3) years relevant work experience OR Master’s degree with at least one year of relevant work experience
• Basic understanding of global health and key principles of health system strengthening and/or equity (knowledge of immunization systems in low- or middle-income contexts preferred)
• Experience living/working in low or middle-income contexts is highly desired
• Experience working on USAID, other donor-funded initiatives, or consortium-led projects preferred
• Ability to meet rigorous timelines, track results and effectively manage multi-stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to set priorities and handle multiple competing time and resource demands; highly organized
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, as well as an ability to describe technical problems and solutions to a non-technical audience
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Proficiency in French desirable, but not required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Advanced PowerPoint design skills desirable
• An understanding of webinar technology preferred