Management Sciences for Health Performance-Based Financing (PBF) Advisor Job Vacancy in Liberia

Position Title: PBF Advisor Project: Rebuilding Basic Health Services Location: Liberia

Background Information:
The Rebuilding Basic Health Services (RBHS) project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is the United States government’s major initiative in support of Liberia’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW). The project has significant health service delivery, health systems strengthening, and behavior change communication components. RBHS is a partnership among JSI Research and Training Institute, Jhpiego, the Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, and Management Sciences for Health.

Since July 2009, RBHS has been supporting health service delivery at 110 health facilities through performance-based contracts to five separate implementing partners. Similarly, the MOHSW currently supports 120 health facilities through performance-based financing (PBF). Over the coming 15 months, RBHS will phase out of health service delivery and responsibility for management of the US-government funded contracts will shift to the MOHSW. The Performance-based Financing Advisor will assist in the management of this transition and will be responsible for building the capacity of the MOHSW in PBF.

Overall Responsibilities:
The Performance-based Financing Advisor’s primary responsibilities will be to build the capacity of the MOHSW staff in PBF and to assist in the development of national systems to support PBF implementation. S/he will collaborate with the MOHSW to set clear objectives for the related activities. Moreover, s/he will contribute to the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan to determine progress towards meeting the objectives. The PBF Advisor will focus on skills transfer through on-the-job training, mentoring, and workshops. S/he will work to ensure that systems for implementation of PBF are harmonized among all donors and implementing partners. S/he will provide technical assistance to RBHS and partners on PBF until contracts expire in August 2013. The Advisor will be co-located with MOHSW staff at the Ministry’s office. This is a full time senior technical position that reports to the Chief of Party.

Specific Responsibilities:
• Lead the development of a plan for capacity building of MOHSW staff on PBF at central and county levels; • Advise on an appropriate MOHSW management structure for PBF at central and county levels;
• Train and mentor MOHSW staff on key technical components of PBF, e.g. identifying and setting targets; monitoring and evaluation (M&E); data validation; performance incentive/payment systems;
• Contribute to the development of related target setting, M&E, verification, and incentive systems within the MOHSW;
• Contribute to the development and refinement of relevant PBF tools and materials, e.g. operational manual, M&E dashboard;
• Ensure that quality improvement measures and quality indicators are consistently incorporated into MOHSW performance-based contracts;
• Collaborate with the MOHSW Contracts Office to ensure appropriate technical input into the contracting process;
• Assist in the establishment of appropriate communication fora and feedback links to partners;
• Assist the MOHSW to harmonize PBF systems across partners of all donors;
• Advise the MOHSW on the evolution and development of the national approach to PBF;
• Provide technical assistance to RBHS on further refinement of PBF activities and harmonization with MOHSW;
• Provide technical assistance for a smooth transfer of responsibility for USAID-funded performance-based contracts from RBHS to MOHSW;
• Leverage other technical resources within RBHS and partners to further build the capacity of MOHSW staff;
• Remain abreast of other developments within the Liberian health system and ensure that, where relevant, they are appropriately addressed within the PBF system;
• Represent RBHS on PBF to government partners, USAID, and other agencies;
• Contribute to RBHS’s annual strategic plan and work plan development;
• Contribute to relevant MOHSW initiatives as appropriate, including national- and county-level planning processes;
• Other activities as negotiated with the Chief of Party.

Qualifications
• Masters degree in health economics, public health or related field, and at least eight years work experience in international public health programs;
• Experience in designing, implementing and evaluating PBF projects;
• Familiarity with the principles and current approaches of PBF;
• Experience leading technical capacity-building efforts of MOHSW/public sector staff;
• Excellent teaching, mentoring, and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and to manage various projects on a daily basis with minimal supervision;
• Excellent writing and communications skills in English required;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with project staff, USAID, MOHSW, consultants, and international organizations;
• Computer literacy with demonstrated use of word processing, database and presentation software (Word, Excel, Power Point);
• Excellent organization skills, time management and attention to detail.

Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

To apply for this position, please visit the Employment Opportunities section of our website at https://jobs-msh.icims.com/jobs/4144/job.

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