District Program Coordinator (DPC)/ Community Health Quality Improvement (CHQI) Officer

RTI International

Details / requirements:

RTI International is an independent organization dedicated to conducting innovative, multidisciplinary research that improves the human condition. Please visit our website at www.rti.org/globalhealth for more information on our work in global health.

RTI International is seeking “District Program Coordinator (DPC)” and “Community Health Quality Improvement (CHQI) Officer” candidates for the USAID-Health for Life (H4L) Project.  Health for Life (H4L) is a five-year (2012-2017) project financed by USAID and working primarily in coordination with the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP). As a result, H4L has a significant national presence to support the testing and roll-out of national-level policies, guidelines and programs. In addition to the national focus, the Project covers 12 districts in the Mid-Western Development Region; 3 in the Western; one each in the Eastern, Central and Far-Western Regions; and in 10 (Dolakha, Dhading, Gorkha, Kavre, Makwanpur, Nuwakot, Ramechhap, Rasuwa, Sindhuli and Sindhupalchowk) most earthquake affected districts to strengthen district and village health systems and help identify and implement best practices. H4L collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic and research institutions, training centers, media partners and civil society.

The primary goal of H4L is to strengthen the Government of Nepal’s capacity to plan, manage and deliver high-quality and equitable family planning, maternal, newborn, and child health services.  H4L activities directly address key health system constraints in the following areas: local health systems governance, data for decision making and evidence-based policy development, human resources management, quality improvement systems, and knowledge and behavior change. DPCs and CHQI Officer will be based in 14 district - 2 in the Western region (Arghakhanchi; Kapilbastu) and 12 in the Mid-Western region (Kalikot; Jumla; Jajarkot; Rukum; Rolpa; Pyuthan; Dang; Salyan; Banke; Bardiya; Surket and Dailekh).

Responsibilities of DPC:

  • Works closely with the District Development Committee (DDC),  District /Public Health Office (D/PHO), Village Development Committee (VDC) and Health Facility Operations and Management Committee (HFOMC) and other stakeholders  in the district to implement H4L’s capacity building and health systems strengthening technical assistance;
  • Provides technical assistance to D/PHO  routinely to implement joint district work plan focusing on high-priority VDCs to reduce disparities of access and use of health services;
  • Supports systems strengthening of family planning, reproductive, maternal, child, newborn health and nutrition (FP/RH/MNCHN) activities, including recording and reporting, especially in high-priority VDCs;
  • Builds the capacity of district and VDC government and other stakeholders in the district regarding health governance and planning and budgeting activities with proper coordination and collaboration;
  • Supports H4L implemented assessments and studies;
  • Supports D/PHO and Health Facility In-Charge in improving recording, reporting, analysis and use of HMIS, and other relevant data for effective program management;
  • Supports the implementation and dissemination of gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) sensitive programs, activities, messages, and materials in the district for H4L supported activities;
  • Builds the capacity of  health workers and FCHVs in the district to address missed opportunities during service delivery;
  • Provides technical assistance to draft district communications plans following NHEICC guidelines;
  • Works closely with H4L senior advisors and specialists, and partners to use technology (mobile- and tablet-based outreach, text messaging, self-generated reminders, etc.) for selected activities in  H4L districts;
  • Provides day-to-day supervision of, and works collaboratively with, the district-level H4L Community Health Quality Improvement Officer;
  • Prepares periodic District Program Reports and submits to Regional Manager;
  • Carries out other activities as assigned by the supervisor;
  • Reports to Regional Manager based in Nepalgunj.

Desired Qualifications and experience:

  • Masters Degree in public health, policy, rural/community development or related field and at least 3 years of experience (or a Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of experience) in Nepal;
  • Demonstrated experience in the implementation of community-based programs (experience in health programs, especially those focused on increasing access to and use of health services, promoting evidence-based best practices for improving the quality of health interventions that reduce morbidity and mortality of mothers, infants, and children, preferred);
  • Extensive field experience in targeted districts and solid understanding of the realities and complexities of working in hard-to-reach villages with marginalized and disadvantaged groups, and integrating crosscutting GESI strategies;
  • Demonstrated success in providing hands-on capacity building and technical assistance to partners and stakeholders;
  • Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with government counterparts, local organizations, and other program and partners;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in Nepali and English;

Responsibilities of CHQI Officer:

  • Provides guidance and technical assistance for D/PHO, health facilities, HFOMCs, and other district level structures to identify QI issues, address gaps, mobilize resources and better serve communities with quality FP/MNCH-N services.
  • Coordinates with D/PHO, DDC, health facilities and other key stakeholders for smooth conduction of H4L activities.
  • Provides technical assistance to D/PHO - in planning, implementing, monitoring and budgeting of health services; and promotion -health governance activities related to H4L objectives.
  • Supports establishing/functionalization of district QAWG and health facility quality improvement committees and monitor implementation of action(s) including activities related to infection prevention and health care waste management; and monitoring of these activities.
  • Supports D/PHO and HF staff in transferring skill (coaching) to HF staff by implementing self-assessment approaches to improve quality of services.
  • Strengthens the use of data at the district and VDC levels for decision-making, for improving the quality and access.
  • Supports different assessments and studies.
  • Supports the implementation and dissemination of H4L gender equity and social inclusion (GESI)
  • Sensitive approaches, programs, messages, and materials at the district level.
  • Facilitates in enhancing the counseling skills of the health workers/volunteers at district and below to address the missed opportunities during service delivery period.
  • Provides technical assistance in drafting district communication intervention plan following NHEICC guideline for executing the activities effectively and efficiently.
  • Explores opportunities to integrate IEC/BCC activities with other district based stakeholders.
  • Helps regional, central, and local technical assistance partner (LTAP) technical staff and consultant to identify technical assistance needs and works with local stakeholders and H4L staff   to develop and manage LTAP scopes of work.
  • Prepares H4L district-based reports and briefs as required; document case studies, lessons    learned and challenges at the district and sub-district levels.
  • Supports H4L ANM pre-service activities at ANM schools and clinical practice sites (particularly in Banke, Jumala, Dang, Kapilvastu district).
  • Works with specialists and advisors for specific technical issues to provide support to D/PHO and to other district and sub-district structures.
  • Carry out activities as assigned by supervisors.
  • Reports to Regional Manager based in Nepalgunj.

Desired Qualifications and experience:

  • Master’s Degree in public health or related field and at least 1 year of experience or a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience
  • PCL Nursing/ HA background preferred. 
  • Demonstrated experience in the implementation of community based health programs. 
  • Extensive field experience working with rural and remote communities. 
  • Demonstrated success in providing hands-on capacity building and technical assistance to health care providers and other stakeholders. 
  • Experience integrating cross-cutting issues such as gender equity and social inclusion. 
  • Good oral and written communication skills and fluency in English.

To Apply: Qualified applicants should submit a resume with contact information to Operations Manager, Health for Life (H4L), P. O. Box: 3172, Lalitpur, Nepal or email: marora@np-h4l.rti.org with ‘District Program Coordinator (DPC) or Community Health Quality Improvement (CHQI) Officer’’ in the subject line with the mention of preferred district. Deadline is 17 July 2016; however, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Telephone inquiry will not be entertained.  

Female and candidates particularly from disadvantaged and socially excluded groups are highly encouraged to apply.

Overview

Category Public Health
Experience Please check vacancy details.
Education Please check vacancy details
Posted Date 30 Jun, 2016
Apply Before 17 Jul, 2016
City Lalitpur