Health Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization founded in 2002, dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI operates in over 40 countries and focuses on creating and sustaining high-quality health systems. Initially established to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic, CHAI has since expanded its mission to include a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The organization emphasizes the importance of investing in health systems and works closely with governments to ensure sustainable health solutions. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce enhances its mission and effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The Health Economist position at CHAI Zambia is designed to support the Ministry of Health (MOH) in navigating changes in health financing due to external funding shifts. The role involves providing technical expertise to help the MOH strategize and implement sustainable health care solutions. The Health Economist will work closely with the MOH and other government agencies, translating global health financing guidance into local strategies. This position is critical in ensuring that Zambia's health system remains resilient and can adapt to funding challenges while focusing on long-term sustainability. The incumbent will be embedded within the MOH, reporting to the Director of Policy and Planning, and will collaborate with the Sustainability Steering Committee to develop a robust health care system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Economist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting national and sub-national health planning and budgeting processes to address funding gaps.
• Conducting economic evaluations of health programs to prioritize based on cost-effectiveness and disease burden.
• Facilitating transparent resource allocation processes using data.
• Assisting in the development and review of resource allocation formulas for the MOH.
• Supporting cost modeling and financial projections for informed funding decisions.
• Conducting Public Expenditure Tracking surveys to identify inefficiencies in the health system.
• Providing technical support for the production of National Health Accounts.
• Analyzing program costs and performance data to enhance service delivery efficiency.
• Advocating for increased public funding for health and reviewing current financing mechanisms. 1
• Developing investment cases for high-priority health programs. 1
• Building capacity within the MOH for economic analysis and financing tools. 1
• Supporting the institutionalization of efficiency assessments and resource tracking mechanisms. 1
• Participating in sustainability steering committee meetings and adapting to evolving organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Health Economics, Public Health, International Development, or a related quantitative discipline. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in health management or health system strengthening is required, with a proven track record of using quantitative and economic analysis to inform health policies. Familiarity with cost-effectiveness and efficiency analyses is preferred. Candidates should have experience working with low- and middle-income country governments and donor agencies, along with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in Excel and statistical tools such as Stata or R is essential, as well as strong communication skills for preparing policy briefs and technical reports.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Public Policy, Health Economics, Public Health, or International Development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health financing and economic analysis in the context of health systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in health management or health system strengthening, with increasing responsibilities over time. Experience in providing technical assistance in health systems strengthening and capacity building is highly valued. Familiarity with the workings of Ministries of Health and donor agencies is also important, as is a strong understanding of health care financing at national and global levels.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as the role involves communication with government and donor audiences. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Zambia and is likely to be a full-time role. The Health Economist will be seconded to the Ministry of Health and will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of health financing in the country. The role may involve adapting to changing priorities and strategic needs as the health landscape evolves.