Senior Program Officer, Health

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer, Health will be instrumental in shaping and executing the foundation's strategy to enhance health outcomes across Africa. This role is part of the Africa team, which is focused on scaling evidence-based interventions that address prevalent diseases and socio-economic challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. The SPO will concentrate on strengthening the execution capacity of health initiatives, optimizing health financing, and scaling innovations aimed at improving maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) as well as infectious disease outcomes. Reporting to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director for Health & Delivery Systems, the SPO will spearhead the development and implementation of Health Transformation Units (HTUs) in collaboration with Ministries of Health. These units are designed to support governments in accelerating the introduction and scaling of priority health innovations, aligning resource allocation for health, and enhancing the execution of delivery programs at sub-national levels. The role also involves leading innovative delivery initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health service delivery platforms, particularly community-based delivery systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will have a range of responsibilities, including leading the design, launch, and ongoing support of Health Transformation Units (HTUs) in partnership with government ministries, particularly in East and Southern Africa. The SPO will support national governments in the rapid introduction and scale-up of priority health innovations targeting MNCH and infectious diseases through the HTU model. Responsibilities also include institutionalizing HTUs as effective platforms for performance management and donor coordination, ensuring they are integrated into government structures. The SPO will facilitate the alignment of planning, budgeting, and implementation processes between national and sub-national levels to optimize resource use for health outcomes. Additionally, the SPO will provide technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of Ministries of Health to translate HTU strategies into actionable plans and ensure these plans are reflected in budget allocations. The role requires collaboration with Ministries of Finance, donors, and technical partners to align financing with national health goals, promoting the use of real-time data and digital tools within HTUs for decision-making and performance monitoring. The SPO will also lead quality planning initiatives at national and regional levels, oversee the design and implementation of methodologies to improve health delivery efficiency, and ensure community health worker platforms are cost-efficient and integrated with primary care.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in global health or development, with a strong emphasis on health systems, financing, or service delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa. They should have demonstrated success in working with Ministries of Health and/or Finance on national health strategy, budgeting, or implementation planning. Proven experience in designing, leading, or supporting delivery units or performance management initiatives within public sector settings is essential. A strong understanding of public financial management, donor alignment, and the integration of external funding with national priorities is required. Candidates should also exhibit strong collaborative skills, the ability to orchestrate effective decisions across various stakeholders, and a proactive approach to conceiving strategies and actions.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant advanced degree in public health, health policy, international development, or a related field. Candidates with a strong academic background and specialized training in health systems or financing will be preferred.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in global health or development, particularly in health systems and service delivery within Sub-Saharan Africa. Experience working with government entities and managing complex health programs is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region, such as French or local languages, is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term position for 12 months, and relocation assistance will not be provided. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Ethiopia without requiring visa sponsorship. The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the application process. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination.