Associate, Health Systems Strengthening

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. Founded in 2002 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, CHAI aims to reduce the price of life-saving drugs and increase access to these medicines in countries with the highest disease burden. Over the years, CHAI has expanded its focus to include infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes. The organization is committed to strengthening health systems through various programs, including human resources for health, digital health, and health financing. With a diverse team of enthusiastic individuals across 40 countries, CHAI emphasizes the importance of local engagement and leadership in its mission to improve health outcomes globally. CHAI is also an Equal Opportunity Employer, valuing diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Associate position within CHAI's Health Systems Strengthening group is focused on collaborating with governments to build resilient and equitable health systems. The role involves supporting Ministries of Health and Finance to optimize health spending and strengthen national systems, including workforce, digital infrastructure, and supply chains. The Associate will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by declining foreign aid, particularly through the establishment of Technical Support Units (TSUs) that help countries navigate financial pressures while implementing necessary reforms. The position requires a strong analytical capacity and the ability to provide hands-on support for program finance work, ensuring effective coordination across various stakeholders and geographies. The Associate will also be expected to travel frequently to provide surge analytical support during critical periods, contributing to the overall goal of improving service delivery and health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Associate include providing surge analytical support to CHAI country teams during critical periods, which may involve extended travel to program countries. This support includes conducting gap analyses, costings, and scenario modeling to prioritize interventions and support negotiations for Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Global Fund applications. The Associate will develop analytical tools and materials to aid decision-making on resource allocation and program finance, working closely with country teams to translate findings into actionable recommendations. Additionally, the Associate will assist in monitoring and reporting by collecting and consolidating progress updates, identifying challenges, and maintaining tracking for key deliverables and metrics. The role also involves synthesizing insights from country-level work into clear summaries for broader team use, contributing to knowledge management and learning initiatives, and preparing materials for internal and external meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in public health, economics, public policy, international development, or a related field. A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in global health, health systems strengthening, or international development is required. Strong analytical skills are essential, particularly in Excel for modeling and data analysis. Candidates should have experience in developing high-quality presentations and written materials for diverse audiences, with proficiency in PowerPoint. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines are crucial. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration across cultures and with diverse stakeholders. Willingness to travel frequently (up to 50% of the time) and spend extended periods in program countries is required, along with comfort in fast-paced and ambiguous environments.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in public health, economics, public policy, international development, or a related field is required for this position. A Master's degree in a relevant field is considered an advantage, as it may provide additional insights and knowledge beneficial for the role.

Experience:
The position requires 3-5 years of professional experience in global health, health systems strengthening, or related fields. Candidates with prior experience working in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa or Asia, will be at an advantage. Familiarity with health financing concepts and donor funding mechanisms is also beneficial.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in English is mandatory for this role. Proficiency in French or other languages used in CHAI program countries is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve a significant amount of travel, with expectations of up to 50% travel time to program countries. The role is likely to be full-time and may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate the needs of various stakeholders. CHAI is committed to providing a supportive work environment and values the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds.