Health Systems Strengthening Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to a collaborative, mission-driven culture that aims to improve the lives of the poor throughout the world. The agency emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Health Systems Strengthening Advisor will play a crucial role in the anticipated CDC-PEPFAR health systems strengthening project. This position involves delivering expert guidance and hands-on support to government ministries, departments, and agencies to enhance health systems through continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes. The advisor will facilitate and coach facility-based quality improvement teams, drive rapid learning cycles, and support the development and implementation of effective measurement strategies and change packages. The role also includes fostering collaborative learning environments that advance high-quality health outcomes within Nigeria’s health sector. The advisor will engage in both remote and on-site activities to ensure the effective application of standards, best practices, and partnership principles, ultimately ensuring the delivery of high-quality health services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The advisor's responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of strategies, standards, tools, and best practices for improving operational processes while effectively engaging partners, donors, and governments. They will provide advisory support to strengthen the capacity of facility-based teams through targeted coaching and practical tools, facilitating on-site mentorship and supportive supervision. The advisor will guide teams in strategic planning and the application of best practices, ensuring efficient systems for tracking key health metrics. They will also develop learning strategies to document successful changes and facilitate collaborative learning sessions across facilities. Leading rapid learning cycles, the advisor will help teams identify root causes, design and test changes, and assess impacts. Additionally, maintaining relationships with donors and peer organizations, participating in health systems strengthening forums, and promoting CRS’ work are key aspects of the role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in public health, Health Services Management, or related health sciences. A Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred. The position requires a minimum of eight to ten years of relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities, ideally within an international NGO, including at least five years of field-based experience in continuous quality improvement. Proficiency in MS Office packages, web conferencing applications, and information management systems is essential. Candidates should have knowledge of technical principles in CQI, project design, proposal development, and capacity-strengthening best practices. Strong relationship management skills, strategic thinking, and technical writing abilities are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in public health, Health Services Management, or related health sciences. A Master's degree in a relevant field is considered an advantage, providing candidates with a deeper understanding of health systems and management principles.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight to ten years of relevant work experience, with progressive responsibilities ideally in an international NGO context. At least five years of this experience should be in field-based roles focused on continuous quality improvement, demonstrating a solid understanding of health systems and operational processes.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position includes supervisory responsibilities and requires strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse teams. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and candidates are expected to adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct.