Senior Program Officer

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 combat 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 government-led solutions and sustainable impact, ensuring that programs are designed for national scalability and that learnings are shared globally. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce enhances its mission and effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Health Systems Integration program, focusing on strengthening supply chains, supporting digital health transitions, and enhancing overall health system delivery. This position requires a strategic and experienced individual who can contribute to improving commodity security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and facilitate the introduction of new initiatives that are vital for effective health systems delivery. The officer will be involved in various aspects of health system integration, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation, while also participating in resource mobilization efforts for funding opportunities. The role is essential for ensuring that health services are delivered effectively and equitably, particularly in the context of Zambia's evolving health sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting Health System Integration activities across planning, budgeting, forecasting, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management, and reporting.
• Participating in proposal development and resource mobilization for new and follow-on funding opportunities.
• Supporting ZAMMSA and partners in implementing the National Supply Chain Strategy and enhancing commodity security, including improvements in last-mile distribution and integration of digital supply chain systems.
• Contributing to strengthening commodity forecasting, quantification, pipeline monitoring, and inventory management.
• Providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and stakeholders towards the establishment and operationalization of the National Digital Health Intelligence Hub (NDHIH).
• Supporting emerging interventions aimed at improving quality of care, decentralization of services, and equitable service delivery.
• Analyzing workforce distribution, capacity shifts, and impacts of donor transitions on frontline and community health workers.
• Working with MOH coordination structures, including TWGs and leadership forums, to ensure effective governance and sector coordination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Systems, Economics, Public Health, or related fields. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in health programs, health systems strengthening, or supply chain management in low-resource settings is required. Strong technical understanding of national health systems, supply chain operations, and digital health transitions is essential. Candidates should have demonstrated experience working with government stakeholders and in complex multi-stakeholder environments. Exceptional analytical, project management, communication, and presentation skills are necessary, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced settings.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Systems, Economics, Public Health, or other related fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the various factors that influence health service delivery in low-resource settings.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in health programs, health systems strengthening, or supply chain management, particularly in low-resource environments. This experience is vital for effectively navigating the challenges associated with health system integration and ensuring successful program implementation.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and its operations. Knowledge of local languages in Zambia may be advantageous but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is expected to be based in Zambia. The role may involve working closely with government entities and other stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and coordination in health system strengthening efforts. The Senior Program Officer will be part of a diverse team committed to improving health outcomes in Zambia, and the position may require flexibility in terms of working hours and travel within the country.