Technical Advisor, Maternal and Newborn Health, Emergency Referral Systems

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization founded in 2002, primarily in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Its mission is to save lives and reduce the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries by supporting governments and the private sector in creating and sustaining high-quality health systems. CHAI operates in over 40 countries and has expanded its focus beyond HIV to include infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes. The organization emphasizes sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that programs are designed to be nationally scalable and that learnings are shared globally. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce enhances its mission and effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor for Maternal and Newborn Health Emergency Referral Systems will provide overall technical and operational leadership for the Emergency Referral Systems (ERS) program in Zambia. This role is crucial for improving access to lifesaving maternal and newborn care by enhancing community referral activation, emergency transport, and facility readiness. The advisor will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the program, supervising the ERS team, and ensuring compliance with the approved program document, work plan, budget, and donor requirements. The position requires frequent travel to the Copperbelt and Southern Provinces, where the program will be implemented in six high-burden districts, with additional support across all 25 districts in the provinces. The advisor will collaborate closely with government entities, partners, and stakeholders to institutionalize effective and sustainable emergency referral and transport systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor will lead the ERS program by providing technical, operational, and strategic leadership. Responsibilities include translating the program document into clear priorities and implementation plans, supervising and mentoring the ERS team, managing day-to-day program activities, and ensuring compliance with CHAI, Ministry of Health, and donor requirements. The advisor will coordinate stakeholder engagement, lead program inception and biannual meetings, and oversee the mapping of existing vehicles and referral pathways. They will also manage the procurement and deployment of ambulances, guide the development of transport-management plans, and strengthen referral decision-making processes. Additionally, the advisor will oversee training and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare workers and community health workers, ensuring effective community engagement and awareness activities. Monitoring and evaluation will be a key focus, with responsibilities for overseeing internal assessments, developing performance dashboards, and coordinating with external evaluators. Finally, the advisor will lead efforts to integrate ERS priorities into government planning processes and develop sustainability strategies for the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in public health, health systems, health policy and management, business administration, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in public health program implementation is required, including at least three years in leadership roles managing multidisciplinary teams or complex health-system-strengthening programs. Demonstrated experience in maternal and newborn health, emergency referral systems, or related health service delivery programs is essential. Candidates should have a strong understanding of government-led health systems and experience working with health authorities in Zambia or similar contexts. Strong program management skills, including budget oversight and risk management, are necessary, along with excellent leadership, people management, and stakeholder engagement abilities. Analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a high level of integrity and commitment to CHAI's values, are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in public health, health systems, health policy and management, business administration, or a closely related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively lead and manage public health programs, particularly in the areas of maternal and newborn health and emergency referral systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in public health program implementation. This includes at least three years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams or managing complex health-system-strengthening programs. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing, implementing, or strengthening maternal and newborn health programs, emergency referral systems, or related health service delivery initiatives. Experience working effectively with national and subnational health authorities in Zambia or comparable settings is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zambia would be considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and engagement with community members and local partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position based in Lusaka, Zambia. The role requires frequent travel to the Copperbelt and Southern Provinces. CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a fair and respectful work environment. The organization values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce is essential for advancing its mission. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the hiring process.