Technical Advisor (Mtaps Operations Research and Program Management)

Funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by a consortium led by Management Sciences for Health (MSH), the goal of the five-year MTaPS Program (2018–2023) is to provide pharmaceutical system strengthening assistance in low- and middle-income countries to ensure sustainable access to and appropriate use of safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable essential medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies and pharmaceutical services. Overall Responsibilities The Technical Advisor (TA) supports Principal and Senior Technical Advisors in the management of select portfolios and the design and implementation of technical activities. S/he ensures that technical activities are implemented as per the work plans and in a timely manner and documents activities’ contributions to program-wide results. Under guidance from senior staff, s/he provides support to program quality reviews, activity reporting, and knowledge management activities. Technical Support (70%)

• Participate in the coordination, design, and implementation of technical activities in designated portfolios.
• Conduct desk-based and/or field-based research and technical assistance activities and contribute to activity deliverables.
• Review program documentation and activity products prior to submission to USAID and other stakeholders.
• Participate in research and analysis tasks related to the Cross Bureau and MNCH portfolios, and the program’s learning agenda.
• Take the lead in/support drafting reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts and other technical documents as required.
• Attend technical and brown bag informational meetings when required and prepare related briefs for senior technical staff.
• Support MSH’s business development efforts, as needed.
• Participate in other duties, as assigned.

Program Management (30%)

• Support Core-funded portfolio managers in the development of work plans and budget management.
• Participate in program review activities and provide recommendations on improving the implementation of activities and achievement of program results.
• Support program staff in the adequate documentation and dissemination of program results.

Up to 10% domestic or international may be required. Education

• Required: Graduate degree in pharmacy, public health, health policy or another health-related field.
• Preferred: pharmacist qualification.

Experience

• Required:
  • Minimum four years of relevant experience in international public health with a focus on strengthening health and/or pharmaceutical systems in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Specialized training and/or some experience relating to pharmaceutical systems or supply chain management.
• Preferred: Experience with programs supported by bilateral agencies, such as USAID, CDC and international agencies such as the Global Fund, UNITAID, WHO, and World Bank.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated ability to prepare documents on complex topics, and to write and present ideas clearly and succinctly.
• Strong scientific and technical writing skills.
• Ability to use data to present results using best practices in data visualization. Intermediate or advanced experience in Excel or a statistical analysis software package is an advantage.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability for teamwork in a multicultural environment; experience working in low- and middle-income countries is an advantage
• Ability to converse in one of MSH’s primary working languages, in addition to English (e.g., French, Spanish, Portuguese)

Competencies

• Understands the basic concepts/core issues of pharmaceutical systems strengthening and health systems.
• Applies critical thinking and actively seeks inputs and advice from colleagues in the support of technical activities.
• Able to analyse program information (e.g., policy questions, operational research questions, program implementation progress and hindrances) and distil lessons learned and operationally relevant recommendations.
• Collaborates in a highly matrixed organization, engaging colleagues in open dialogue with respect and collegiality.
• Proven self-starter, who works effectively in collaborative and independent settings.