Job Title: Public Health Advisor
Location: Lesotho
Type: Full-time
Reports To: Senior Human Resource for Health Technical Advisor
Organization: Open Development
Project: Bophelo Bo Botle (BBB) – PEPFAR Award
Department: Open Development
Overview and Background:Open Development is a women-owned, small business headquartered in Washington D.C., that has operated in over 20 countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The company specializes in health and social workforce analytics, planning and financing models to expand the supply, coverage and equitable distribution for optimal performance and quality care that meets population health needs and is aligned with national health objectives. Open Development also helps countries design innovative financing agreements as performance-based financing mechanisms to align investments with sustainable health outcomes, strategies to mitigate financial risks in donor financing, and ensuring transparency and accountability through stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, Open Development has helped countries customize and expand the use of integrated Human Resource Information Systems (iHRIS) to enhance collection of data, analysis, and use for decision-making. The company counsels countries on innovative approaches to strengthen healthcare delivery, focusing on primary health care, community needs, and new financing and service delivery models.
Under the USAID-funded Bophelo Bo Botle Activity, Open Development will support the program to optimize and sustain the health workforce needed to meet HIV targets at sub-national levels. Because Lesotho is seeking to integrate and sustain HIV service delivery into primary healthcare (PHC), there is a need to systematically support the BBB program to develop guidance and policies to guide the sustainable transition of health workers. This includes determining the optimal number of health workers required to meet service demands and ensure quality of service, even as PEPFAR funding for direct service delivery recedes. To advance these health workforce and strategic planning goals, Open Development seeks a highly skilled and motivated Public Health Advisor.
Key Responsibilities:The Public Health Advisor will support health workforce sustainability and transition planning components of the BBB program. The primary focus will be to support the implementation of the Lesotho Human Resources for Health (HRH) strategy and improvement plan and the PEPFAR HRH sustainability frameworks at the sub-national level. To implement this work, the Public Health Advisor will work closely with Open Development staff in Lesotho (HRH Advisor and Health Program Coordinator) and in Washington, D.C. (Senior Analyst).
Specifically, the Public Health Advisor will be responsible for:- Coordinating with Open Development staff and district and facility managers in select districts to conduct a comprehensive health workforce needs assessment, to identify gaps and opportunities for improving workforce coverage.
- Preparing detailed reports, dashboards, and presentations to convey findings of the health workforce needs assessment. Lead planning of any dissemination meetings to deliver results/findings.
- Collecting analyzing and interpreting health workforce data to inform policy development.
- Developing district-specific reports to convey findings of the health workforce needs assessment
- Advising on the development and implementation of health workforce policies and procedures (i.e. surge support or recruitment plans) which will further strategies to promote the transition of health workers to local funding sources.
- Collaborating with BBB project teams to integrate health workforce best practices across program activities.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Representing Open Development in health workforce forums and working groups.
- Ensuring accurate and timely submission of health workforce-related reports internally, to PEPFAR, and other relevant bodies.
Education:
Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Policy Development, Human Resources, Health Systems, Social Development, Health Management or a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in workforce management, analysis, strategic planning, or policy development and monitoring in the health sector.
- Proven experience working with PEPFAR- or other development partner-funded projects.
- Strong understanding of health and social workforce issues in the context of HIV/AIDS and public health.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (i.e., MS excel).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- High level of organization and attention to detail.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to: [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis so early application is encouraged.
Open Development is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
