Abt Associates Technical Specialist Job

Technical Specialist, Kenya
 

International Health, Private Sector Health Systems

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
 

Job Requisition Number: 2012 6610

Baseline Job Responsibilities

A Technical Specialist (TS) at this level has direct project management responsibility for a project (or one or several component(s) of a large project) that is large, highly complex, highly visible, and well-funded.  

The TS has an expert role and the technical input is crucial to the project. 

This is a supervisory position.

Job Details

1. Direct project management responsibility for a project (or one or several component(s)of a large project) that is large, highly complex, highly visible, and well-funded. 
2. As a recognized expert in the professional field, performs important and complex analytical, evaluative, and consultative work.
3. Development and implementation of the project/project component’s technical aspects.
4. Management and ongoing assessment of the project/project component’s technical aspects. Advises changes and improvements to Project Director and takes responsibility for implementation.
5. Can serve as a Technical Advisor to the Project Director and other Technical Specialists to provide research, analysis, and advisory services on project planning, implementation, training, monitoring and/or evaluation. 
6. Supervisory responsibility over a unit consisting of two or more staff members in situations where the role is operational.  But if the main role is an advisory role the supervisory role is not necessary. 
7. If the main role is primarily an advisory role, the incumbent collaborates at the highest levels of the government and serves as principal project advisor in identifying and networking with key stakeholders.  Nationally recognized expert in the field and the use of the expertise is crucial to project success.

Specific Job Responsibilities

The Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) project is USAID's flagship project in private sector health. 

It works to involve nongovernmental organizations and for-profit entities in addressing the many health needs of people in developing countries. 

SHOPS is seeking to hire a Technical Specialist to manage and lead its activities in Kenya. 

The technical specialist will be responsible for the following:

1. Lead technical assistance to support a variety of activities to engage the private sector in policy discussions including leading stakeholder workshops, providing direct technical assistance to PPP Health Kenya, and engaging with the Ministry of Health in integrating the private sector into the government’s health strategy.
2. Lead communication with USAID/Kenya regarding work plan, activity updates, reporting and deliverables.
3. Serve as main point of contact with key government stakeholders, as well as other donors and implementers engaged in private sector activities. 
4. Liaise with SHOPS Africa regional manager based in Bethesda to ensure good communication with SHOPS/HQ.
5. Track progress of activities against the work plan in accordance with available funding. As additional funding becomes available, continue to revise and add activities in consultation with SHOPS Team and USAID.
6. Implement/manage all technical components of the work plan.
7. Manage any consultants or subcontractors engaged to carry-out project activities.
8. Oversee and ensure proper documentation of all project expenditures and submit financial reports and back-up documentation to the home office for audit and reimbursement.
9. Lead business development efforts in Kenya as appropriate, by providing technical input into new proposals for USAID and other donors.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

10+ years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing USAID programs or other donor funded work.
• Project management experience: able to deal with various elements of a large project, and various team members across the world.
• Experience working in private health sector in Kenya.
• Experience in some of the following technical areas: private health sector, private health insurance, social insurance, micro-insurance, social franchise networks, health policy, quality of care standards.
• Excellent communication skills including writing and public speaking.
• Please include a short (3-5 page) writing sample.

Email your application and CV to Bernadette_lee@abtassoc.com