Pact Overview

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant.

Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Position Purpose

Pact seeks an experienced Senior Technical Advisor – Health Systems Strengthening (STA-HSS) for the USAID/Zambia Integrated Health Activity (ZIHA). USAID/Zambia intends to award a $120M contract to support the USAID and PEPFAR objectives of 95/95/95. ZIHA will improve health outcomes of Zambians through equitable access to high-quality, client-centered HIV, TB/HIV, MNCH, and FP/RH services, products, and information, and strengthen integration of these services at the health facility and community levels when applicable. The STA-HSS will provide technical leadership and manage the implementation of HSS interventions at national and sub-national levels in support of sustainable achievement of ZIHA’s goals. ZIHA is anticipated to be a five-year activity. This position is contingent upon award and is anticipated to be based in Lusaka.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and support in building the capacity of the Government of Zambia (GRZ) and community-based structures to lead and manage local health systems that provide quality, integrated health services to vulnerable populations.
• Provide technical expertise on HSS issues, including but not limited to service delivery integration and quality; policy formulation and dissemination; human resources for health; supply chain management; monitoring, planning and coordination; and/or health systems resilience to public health threats.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for GRZ partners, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), for coordination and provision of technical assistance on HSS.
• Lead the implementation of a site-by-site transition plan to shift project support from direct service delivery to technical assistance in focus districts and provinces, based on agreed upon criteria and milestones.
• Provide targeted capacity building to Provincial and District Health Officers (P/DHOs) in translating national policies into action and implementing HSS initiatives that strengthen coordination and effective integration of HIV, TB, MNCH and FP services.
• Provide input into HSS components of project workplans, reports, and budget, and participate in project level processes to ensure integration with other project components.
• Monitor the implementation of HSS activities, ensuring that HSS objectives, targets, and deliverables are achieved on time and on budget.
• Liaise with USAID and key stakeholders, including MOH, civil society, private sector, and other USAID projects, on HSS issues relevant to the project.
• Participate in technical working groups addressing HSS issues linked to the project.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in public health or a relevant field.
• At least 8 years of experience in a senior leadership role in the health sector in implementing programs and interventions that support HSS.
• Demonstrated competencies in designing and implementing HSS activities for provision of HIV, TB, MCNH, and/or FP services in large-scale, complex, international development assistance programs, preferably with USAID and PEPFAR-funded programs.
• In-depth understanding and knowledge of Zambia’s healthcare and public health systems across all government levels.
• Experience leading technical teams, achieving deliverables, and working under USAID contracts preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, and work with and between different stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with government and civil society stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Strong professional written and oral communications skills in English.
• Ability to travel within Zambia and occasionally internationally, when health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 diminish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical qualification (medical doctor, clinical officer, nurse, midwife, or other cadres).
• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Zambia.
• Zambian nationals are encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.