Focus of the Role

Are you excited by the prospect of transforming developing and emerging nations in Africa through the application of technology and innovations in the health sector? Do you have experience implementing systemic and transformative change programmes in emerging or developing countries? Do you thrive on driving the end-to-end delivery of transformative projects?

We are looking to hire an exceptional Digital Health Programme Manager with experience and expertise managing digitisation programmes in the health sector. The Programme Manager will coordinate the implementation of a suite of technology, digitisation and innovation initiatives with the Government of Zambia.

As part of TBI’s Tech for Development programme in Zambia, the role will focus on supporting the effective delivery of Zambia’s 2022-2026 Digital Health Strategy. Joining a fast-growing team and report to our in-country Head of Tech, the Digital Health Programme Manager will work closely with the Ministry of Health to support the planning, operationalisation, and coordination of interventions across the sector. This is a key role requiring a candidate with relevant expertise in digitisation and health tech, proven experience in project management, and the right skills, temperament and drive to deliver in a complex and sensitive government environment.

This role is for a fixed term of 12 months with the possibility of being extended beyond this.

Job Introduction

Key outcomes of the role:

Working closely with the Ministry of Health, Smart Zambia Institute, and other relevant agencies, technical committees and broader stakeholders, the post holder will be responsible for supporting the Government of Zambia to deliver against the ambitious 2022-2026 Digital Health Strategy. Key outcomes include:

• Ensuring the scoping, design and deployment of digital health initiatives are delivered in line with the Government of Zambia’s strategy, with effective coordination and management of activities and workstreams
• Support to our partnerships in other countries as required in development of our eHealth methodologies consistently across geographies
• Accurate, timely and impactful reporting of progress, with challenges and risks proactively raised, and successes communicated in an engaging and compelling manner

For candidates not based in country, relocation assistance may be provided for the successful candidate if required.

Key Responsibilities

In the immediate term, the key responsibilities are as follows:

• Support a diverse set of stakeholders from across Government, Donors, technology providers and other partners in supporting the delivery of the priority initiatives included in the 2022-2026 Digital Health Strategy
• Provide programme management support to the Ministry of Health, to accurately monitor implementation, driving forward delivery and supporting engagement with the broader stakeholder community
• Define and report success metrics to help evaluate the efficiency of implemented solutions
• Work closely with TBI Zambia’s Head of Tech and Digital Transformation Advisor to ensure TBI meets the needs of its stakeholder

The longer term responsibilities of the role include supporting adjacent technology applications to support Government’s eHealth priorities and wider digital services. This will involve:

• Planning: Working closely with TBI T4D team including Global Head of Health Tech, and in consultation with government interlocutors, design, maintain and continually improve country project plans and tools to roll out partnerships in the Digital Health sector. Also to be prepared to travel to other locations in support of surge eHealth projects and so transfer knowledge and expertise across our global footprint
• Execution and Monitoring: Review and maintain project goals, plans, proof points and KPIs. Report to and engage with T4D Zambia team, and Global Head of Health Tech, to drive delivery, ideate, troubleshoot and manage roll-out. Ensure all necessary risk, legal and financial compliance and processes are followed
• Government Relations: Support the Head of Tech Zambia, and Digital Transformation Advisor to maintain effective and trusted relationships with health sector stakeholders in government, in line with the country project strategy and positioning
• People: Support the recruitment and management of team staff, as required. The post holder will be expected to develop strong working relationships
• External Relations (non-governmental): Support the Zambia T4D team to engage with relevant external digital health stakeholders, including tech companies, donors, implementing agencies and other stakeholders in the tech and health sectors

Person Specification

We are looking for an experienced project manager:

• With experience in business operations, technology, consulting or advisory functions. With experience in health, health management systems, electronic health records, digital health
• With significant experience in the delivery of programmes in government, tech or health sectors, including management of digital transformation programmes
• With an understanding of the tech policy and regulatory environment in practice
• With the ability to work under pressure, and to coordinate with teams and multi-disciplinary advisors
• With strong communication and project management skills, with ITIL, PMP, PRINCE2 or other recognized project and service management certifications an asset. Who can work flexibly and be adaptable, open to changing approaches in response to changing situations on the ground
• With proven understanding of the policy context, how to influence policy and the discretion and judgment needed to navigate a complex environment.
• With a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
• A working knowledge of digital health technology and standards is an added advantage e.g. FHIR, DHIS2, ICD, SNOMED. Experience embedding change management in large-scale IT transformation programs

About The Institute

Fluency in English required.

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people

We do this within two connected divisions:

Government Advisory

Our Government Advisory teams work directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It works with a variety of partners and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia.

Policy Futures

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas:

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics;
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world.

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are:

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work. It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\’re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.