John Snow Health Zambia Limited

ZAM-Health Project

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Quality Improvement Specialist (2)

Position Type: Full-Time

Location:  Lusaka and Kabwe

Reports to:  Provincial Manager (Lusaka and Kabwe)

Overview

The USAID Zambia Accessible Markets for Health (ZAM-Health) is a five-year project that aims to sustainably expand the availability and accessibility of high-quality health products and services in the private sector (PS), improve health knowledge, and increase the adoption of healthy and health-seeking behaviours. The program employs both supply and demand-side interventions working in partnership with the private sector (for-profit and non-profit entities) as well as the Government of Zambia, to achieve these outcomes. USAID ZAM-Health is implemented by John Snow Health Zambia (JSH) in partnership with JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), Media 365 and PharmAccess. The consortium applies a market facilitation approach to coordinate, catalyse, and harness the private sector to reach priority populations with health products, services and information.

PharmAccess will support health financing schemes and strategies and provides the necessary technical expertise to adapt/implement the SafeCare quality improvement model. SafeCare is an ISQUA accredited standards-based approach for measuring, improving, and recognizing the quality of healthcare services in low- and middle-income countries. Based on these standards, SafeCare also provides the tools, instruments, and methodology that are being used by partners, governments, and healthcare providers to improve the services they provide for people.

PharmAccess will significantly contribute to the objective ‘Sustainably expand availability and accessibility of high-quality health services through the private sector’. It will provide leadership, technical assistance and capacity strengthening support to measurably enhance: 1) quality improvement and standardization in the private sector; 2) access to finance/lending for the private sector; and 3) utilization of mobile technologies and digital tools for Quality Improvement, ensuring alignment to other digital platforms where applicable.

To implement these new developments, JSH seeks a Quality Improvement Specialist who will implement the activities with stakeholders and health facilities under JSH and PharmAccess expertise and supervision.

The Positions

The prime task of the Quality Improvement Specialist is to coordinate and ensure successful strategy, design and implementation of SafeCare quality standards. In collaboration with local partners, the Quality Improvement Specialist will work to improve the quality of service delivery in private facilities and implement strategies to recognize attainment of quality standards.  The quality standards and provider support systems use digital applications and the Quality Improvement Specialist will assist facilities to embrace and utilise technology for healthcare improvement. The program is part of an international consortia with the aim to set up a sustainable, locally owned quality framework within a broader health systems approach, through public and private sector partners.

Duties and requirements for the position

To provide technical support to the healthcare providers in the quality improvement process.
To conduct SafeCare quality assessments, developing quality improvement plans, assisting with implementation of QI activities and progress monitoring to ensure activities are implemented according to plans
To prepare and facilitate training on quality improvement for participating healthcare providers
To maintain regular contacts with relevant external stakeholders and partners and actively promote information sharing
To apply all the QI tools and systems as provided by PharmAccess Foundation in the SafeCare program
Planning and coordination of SafeCare work activities with partners in line with   directives of the Senior Advisor Quality Improvement Program/ Provincial Manager and set targets and timelines
Promote and support the use of SafeCare QI digital tools (SafeCare Quality Platform, SafeCare Library & SafeCare Self-assessment tools) among partners and providers.
Monitor and provide regular update and reports on partners’ and providers performance on implementation of quality improvement programs to Senior Advisor Quality Improvement Program/ Provincial Manager
Communicate and timely report to the Senior Advisor Quality Improvement Program any potential challenges regarding collaboration with partners or the timely achievement assigned responsibilities
Develop appropriate reports and provide input on planning and monitoring tools
Participate in the frequent PharmAccess Quality/SafeCare project meetings to facilitate reporting on achievements, sharing of experiences and planning for subsequent activities.
Performs other duties as requested by the Senior Advisor Quality Improvement Program/ Provincial Manager

Qualification & Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in health-related sciences, Nursing, Clinical medicine or Biomedical Science and a post graduate degree/diploma in Public Health or related field
At least five years post-qualification experience in Quality Management, with experience in working a multi-cultural environment with multiple stakeholders, preferably with the private health sector in Zambia
Knowledge of health programs in developing countries and familiarity with QI methodologies
Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with beneficiaries and potential partners.
Strong analytical and computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web-based research). Ability to use Excel spreadsheet and extract selected data; excels in data use, Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work well as a team member.
Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to oversee and successfully deliver complex project implementations
Analytical skills in planning and budget review
Open minded, self- motivated personality with a can-do mentality
Ability to travel extensively to visit supported Private Sector facilities