Global Health Fellows Program
Technical Advisor III: Senior Health Advisor
Technical Services Office, Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs, United States Agency for International Development
Location: Washington, DC
Assignment: Two year fellowship
GHFP-II-P5-217
The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with Global Health Corps, GlobeMed, Management Systems International and PYXERA Global. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
GHFP-II’s goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by addressing the Agency’s immediate and emerging human capacity needs. The program seeks to accomplish this goal first through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels. These program participants include fellows, interns, corporate volunteers and Foreign Service National professionals. The program then provides substantial performance management and career development support to participants, including annual work planning assistance, and ensures that professional development opportunities are available.
Looking to the future, GHFP-II also seeks to establish a pool of highly-qualified global health professionals that will ensure the Agency’s ongoing technical leadership and effectiveness. This objective is supported by an extensive outreach program that brings global health opportunities and specialized career advice to a diverse range of interested individuals, with a particular focus on those underrepresented in the field of global health.
BACKGROUND:
The primary objective of the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs (OAPA) is to optimize USAID assistance to the US Government (USG) reconstruction and development effort in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Office accomplishes its objective by: (1) conducting analyses of, preparing strategies related to, and providing recommendations for enhanced US reconstruction and development activities; (2) representing the Agency in the interagency process, with Congress, and to external constituencies; (3) ensuring maximum coordination within USAID in support of USG objectives; and (4) supporting the USAID Missions in Kabul and Islamabad, clearing impediments to the successful accomplishment of their work. In its work, OAPA supports Afghanistan and Pakistan programs individually, and seeks synergistic activities between the two countries.
The Technical Services Office within OAPA provides leadership on development issues through analysis, strategy development, project design, and evaluation in the areas of economics, democracy and governance, agriculture, water, energy, infrastructure, health, nutrition, education, conflict mitigation and information technology. It leads strategic thinking in technical areas and advises on the appropriate allocation of resources. It represents the Afghanistan and Pakistan Missions in Washington before other bureaus, USG agencies and donors on technical matters, and provides extensive support to the field missions.
The Senior Health Advisor works within the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs’ Technical Services Office and is focused on supporting the health efforts of the Afghanistan and Pakistan missions. While there has been a lot of progress in the past years, there is still a lot of work to be done in both countries, particularly on maternal, infant, and child health as well as family planning fronts.
INTRODUCTION:
The Senior Health Advisor for OAPA (Senior Advisor) will receive technical direction from the Director of the Technical Services Office who will serve as his/her Onsite Manager. The Senior Advisor will provide technical expertise and support in the areas of maternal and child health (MCH), family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, infectious diseases, and health system strengthening. S/he will also work closely with the other Health Advisors on the Technical Services Team in OAPA, collaborating with him/her on technical guidance for the mission portfolios. The Senior Advisor will liaise closely and call on the support of the Bureau for Global Health, including the Country Teams. In collaboration with the Global Health teams, s/he will lead the support process for the Health Working Group of OAPA, and the Afghanistan and Pakistan Missions’ health programs and activities.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Senior Health Advisor will be responsible for:
- Providing technical analysis of health status indicators and demographic data; identifying priority concerns in the population, health and nutrition sector, making recommendations for action by OAPA or the two Missions, as appropriate.
- Providing assistance to the two Missions and OAPA in the analysis of data and programs towards the design, development and evaluation of health sector activities.
- Calling upon his/her understanding of Agency strategies and approaches in the health sector, and developing analytic, strategic and program recommendations which demonstrate and/or take into consideration Agency policies and approaches. Sharing this understanding with the other Health Advisors in the technical office, as needed.
- Leading the technical analysis and review of project proposals, requests for funding, interim and final project reports, annual assessments of program impact, scientific and policy papers, among other documents.
- Developing and strengthening effective working relationships within OAPA, , the Afghanistan and Pakistan missions, the Bureau for Global Health and other relevant parts of the Agency.
- Researching and reviewing current literature and building on existing familiarity with regional and country trends, programs, initiatives and projects; developing, expanding and maintaining up-to-date health information on Afghanistan and Afghanistan.
- Liaising with and deepening understanding and coordination with the Bureau for Global Health and other USG departments and agencies, cooperating agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, foundations, private sector organizations and others working in health in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Determining and recommending what reports and strategies need to be written. Writing reports, drafting strategies, and other documentation as required. Preparing written communications to USAID missions; providing written reviews of projects and activities.
- Maintaining high visibility and impact within USAID’s structure.
- Leading and actively participating in meetings and briefings with Bureau for Global Health country leads, non-governmental organizations, and other partner organizations working on health related projects in Afghanistan and Pakistan and taking the lead in a specific technical area of expertise and specific locations within the regions.
- Traveling to the field on TDY up to four times per year for several weeks at a time to provide technical support and help missions monitor their programs.
International (largely) and domestic (minimal) travel approximately 25%.
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (7%)
- Keeping abreast of literature and latest developments in the fields of USG and international health programs in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Deepening knowledge of health programming in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Participating in interagency and intra-agency working groups as appropriate to the scope of work.
- Participating in professional continuing education and skills training within the purview of GHFP-II.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree or higher in public health or a related social science field.
- Minimum ten (10) years’ experience in international health programs with at least three (3-5) years’ experience in an international or resource challenged setting.
- Hands-on experience in public health, preferably in Afghanistan and/or Pakistan.
- Extensive knowledge of health areas: FP/RH, MCH, HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, malaria, TB, and health systems.
- Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment.
- Knowledge of USAID Mission operations preferred.
- Strong written and oral communications skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving orientation.
- Excellent interpersonal, facilitation and networking skills, both internally and externally.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a large bureaucracy, in a collegial environment, and on a large number of tasks simultaneously.
- Strong ability to communicate, influence, negotiate and remain diplomatic in a variety of situations both internally and externally.
- A high degree of initiative; a commitment to quality and a willingness to participate in a broad range of activities.
- Ability to travel internationally to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- US citizenship required.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs.
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