Vacancies at Amref Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The position holder is responsible leading the activities of the Amref Ethics and Scientific Committee Secretariat, support implementation of the programme learning agenda to generate evidence to inform the scale-up of effective models and /best practices, strengthen the project performance and inform country policies. The role entails the provision of technical assistance to staff in the implementation and tracking of learning activities as well as the development, dissemination and adoption of knowledge products from learning activities undertaken. Additionally, the role involves support in strengthening knowledge management through the use of the Amref knowledge hub.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead Amref Ethics and Scientific Committee Secretariat (80%)

•  Lead in the management of applications, including all submissions, reviews and approvals submitted to Amref Health Africa in Kenya Ethics and Scientific Review Committee (ESRC)
•  Organize and execute monthly ESRC meetings in consultation with the ESRC Secretary and Chairperson
•  Coordinate planning the monitoring and tracking of Amref ESRC approved studies
•  Lead the development of ESRC guidelines and Standard Operating procedures to address emerging ethical issues
•  Lead the documentation of ESRC work through monthly activities, a quarterly newsletter and reports to NACOSTI and NACC
•  Lead development and dissemination of knowledge products using data generated from the ESRC

Knowledge generation and documentation (10%)

•  Support programmes in development of a learning agenda through a consultative process with project teams, implementing partners, and the country and research unit at Amref to identify and formulate learning questions
•  Support tracking performance of programmes in implementation of the learning agenda by collation of learning questions into a tracking system with interactive dashboards that show milestones in the implementation of the learning agenda over time
•  Support programmes in the development of learning activities including but not limited to documentation of best practices at country level, documentation of models and lessons learnt, undertaking research (operations research, implementation science studies and impact evaluations) and secondary analysis of programmatic data to generate knowledge products
•  Support programmes in the conceptualization and development of operations research and evaluation protocols as per project needs
•  Support programmes in the process of obtaining necessary approvals including IRB approvals, NACOSTI approvals and county level approvals required to implement studies

Knowledge sharing and management (10%)

•  Support programmes in reporting of learning activities undertaken
•  Support programmes in the development of learning products and dissemination
•  Support programmes in collating learning products into the Amref Knowledge Management Hub on a monthly basis
•  Support programmes in planning, execution of internal learning and cross learning activities

REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience

•  Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, Development Economics, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, or related studies from a recognized institution.
•  Experience working in an Ethics and Scientific review Committee in Kenya
•  Excellent understanding of ethical guidelines for research in Kenya as per NACOSTI guidelines
•  Excellent skills in quality improvement
•  At least three (3) years of relevant NGO experience in research, knowledge management, monitoring, evaluation and learning or related field.
•  Strong research skills in the conceptualization of studies, designing studies, protocol development, data collection and management, analysis and report writing.
•  Strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills.
•  Expertise and experience in scientific writing including development and publication of manuscripts and abstracts among others.
•  Knowledge of the documentation of best practices including process papers, opinion papers, blog articles, learning briefs and policy briefs.
•  Experience in the development and management of knowledge sharing platforms/technologies and Software.
•  Ability to provide technical assistance through capacity building sessions on research and knowledge management
•  Ability and experience in leading planning and execution of Cross learning and peer learning activities

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

•  Data visualization and analytics
•  Qualitative data analysis
•  Excellent scientific writing skills
•  Excellent report writing skills
•  Excellent planning and coordination skills, multi-tasking a number of projects simultaneously and troubleshooting calmly and concisely
•  Excellent interpersonal skills
•  Strong command of virtual platforms, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams.
•  Ability to work with multi-cultural teams.
•  Strong facilitation skills.
•  Strong team player and able to work under minimal supervision

Work Environment

•  About 90% of staff time will be spent in the office/or working from home, while 10% will be spent in the field.

Hours of Work

•  As per HR policy - official working hours from 8.00am to 5.0pm, Monday to Thursday with an hour lunch break and 8.00am to 2pm on Friday

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ABOUT YOU

You are a leader who understands how to inspire and guide teams, fostering collaboration, and driving towards common ambitious goals. You are a clear and concise communicator who uses your skills to engage and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, conveying strategies, and ensure alignment across various levels of the healthcare system. You are able to think strategically to understand, analyze and influence the broader healthcare landscape, identifying opportunities for improvement, and developing long-term plans to address challenges.

You also are a strong project manager who is able to use the skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating programme interventions effectively, while ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets. We know that the health sector is dynamic, and thus you are adaptable to respond to changes and challenges but still having an eye on the goal which is the key to success.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management

•  Provide management and technical expertise, oversee coordination, and supervise activities within the Learning for Life programme, ensuring alignment with programme goals and objectives.
•  Lead discussions to guide the implementation of the programme, offering insights and recommendations based on technical expertise.
•  Offer technical and operational support across all phases of the programme, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with the multi-country programme.
•  Conduct regular risk assessments, identifying potential obstacles and developing mitigation strategies to ensure programme success and minimize disruptions to activities.

PHC Health Care Workers Employment

•  Steer conversations with the stakeholders including National and County Governments, Regulatory Bodies, and training institutions to co-develop, review, and adapt country-specific curricula responsive to training and healthcare ecosystem needs.
•  Facilitate the establishment of knowledge exchange platforms to promote south-to-south and peer-to-peer learning and communities of practice among primary healthcare workers.
•  Support young health workers through mentorship programmes and scholarships to enhance specialized or advanced skills, including soft skills relevant to the health ecosystem.
•  Facilitate the development and review of regulations at national and regional levels to facilitate cross-border labor movement and ensure harmonization of curricula and qualifications.

Health Entrepreneurship Support

•  Lead strategic mapping and vetting of health and related-sector entrepreneurship opportunities, leveraging the Social Health Insurance Fund.
•  Provide comprehensive support to health workforce and affiliated entrepreneurs in business development, focusing on supply chain optimization.
•  Drive development, testing, and scaling of innovative business models such as Social Franchising and Social Marketing in healthcare.
•  Establish and nurture inter-university social entrepreneurship networks in collaboration with tertiary institutions.

Monitoring, Evaluation Research and Learning

•  Support monitoring and evaluation processes to assess programme progress, ensure accountability, determine impact, and facilitate organizational learning.
•  Support management of health data monitoring and audit activities, ensuring accurate reporting in various systems including iHRIS, National Health Workforce Accounts, CHW registry, and project-based tools.
•  Take the lead in documenting, institutionalizing, and disseminating achievements, best practices, and lessons learned from health activity implementation.
•  Support comprehensive in-country assessments and collaborate with regional team to identify knowledge and skills gaps in the health ecosystem, guiding strategic planning.
•  Support in conducting and applying research to inform the implementation of best practices in health interventions.

Health Ecosystem

•  Lead stakeholder policy engagement initiatives, including with youth, to address identified gaps within the health sector.
•  Support the project steering committee at country level;
•  Develop and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with health sector entities, government counterparts, regulators, and county stakeholders to ensure effective programme implementation.
•  Represent the organization at national and county-level technical meetings, conferences, and workshops, collaborating with other Amref Projects to support the co-design and institutionalization of project interventions.

Programme Development

•  Actively participate or lead programme concept development and proposals for fundraising.
•  Engage in strategic partnerships towards programme development

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Professional Qualifications

•  University degree in health sciences or healthcare management.
•  Master’s degree in health or social sciences is preferable. Additional years of relevant programme management experience combined with a Bachelor’s Degree can substitute the requirement for a Master’s Degree

Required Experience

•  A minimum of 5 years relevant health system strengthening experience.
•  Demonstrated experience in project management.
•  Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams is an advantage.
•  Experience in implementing development programmes is an advantage
•  Experience in implementing in the private sector is an advantage;
•  Experience in delivering technical assistance and/or institutional capacity building is an asset.
•  Proficiency in report writing, and presentation skills.
•  Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

Skills and Competencies

•  Strategic thinking and leadership skills
•  Excellent oral and written communication skills
•  Good coordination, problem solving and networking skills
•  Excellent stakeholder engagement skills
•  Excellent report writing skills
•  Decision making and problem-solving skills
•  Ability to work under pressure, and within strict time limits