The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries. We work with our partners to strengthen the capabilities of governments and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance.

Terms of Reference for a ‘Senior Programme Officer’ role to support Assistive Technology (AT) activities in the Directorate of NCDs, Mental Health and Disability under GDI Support 

Background

The countries around the world are gearing towards all-inclusive agenda including disability set under Sustainable Development Goals 2025.Disability is featured in various parts of the SDGs and specifically in parts related to education, growth and employment, inequality, accessibility of human settlements, as well as data collection and monitoring of the SDGs.

The AT sector in LMICs including Sierra Leone faces multiple market barriers both in supply of appropriate, affordable, and quality products and in demand for these products by users, service providers, and national health systems. A well-functioning, health system that has the capacity to provide assistive products and services at an affordable price and in a timely manner is instrumental to ensuring equitable access to AT.

CHAI Sierra Leone (SL) with support from Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub (through UK aid) conducted a comprehensive landscape assessment of AT sector and documented gaps and opportunities in assistive technology services in the country. Building on the report, CHAI Sierra Leone anticipates one year support from GDI to implement select activities identified in the roadmap.

Objective of the role

SPO will support a set of activities and provide technical guidance in understanding the need for AT, financing and service entitlements as per national benefits package and be aware of existing legislation, policies, as well as AT products and services provided through different systems, including public, private and non-governmental organizations. This would involve desk review of existing policies and legislations, meeting key stakeholders, developing in-depth interview tools, collecting and analyzing data and holding validation workshops etc.

Terms of engagement

Initially for one year but contingent on clarity from GDI on possible extension and satisfactory performance of the incumbent during the contract period. The staff will receive all the benefits of office utilities, health insurance etc. of a full time CHAI staff.

Specific job description:  

• Lead the creation of a larger disability TWG and establishment of various sub groups such as AT Subgroup
• Provide technical guidance on the development of ToR for each group and coordination for holding periodic meetings
• Responsible for holding consultations with key stakeholders of the groups, prepare and disseminate white paper to MoHS  and other inter-sectoral ministries to ensure inclusion of AT services
• Lead day-to-day coordination with MoSW, MoHS and other development partner for review of house hold census survey questionnaire from the perspective of AT assessment
• Revise the disability questionnaire and ensure inclusion of the same into census survey with support from MoHS and MoSW
• Responsible to provide technical support for creation of service delivery tool for various level of facilities and ensure coordination with DPPI for inclusion of the same into service delivery Forms under DHIS2
• Coordination for mobilization of resources for printing and dissemination of DHIS2 tools till the facility level
• Lead the development of 5 year costed AT Strategy document to guide the implementation of AT services in the country
• Responsible for revision of existing rehabilitation policy to ensure commitment from AT services in the country
• Manage coordination for dissemination of both strategy and policy document to raise awareness and mobilize resources for implementation
• Provide technical support to the development of service delivery package including referral linkages at various level of the PHUs and hospitals
• Providing other support related to the implementation of the activity and assistance in preparing for high-level meetings, developing materials and key updates to facilitate discussions etc.

Qualifications and Experience

CHAI seeks a highly committed and adaptable individual with a record of accomplishment for delivering quality results with limited resources and experience of working in disability/AT sector. The individual must be able to function independently and flexibly in a swift manner. The ideal candidate will demonstrate high emotional intelligence, as they will be working closely with government and external partners. The person with disability are highly encouraged to apply.

 Minimum qualifications

• Essential: Master’s degree in Public Health/Health Policy/Health Management/Health Admin with 10+ years of experience working in disability/health sector primarily around health system strengthening, policy and government. The highly relevant experience can also be counted against the Master Degree requirements.
• Well versed with disability issues, Assistive Technology products, health systems policies and sectoral reform processes, and disability stakeholders’ landscape
• Past experience in developing key strategy documents, and policies in disability and rehabilitation sector
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven ability to build relationships with various stakeholders, government and private sector counter counterparts.
• Demonstrated skills in meeting stakeholders, conducting interviews and generate meaningful information from data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver compelling presentations and writing detailed descriptive reports
• Ability to think strategically, handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, limited-structure, multicultural environment.
• Ability to handle multiple work streams simultaneously and work independently.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and quantitative skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organization skills.
• Ability to innovate and adapt for changing project needs.
• Experience living and/or working in resource limited settings
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word
• Fluency in English, good communication and negotiation skills. Knowledge of Krio will be an added advantage.
• PWDs with requisite qualification and skills are encouraged to apply

How to apply

The interested candidate can send their detailed CV to:

akashyap@clintonhealthaccess.org.

The deadline to apply for the position is 15/02/2021, 5:00PM (GMT).