University Research Co., LLC (URC)
URC is a global company that works to improve the quality of health care, education and social services in the U.S. and around the world. We provide technical assistance and field research to strengthen health systems and service quality by empowering health workers to find and expand proven and locally appropriate solutions to critical problems. URC is dedicated to expanding access to high-quality maternal, newborn and child health services, preventing and reducing infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria; and improving family planning and reproductive health education.
Established in 1965, our work spans over 30 countries around the globe. Our mission is to provide innovative, evidence-based solutions to health and social challenges worldwide. Please join us in carrying out our mission(http://www.urc-chs.com/).
Division & Project Overview
The USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project is a new project dedicated to improving health, population and nutrition services through technical support to service delivery institutions, country Ministries of Health, USAID country missions, and cooperating agencies. The new project carries on the work of the USAID Health Care Improvement Project (http://www.hciproject.org) in global advocacy, development, and promotion of cost-effective methods to design and improve health care services and systems in low- and middle-income countries.
An important global objective of the ASSIST Project is knowledge management: to facilitate documentation and sharing of evidence for improvement of specific care processes, based on the work of individual QI teams, large-scale improvement efforts, and/or research, and to make this information readily available through Web technology.
The ASSIST Project is managed by URC’s Quality and Performance Institute (QPI). Through QPI, URC has implemented quality improvement and operations research programs in health care since 1981 and continues to be at the cutting edge of health care improvement work in countries around the world.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The QI Advisor, in collaboration with USAID partners and the Ministry of Health will liaise with the Chief-of-Party to ensure that all activities are aligned with the vision and objectives of the Government of Lesotho in respect of The National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan, as well as with the basic tenets of Global Initiatives that the GOL is party to in relation to HIV and AIDS.
- Provide technical guidance to partners and implementers in QI for PMTCT, Maternal and Child Health, ART, and Nutrition services
- Provide technical leadership to organize for the implementation of service standards with major USAID funded partners and other PMTCT, MCH, ART, and Nutrition programme Implementers in Lesotho.
- Develop and update materials for trainings, learning sessions and coaching visits
- Document the QI process for PMTCT, MCH, ART and Nutrition Programmes, through mainstreaming of the standards based approach
- Present evidence and advocate for QI for PMTCT, MCH, ART, and Nutrition Programmes across levels of implementing partners
- Organize workshop logistics in collaboration with Ministry of Health, USAID funded implementers and other PMTCT, MCH, ART, and Nutrition implementers in the country.
- Liaise with the finance and admin department and provide administrative, financial and technical reports as necessary
- Carry out other duties as assigned may be assigned by the Chief-of-Party
Minimum Qualifications:
Required Experience & Qualifications
- A recognized Medical degree, or Senior Public Health Nursing Qualification; a Postgraduate qualification in Public Health will be an added advantage.
- Prior experience in quality improvement methods in a health setting of at least 10 years.
- Demonstrated strong program implementation and organisational skills.
- Technical expertise in the field of PMTCT, MCH, ART, and Nutrition programmes in Lesotho with experience of not less than 5 years.
- Demonstrated experience of liaising with policy makers and community-based response to HIV and AIDS issues in Lesotho.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
- Good computer skills.
- Knowledge of rules and regulations USG funded Programmes.
- Ability to work under pressure and within agreed timelines / set deadlines.
- Ability to prioritize work within guidelines as agreed with Supervisor.
- Ability to work with limited supervision.
- Able to communicate well with Government of Lesotho, donors, and implementers.
- Ability to budget and manage finances on a monthly basis.
Please note:Only candidates who are eligible to work in Lesotho for an indefinite period without a need for sponsorship will be considered for this position.
HOW TO APPLY:
For immediate consideration, please visit URC’s Career Opportunities page at www.urc-chs.com/careers.
You must upload your CV/Résumé and your Cover Letter where indicated. Also, please complete your application form and attach a completed USAID Form 1420 Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet as well.
Due to the large number of inquiries we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be contacted. No phone calls please. However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise. Thank you very much for your interest.
