Senior MIS Advisor-Software Development

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Overall Responsibilities

The Senior MIS Advisor-Software Development   assists the SIAPS programme in South Africa with the implementation of specific programming activities related to the pharmaceutical management information systems strategy at the National Department of Health (NDoH). This includes the application of the RxSolution software and any other tools which may be deemed necessary for the Control Tower of the Pharmaceutical Management Unit at the NDoH. He/she keeps the SIAPS South African programme on target and responsive to the Department of Health and USAID mission needs. This position is based at the NDOH office in Pretoria and reports to the Cluster Manager: Software Development at MSH.

Specific Responsibilities

1. To improve access and availability of medicines supply information by providing technical assistance to SIAPS country programmes/projects in the analysis, design, and implementation of information systems related to commodity management in support of priority public health interventions. This technical assistance includes:

• Analysis of user needs and development of system requirements, tools, and procedures (both manual and computer-based) in order to collect, collate, and facilitate the use of information
• Modification and/or enhancement of existing tools (both manual and computer-based)
• System documentation
• Development of instruction manuals for the systems that have been developed
• Training users at the National level, as well as others who may be responsible for the continued maintenance of the systen
• Collaborate with the Supply Chain Management Systems (SCMS) and other stakeholders in order to strengthen pharmaceutical management information systems
• Any other relevant technical areas.

2. Provide on-the-ground technical support for implementation and coordination of National and provincial SIAPS activities in order to ensure and reinforce linkages between technical activities. programmeUnder the direction of the Cluster Manager (CM) liaise with the USAID mission to share information and to ensure that the Mission, Cooperative Agreements and other donor organizations are routinely informed about SIAPS activities.

3. Support and contribute to any other relevant technical areas as agreed with the SIAPS management team, partner organizations and the NDoH.

4. Documentation and/or publication of SIAPS activities and sharing of lessons learned and best practices.

5. Write progress reports according to SIAPS and USAID requirements.

6. File field expense reports on a monthly basis adhering to all USAID regulations and contractual requirements. Contribute to budget monitoring of South Africa country programme activities as required in direct collaboration with the CM.

7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT), programming, or relevant equivalent experience.

2. Experience in database development, maintenance and support (Microsoft SQL and MYSQL

3. Demonstrated knowledge and skills in designing and maintaining electronic tools and programmes.

4. Knowledge and proficiency in Borland Delphi and .NET programming languages.

5. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact professionally with a diverse staff, clients, and consultants.

6. Proficiency in computer hardware and software support..

7. Demonstrated advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite Applications including Word, Excel (advanced), Outlook, and PowerPoint.

8. Good writing skills.

9. Willingness and ability to be flexible and to respond to changing priorities and deadlines.

10. Creativity and ability to apply innovative thinking and problem solving.

11. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work as part of a team.

12. Experience providing training; experience setting up training programmes and workshops preferred.

13. Work experience under SPS is an advantage.

14.Strong logistics and organizational experience.

16. Proficiency in English including speaking, understanding, and reading with the ability to conduct business in English. Proficiency in local languages desired.

17. Valid driver's licence.

Background Information

The SIAPS global programme goal is to assure the availability of quality pharmaceutical products and effective pharmaceutical services to achieve desired health outcomes. The SIAPS main objectives are to promote and utilize a systems strengthening approach consistent with the Global Health Initiative (GHI) that will result in improved and sustainable health impact. Importantly, SIAPS will assist USAID and partner's countries to reconcile the long-term goals of country ownership, system strengthening and sustainability with the immediate requirements for continuing scale-up and expansion of prevention and treatment programmes without adversely affecting health outcomes. In South Africa, SIAPS' main goal is to "Strengthen the Capacity of Pharmaceutical Systems at All Levels to Support the South African Government Priority Health Programmes and Initiatives to Improve Health Outcomes'".
SIAPS is providing technical assistance to South Africa’s National Department of Health (NDoH), more specifically, the Sector Wide Procurement Chief Directorate (SWPCD), to improve access to medicines at all levels of the supply chain (national procurement office, provincial warehouse and procurement unit, districts, and health facilities). The department’s vision, specifically relating to the pharmaceutical supply chain of the NDoH, is to implement “a network of interconnected electronic stock management systems that facilitate demand planning, contract management, financial management, prescription management and clinical governance”.
RxSolution, an electronic tool developed in South Africa by the MSH Centre for Pharmaceutical Management (CPM) and with funding from USAID, has been identified as one of the systems to support this vision.

Notes

NOTE: There are no relocation benefits or allowances available for this position.


Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran
of the U.S. Armed Forces

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Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor

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Overall Responsibilities

The Advisor provides management support and technical input to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Data Management Team of the Building Local Capacity Project.  The Advisor works closely with the STA: Monitoring and Knowledge Management, other Team members, BLC technical staff and partners, and other MSH colleagues in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation related activities programmed in BLC’s workplan.  S/he provides technical assistance to BLC regional and country programs and client organizations in M&E, as assigned.  S/he is aware of and adheres to MSH standards in all procurement integrity activities. The position is based in Pretoria, South Africa and requires regional travel.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the formulation of long-term and annual strategies of the M&E Team and to the BLC Project in relation to monitoring and evaluation activities.

 2. Contribute to the implementation of activities programmed under the M&E Team’s annual workplan, including project evaluations, and other assessments as assigned.  Ensure adherence to technical quality, fulfillment of programmatic objectives within budgetary guidelines, and compliance with BLC Associate Award requirements.

3. Act as an M&E liaison and provide support to selected BLC project teams in order to:  promote the technical quality of the M&E plans and the integration of M&E activities into programmatic objectives and workplans, ensuring that project results are documented according to BLC Associate Award requirements and BLC strategic interests.  Serve as an M&E liaison for BLC Leadership Development Programs, as assigned.

4. Contribute to the documentation and synthesis of BLC results and lessons learned in quarterly and annual reports. As well as project management support of the M&E Team including follow-up on team-wide pending issues.

5. Provide coaching support and technical assistance in M&E planning to BLC staff and partner organizations as requested and assigned.  Contribute to the development of M&E plans in proposals from USG and other donors on which BLC bids.

6. Contribute to the development of technical resources for the development of M&E capacity with partner organizations and for Global Fund Principal and Sub-Recipients.  Develop, review and provide feedback on technical materials related to M&E.

7. Support the collection and analysis of M&E data from field-based interventions in assigned regional and country programs.

8. Contribute to the collection and writing of bi-weekly news submitted to USAID.

9. Contribute to special projects and other initiatives of the M&E team, including preparation of materials for publication and in-depth evaluations of BLC programs, as assigned.

10. Actively consult and use existing technical area resources when designing interventions and programs.

11. Support data management system for the BLC project to uphold high data quality management standards

12 Represent the interests of the BLC project and MSH at internal and external technical meetings and conferences. Present as appropriate BLC technical products, experience and expertise at these meetings and conferences.

13. Perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Master’s degree with relevant experience (minimum of 3 years) in management, health or the social sciences, preferably with a focus on HIV/AIDS and/or Orphans and Vulnerable Children.

2. Experience in monitoring and evaluation in a developing country context required.

3. Strong ability to organize, scan and summarize information

4. Strong oral and written English communication skills required.

5. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and use good judgment.

6. Computer skills essential:  knowledge of word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation programs (Microsoft applications preferred); and ability to learn new software packages.

7. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member and to lead a team to achieve results in a complex and fast paced environment.

8. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, clients, and consultants.

9. Ability to travel internationally and domestically.

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Junior Program Officer

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Overall Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of this position is to support the implementing partners and the program team, including the senior program officer and the Senior Technical Advisor/country lead to manage, and coordinate die MSH-BLC Lesotho OVC program portfolio. The Junior Program Officer will be responsible for following up tracking the implementation of activities in the annual workplan, relationships with BLC sub-grantees, and all other organizational, operational and reporting activities. The position will support the Program Officer and Capacity Building Specialist in fulfilling implementation of planned activities.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the Program Officer to support implementation tracking project activities to ensure program deliver)', adaptation to local needs and conduct ongoing regular program reviews.
2. Communicate with clients and other external parties as requested, including contributing to written reports and/or presentations.
3. Work with Program team, M&E team, Grant Management and Capacity Building units to support the leadership, management and OVC service provision capacity of staff at key CSOs, CBOs, FBOs and public sector through coordinating operational and technical assistance, trainings and coachingfollow up of implementation of planned activities
4. Provide technical support as delegated and needed to CSOs, CBOs and FBOs to improve their capacity to reach sendee deliver}' targets and to provide age and gender specific programming to vulnerable households through integration of innovative interventions.
5. Work with the consultants, larger NGOs, and training institutions that can also provide technical assistance to CSO/CBO/FBO and public sector clients, as delegated.
6. Document best practices, success stories and case studies and results to share with the MEC Team to present at national and regional HIV/AIDS, OVC and/or community-based care knowledge exchange initiative.
7. Support and participate in the development of annual work plans and work closely with the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and data management team to develop a system for collecting information and monitoring progress and results.
8. Support monitor and track all aspects of the BLC-OVC project activities including results, and schedule
9. Support project related assessments, identify areas of intervention and select activities of intervention in consultation with the BLC team, Program Officer and STA/Country Lead
10. Collaborate with BLC Lesodio Team, Senior Program Officer Senior Technical Advisors, and BLC Regional Office in Pretoria to ensure high programming quality.
11. Ensure quality and timely program and financial administration of the project through reviewing and recommending for approval, all sub-grantee activities.
12. Ensure that all project reports are written and distributed in a timely manner.
13. Develop and nurture close working relationships with the BLC partners, maintaining open communication with all MSH-BLC stakeholders.
14. Organize and co-facilitate partner forums meetings
15. Work closely with partner staff to increase their effectiveness, project development skills, program quality, and level of responsibility.
16. Support and participate in the process of the baseline, mid-term, and final evaluations with M&E.

Qualifications

1. Degree/Diploma in Social Science, or related field with Southern Africa experience helpful.

2. At least 3 years' relevant work experience, providing operational and technical assistance to NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in HIV/AIDS prevention and OVC in Southern Africa

3. Previous demonstrated experience with National level OVC and HIV program implementation

4.Knowledge of best practices related to OVC and HIV/AIDS programming.

5. Demonstrated ability to work with local partners in a productive and effective manner that respects their organizational strengths and addresses weaknesses, with sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the political and ediical issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.

6.High degree of personal and professional integrity.

7. Demonstrated competence in assessing priorities and in managing a variety of activities in a time-sensitive environment, and in meeting deadlines with attention to detail and quality.

8. Commitment to working closely with BLC Regional office MSH's home office and partner organizations on a collaborative basis.

9. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal English-language communication skills.

10. Ability to travel frequently within Lesotho.

11. Strong organizational ability and demonstrated experience in multi-task management.

12.Ability to work both as a leader and a motivating member of a diverse team.

13. Strong team building, conflict management, negotiation, inter-personal relations experience and skills.

Background Information

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) saves lives and improves health by helping public and private organizations throughout the world to effectively manage people, medicines, money, and information. Working from more than 30 country offices and our Arlington, Virginia and Medford, Massachusetts, US headquarters, our staff from 65 nations is highly regarded for its technical expertise, integrity, and commitment to making a lasting difference in health. We live our mission to save lives and improve the health of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.
MSH seeks a Junior Program Officer with experience in supporting community-based care programs for Orphans & Vulnerable Children (OVC) and/or people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), for the Building Local Capacity Project in Lesotho. The program aims to contribute to the USAID Regional HIV/AIDS Program (RHAP) goal to strengthen the overall sustainability, quality, and reach of evidence-based interventions in die region. With a primary focus on implementing activities in Lesotho, the project is intended to increase the capacity of governments and indigenous civil society organizations to respond effectively to the survival and development needs of OVC as well as their caregivers, especially those living with HIV/AIDS by raising the standards of care and ensuring that implementing partners and service providers are working in coordination.

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Finance and Operations Manager

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Overall Responsibilities

The Finance and Operations Manager provides financial analysis, accounting, operational and management support for SIAPS and other MSH projects in Swaziland project, under the supervision of the Country Project Director. To this end, s/he develops routine and ad hoc reports for different technical activities to ensure the regular flow of accurate and relevant financial information for enhanced project management and planning.
The Finance and Operations Manager supervises the preparation of payroll information for submission to MSH Swaziland outsourced Payroll services. He or she assists the Country Project Director with financial oversight. S/he is aware of and adheres to the MSH Procurement Integrity policy and is responsible for safeguarding the assets (financial and physical) of MSH and ultimately USAID against fraud, loss, or misuse. S/he supports the following core areas: human resource management in conjunction with the MSH Human Resources Partner located in Pretoria, South Africa; Operations Officer and the Operations Support Team (OST); field accounting and cash management; payment of payroll; management of local contract, consultant and vendor agreements; procurement and purchasing; travel, fleet management and logistics; security; facilities management and communication services

Specific Responsibilities

1. Manage cash flow, including funds transfers from MSH headquarters, local currency exchange, and petty cash, as per MSH policies and procedures.
2. Assist in preparation of project budgets and pipelines and in collaboration with the technical team, estimate upcoming cash needs and accrue expenditures as appropriate.
3. In collaboration with MSH/HQ, participate in preparation of reports for donor agencies, as required.
4. Oversee the issuance and collection of project advances, reconciling advance accounts each month. Follow up on outstanding advances which have not been liquidated in the timeframe prescribed by the SOP and local office policy and resolve any queries through dialogue with individual employees and their supervisors.
5. In collaboration with the Country Project Director and corporate accounting,  Monitor MSH Swaziland bank account transactions and reconcile account with project expenditures as part of the month end close process
6. Create and interpret financial reports (Pipelines, Budgets) and create journal entries. Create vendor identification numbers and records as necessary.
7. Recording of financial transactions into the approved MSH Field Expense Accounting System, QuickBooks; submit each month’s expenses by the 5th business day each month for upload by Corporate Accounting into MSH’s Corporate Accounting System, Navigator. Ensure on-time, accurate data entry, completing the journal entries for non-routine expenses as necessary. 
8. Conduct the final review of vouchers and vendor invoices to ensure the maintenance of thorough documentation on all field transactions.  Ensure that all paid invoices agree with supporting documentation, including price quotes, purchase requests, purchase orders, EPLS and ATTUS checks and shipping receipts, as per MSH procedures for procurement.
9. Facilitate the processing of documentation for obtaining VAT exemption certificates for procurements made with USAID and other donors’ funds, conducting quality control checks on and filing all documents for reimbursement.
10. With support from MSH/HQ and as part of regular voucher analyses, aid in enforcing existing written policies on internal control systems for procurements, inventory maintenance and asset use which will ensure compliance with MSH policies and standards.
11. Maintain current standing with all mandated tax liabilities and organization registrations including submission of payments and required statutory reports.
12. Provide support in overseeing local procurement and the execution and proper recording in QuickBooks of all approved payments for local vendors, contractors and consultants for goods and services received, in accordance with the laws and regulations of Swaziland, MSH standard operating procedures and USAID regulations.
13. Supervise the maintenance of controls over project office fixed assets such as vehicles, with the assistance of the Admin Coordinator. Directly manage the maintenance of controls on MSH inventory such as furnishings and computer equipment, in accordance with MSH and donor standards for inventory tracking.
14. Assist the Country Project Director in providing an audit interface between MSH Corporate Accounting, MSH external audit firm, and donor auditors. Ensures timely follow-up to reviews or audits conclusion and recommendations that are relevant to operations in collaboration with OST
15. Manage timesheets for office staff ensuring timely submission, approval, accuracy and filing, as per MSH procedures for recording of time worked.
16. Work with the contracted local accounting firm to administer, process and record local payroll, taxes HSV and pension contributions and benefits.
17. Works with Project Directors to ensure that the human resources functions are coordinated with the HR Partner for Southern Africa and MSH/HQ HR Management office
18. Review and prepare as necessary country activity travel advances and process travel claims (TEFs) and work with country program staff to resolve accounting related issues, as per MSH policy and procedures for request for advances and reimbursement (TEF) procedures.
19. Supervise the country operations team in providing administrative and logistics support for all short term consultants, serving as the liaison between MSH/Swaziland and home office on all matters.
20. Provides administrative supervision to all operations staff and is accountable for their performance management (including regular results, check-ins, formal appraisals, supportive supervision, rewards and empowerment, training, coaching and career development support).
21. Coordinate and collaborate with the Operations Officer and country OST to achieve resolution of pending operations issues, questions and home office operations support requests. Communicate with other MSH HQ-based parties (Centers, projects, corporate offices) as needed to ensure proper consultation and notification of important information and issues, and participate in routine management team or other meetings which are relevant to the operations activities, including country OST meetings.
22. Any other duties as assigned by project Director and as required by the position
23.  

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a similar field and 2–4 years of relevant work experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a similar field and 4–6 years of relevant work experience.
• Advanced spread sheet skills required. Familiarity with accounting or business information systems software strongly preferred. Database skills desired. (Microsoft Office applications preferred).
• Experience in office management preferred.
• Experience in working with USAID funded projects required.
• Work experience with projects supported by international organizations.
• Expert skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks or similar accounting packaging, comfortable in a Windows PC environment.
• Ability to create and monitor budgets. Understanding of the basic tenets of Cash Control, Asset Management, and Bank Reconciliation.
• Understanding of the principles of adequate documentation and of audit, and of the procedures necessary to ensure audit compliance.
• Experience creating and analyzing journal entries.
• English fluency required (including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading and the ability to work with vendors, staff and stakeholders).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to travel

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