AFIDEP is seeking a Health Economist to lead the design and execution of the “Financing Surveillance and Pandemics Preparedness and Readiness” Project. In collaboration with Ministries of Health, other government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations, the ideal candidate will drive the generation of evidence needed to inform discussions on surveillance, pandemic... preparedness, and readiness. They will provide technical support to policymakers and facilitate regional-level engagement for domestic financing of surveillance and PPR programs. The primary focus will be to lead the project’s implementation in alignment with government needs and to expedite the execution of its commitments and strategies to enhance the country’s dedication to sustainable financing of surveillance and PPR.  
The Role and Responsibilities 
The role will involve working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other government agencies, parliament, private sector and civil society organizations at national and sub-national level. The focus will mainly be to lead the project’s implementation by carrying out high level consultations and providing technical assistance and evidence that governments need to inform and accelerate the integration of surveillance and PPR into relevant national and sub-national budgets for sustainable financing for surveillance and PPR. The candidate will also support the regional-level engagement for domestic financing to build on countries’ ALM momentum to strengthen surveillance and PPR financing.  Specifically, the candidate will:  

To support the design and implementation of engagements to expedite the commitments and strategies to enhance domestic health financing for surveillance and PPR in Kenya, Zambia and regional level 
Work closely with senior leadership at the MoH to provide technical support needed by government and other stakeholders to inform and accelerate integration of surveillance and PPR into domestic health financing priorities.  
Support the design and conduct of analyses and modelling to generate data and evidence needed to inform government decisions on sustainable financing for surveillance and PPR 
Present the data and evidence generated from these analyses above in high-quality research paper, policy briefs, and presentations to high-level policymakers and other stakeholders.  
Provide technical support to government’s efforts in resource mobilization both domestically, including private sector engagement, and external financing to ensure surveillance and PPR programs are financed more sustainably through diverse and innovative sources of funding. 
Support the design and planning of highly productive policy dialogues with high-level policymakers, private sector, and civil society organizations at national and regional level. 
Contribute to the monitoring, learning and evaluation of this to ensure sustained adaptation and integration of emerging lessons into the design of the work. 
Support the preparation of implementation reports to the funder.  

Qualifications 

PhD in Economics, Health Economics, or other relevant disciplines or a master’s degree in Economics, Health Economics or any other relevant disciplines with more than 5 years of relevant working experience in similar position either in Kenya or Zambia.  
Demonstrated knowledge of health financing systems and related concepts, with an ability to review and analyze policies, strategies and plans in health financing and overall health systems. 
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, qualitative and quantitative skills, including attention to detail and experience in modeling using relevant statistical software. 
Strong communication skills, including preparation and delivery of compelling technical presentations, reports and other documents. 
Effective interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships with a range of stakeholders, and excellent organizational skills. 
Proven ability to coordinate and manage multi-stakeholder and multi-country projects and timelines.  
Ability to work independently, set priorities, and handle multiple tasks concurrently. 
At least three years of senior-level and relevant experience in a demanding, results-oriented environment. more

Job information 
The Senior Communications Officer will be responsible for guiding the communication and policy engagement efforts within AFIDEP’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) directorate. This role involves developing and executing a creative strategy to communicate and influence policies, aiming to elevate AFIDEP’s recognition as a leading regional development policy institute.... Additionally, the goal is to strengthen the impact of research evidence in shaping sustainable development processes across Africa.
Key Responsibilities
Communications, Visibility, and Profiling

Design and oversee the implementation of AFIDEP’s SDGs directorate communications and policy-influencing strategy.
Oversee the development of a recognisable AFIDEP brand as a leading policy institute in promoting and enabling evidence uptake in development efforts in all SDG sectors.
Support evidence synthesis, packaging, and use in five areas, namely: population dynamics and demographic dividend, health and wellbeing, transformative education and skills development, environment and climate change, and governance and accountability.
Identify and develop relationships with key media outlets to stimulate increased use of evidence in public policy debates.
Disseminate evidence and encourage critical debate on development issues based on evidence.

Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with governments, academic institutions, research institutions, implementing agencies, and funders.
Build relations with potential end users of evidence and other institutions that generate and promote the use of research evidence.

Capacity Strengthening

Support internal and external capacity-strengthening efforts aimed at improving the communication and utilisation of research evidence in decision-making in development efforts.

Qualification and experience

A master’s degree in communications, international relations, public policy, or related fields, with at least five (5) years of experience in policy research communication, and advocacy, including at least two years at the international level.
Excellent writing and technical editing skills, especially in policy-oriented publications and media products.
Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
Technical skills in publications design, website management, and social media management.
Ability to dialogue effectively with a wide range of audiences/constituencies and to represent the organisation with authority and credibility.
Excellent understanding of public policymaking and legislative processes and the role of research in these processes.
Proven skill in translating research and evidence into effective advocacy strategies that have achieved policy change at a national or international level.
Proven success in developing and delivering effective country, regional, or international policy engagement and influencing strategies.
Proven understanding of African socio-political contexts and global developments, and how this influences decision-making in the areas of health, population, and development.
Competency in facilitating national and international advocacy activities. more

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Management - Manage administrative services including utilities and consumables, office maintenance, repairs and cleaning and re-order of goods/inventory, monitor telephone usage and all other administrative related services.
Asset management – develop and maintain a record of assets and inventory records, and maintain an updated insurance schedule of the same,... vehicles inclusive.
Events Management - Support in the organization of internal and external meetings and conferences, staff travel and accommodation bookings for staff both locally and internationally; and organize administrative functions of workshops and meetings, retreats and related activities.
Oversight front office administration and services, ensuring proper management of the reception, switchboard operations, and welcoming of AFIDEP visitors. Ensure that all general enquiries are attended to and responded to accurately and promptly.
Procurement – Lead the procurement function, ensuring specific donor requirements are strictly adhered to. Process orders of supplies, establish and maintain good relationships with key suppliers and provide administrative support to the Procurement Committee.
Accounting and Finance - Assist in management of accounts for suppliers and service providers, and advising when services are due for payment. Support management of payables by ensuring timely vendor and service providers invoices are received, reconciled and submitted to Finance for processing. Manage petty cash as per policy and guidelines.
Supervision – Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the administrative department and staff members.
System Development - Developing, reviewing, and improving administrative systems, policies, and procedures, and using appropriate digital tools to improve efficiency.
Carry out any other duties as assigned from time to time by the management.

REQUIREMENTS

A Masters’ degree holder in Business Management/ Administration/Procurement or related field of study.
Professional qualification and certification in Procurement is a special requirement.
Practical knowledge of office management.
At least 5 years’ experience in similar position with at least 3 years’ experience in a USAID-funded organization will be an added advantage.
Previous experience in an International NGO is an added advantage.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Good minute-taking and report writing skills.
Proven ability to structure persuasive arguments in a strategic manner.
Formal affiliation with the relevant procurement professional body in the country office. more

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Projects Management support

Track the implementation of all projects under the Director’s leadership and provide early alerts on implementation challenges.
Share upcoming project technical requirements and follow – up with various Project Team Leads for timely submissions.
Maintain project calendars, coordinate and participate in project meetings and follow – up on... action points.
Track project contracts and donor-reporting requirements, and support in ensuring timely and quality project reporting and meeting projects requirements.
Liaise with projects leads and compiling projects updates on a monthly basis.
Identify synergies between projects to maximize efficiencies in time and cost.
Create and maintain up-to-date database of project documents on SharePoint.
Support in managing consultants - preparing ToRs and monitoring contract deliverables.
Liaise with Finance to monitor project budgets and provide quarterly reports of burn rate.
Follow-up with project leads and finance for financial reporting and planning for quarterly meetings.
In consultation with project managers and project coordinators, prepare consolidated monthly reports on the projects and PowerPoint presentations as required.
Provide administrative support in projects activities such as during trainings and workshops, such as sending timely invitations and following up with invited participants, and participating during the workshop to offer administrative support and note taking.

Administrative support to the Director’s office

Manage the Director’s busy calendar to efficiently schedule appointments, organize email, flag urgent requests, and assist in drafting/composing correspondence as appropriate.
Liaise with communications team to publicize events that the Director is facilitating.
Coordinate project travel arrangements as and when required; compile documents for meetings; complete travel expense reports.
Work closely and effectively with the Director, ensuring they are well informed and apprised of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, and following up appropriately.
Provide technical and administrative support for the Director’s effective contribution to Board functions and meetings, and support the Senior Management Team’s functions and meetings.
Support with conducting literature review, mapping stakeholders, developing workplans and log-frames, project management, and preparing supporting documents.

REQUIREMENTS

Masters’ Degree in a Social Science or Development Studies from a recognized institution.
At least 3 years’ experience in administration, project management or communication.
Project management training, with hands-on skills and experience in using project management software.
Practical hands-on experience in project management in an international organization implementing multiple projects.
Budget tracking skills.
Proficient user of MS Office (particularly Excel and PowerPoint).
Knowledge of best practices and industry standards for project management.
Knowledge of international development or a demonstrated interest in poverty-related issues.
Experience in proposal writing, finance or accounting knowledge is an added advantage.
Advanced communication and writing skills in English (skills in French desirable).
Excellent organizational skills, multi-tasking, and administration.
Meticulous and effective at planning and monitoring work, and able to work well under pressure.
Excellent interpersonal and effective team management skills, and collaboration across multiple functions and teams.
The ability to understand and support the needs of diverse projects across an organization.
Technological skills for digital databases management.
Ability to uphold confidentiality, and be a person of high integrity and professional ethics. more