Technical Officer – MTaPS Operations Research and Program Management

Program Description
Funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by a consortium led by Management Sciences for Health (MSH), the goal of the five-year MTaPS Program (2018–2023) is to provide pharmaceutical system strengthening assistance in low- and middle-income countries to ensure sustainable access to and appropriate use of safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable essential medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies and pharmaceutical services.

Overall Responsibilities

The Technical Officer (TO) supports Principal and Senior
Technical Advisors in the management of select portfolios and
the design and implementation of technical activities. S/he
ensures that technical activities are implemented as per the
work plans and in a timely manner and documents activities’
contributions to program-wide results. Under guidance from
senior staff, s/he provides support to program quality reviews,
activity reporting, and knowledge management activities.

Technical Support (60%)

• Participate in the coordination, design, and implementation of technical activities in the Cross Bureau; Commodities Security and Logistics (CSL); and Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) portfolios.

• Conduct desk-based and/or field-based research and technical assistance activities and contribute to activity deliverables.

• Review program documentation and activity products prior to submission to USAID and other stakeholders.

• Participate in research and analysis tasks related to the Cross Bureau, CSL, and MNCH portfolios, and the program’s learning agenda.

• Support drafting reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts and other technical documents as required.

• Attend technical and brown bag informational meetings when required and prepare related briefs for senior technical staff.

• Support MSH’s business development efforts, as needed.

• Participate in other duties, as assigned.

Program Management (40%)

• Support Core-funded portfolio managers in the development of work plans and monitoring implementation.

• Participate in program review activities and provide recommendations on improving the implementation of activities and achievement of program results.

• Support program staff in the adequate documentation and dissemination of program results.

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor’S Degree and 3-5 years of experience or
Master’s Degree and 0-2 years of experience.

Preferred: Graduate degree in pharmacy, public health, health
policy or another health-related field. Pharmacist qualification.

EXPERIENCE

Required: Minimum three years of relevant experience in
international public health with a focus on strengthening health
and/or pharmaceutical systems in low- and middle-income
countries.

Preferred: Specialized training and/or some experience relating
to pharmaceutical systems or supply chain management.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to prepare documents on complex topics, and to write and present ideas clearly and succinctly.

• Strong communication skills both oral and written

• Strong scientific and technical writing skills.

• Ability to use data to present results using best practices in data visualization. Intermediate or advanced experience in Excel or a statistical analysis software package is an advantage.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Demonstrated ability for teamwork in a multicultural environment; experience working in low- and middle-income countries is an advantage

• Ability to converse in one of MSH’s primary working languages, in addition to English (e.g., French, Spanish, Portuguese)

COMPETENCIES

• Understands the basic concepts/core issues of pharmaceutical systems strengthening and health systems.

• Applies critical thinking and actively seeks inputs and advice from colleagues in the support of technical activities.

• Collaborates in a highly matrixed organization, engaging colleagues in open dialogue with respect and collegiality.

• Proven self-starter, who works effectively in collaborative and independent settings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Travel requirements, Keyboard use, Pulling drawers,

• Lifting papers 10 lbs., ETC.

• Up to 10% domestic or international travel may be required