Job Vacancy: Cluster Lead at Amref Health Africa – Uongozi wa Afya Thabiti

Job Vacancy: Cluster Lead

Company: Amref Health Africa

Location: Nanyuki, Laikipia

Job Title: Cluster Lead

Reporting To: Deputy Chief of Party

Duration: Two (2) Years Renewable

No. of Vacancies: 1

Project: Uongozi wa Afya Thabiti

Amref Health Africa, founded in 1957, has evolved into the largest African-based international health development organization. With a presence in more than 35 African countries, we are currently implementing over 120 programs, directly impacting more than 12 million lives. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa operates in ten African countries with an additional eleven advocacy and fundraising offices in Europe and North America. Our commitment to partnership and networking, grounded in the spirit of Ubuntu, is fundamental to our approach. Amref Health Africa boasts a staff of over 1,500 dedicated professionals.

Our Vision: “Lasting health change in Africa”

Our Mission: “To catalyze and drive community-led and people-centered health systems while addressing social determinants of health.”

At Amref Health Africa, we believe that the transformation of Africa’s health systems starts with its communities. We are committed to not only ensuring functional health systems but also empowering communities to hold these systems accountable for delivering quality and affordable healthcare.

Project Background:

The USAID Health Sector Governance and Strategic Partnerships (HeGap) is a five-year project funded by USAID, with Amref Health Africa in Kenya as the prime partner. The project aims to provide system-level support to improve programmatic outcomes, focusing on 10 Counties in Kenya. The project’s objectives are:

1. Strengthened Health Systems’ Governance, Institutions, and Stewardship for Improved Delivery of Quality Health Services.
2. Improved Health Systems Accountability and Structures for Transparent, Efficient, and Effective Delivery of Quality Health Services.
3. Strengthened Structures for National and County Level Legislation and Policy Development and Review.
4. Strengthened Capacity of National, County, and Intergovernmental Coordination Structures to Manage Health Systems.

Job Purpose:

As the Cluster Lead, you will have a pivotal role in overseeing the technical and administrative aspects of the program at the cluster level. Your responsibilities include strengthening health sector governance, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing resource optimization, equity, and quality in the respective counties’ health systems.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Provide direct technical expertise on:

• Lead the strategic oversight and technical delivery of Governance and accountability, Policy, and strategic partnerships to ensure quality delivery and synergies with other program components.
• Collaborate closely with all program advisors to develop coordinated approaches to sustainably improve public sector investments in health, with a particular focus on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health at the cluster level.
• Offer targeted technical support to the technical officers to ensure the county’s results framework is achieved.

2. Guiding program design:

• Support cluster program staff in designing programs and projects.
• Define the approach to teaming/partnering with other organizations at the cluster level.
• Facilitate shared learning among counties in the cluster.

3. Building the technical capacity of county program staff:

• Collaborate with county program colleagues to analyze data informing periodic review and course correction as needed.
• Promote cross-context learning among program staff across the cluster.
• Review and share program-specific tools/resources/curricula, collaborating with Technical Unit specialists to contextualize and adapt County-specific materials.

Required Qualifications:

Education, Experience & Competencies:

• At least seven (7) years of Public Health experience, with a minimum of three (3) years in a leadership position managing complex service delivery and/or Health Systems Strengthening programs of similar scope and dollar value.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, Medicine, Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in Public Health or Health Systems Management is an added advantage.
• Thorough knowledge of the devolved health system in Kenya, with experience working with county management teams highly desired.
• Working knowledge of USAID policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in administration, human resources (HR) practices, and budget management.
• Proven experience in recruiting, forming, and successfully managing teams while ensuring the quality of their products.
• Demonstrated success in multicultural environments is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates, please visit our website here to submit your application. You will be directed to our online portal, where you must create an account to apply. Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV, highlighting relevant skills and experience. The application deadline is Friday, September 8, 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant:

1. Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to clearly explain how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of this role. Use concrete examples from your career to demonstrate your qualifications.
2. Highlight Leadership Experience: Showcase your leadership experience in managing complex service delivery and health systems strengthening programs. Provide specific instances where you demonstrated effective leadership.
3. Understand the Devolved Health System: Familiarize yourself with Kenya’s devolved health system and show how your knowledge and experience can contribute to the success of this role.
4. Demonstrate Cross-Cultural Competence: Emphasize your ability to work effectively in multicultural environments, as this is a crucial aspect of the position.
5. Strong Communication Skills: Highlight your proficiency in written and verbal communication in English, as clear communication is essential for this role.

Join Amref Health Africa in our mission to catalyze lasting health change in Africa and make a difference in the lives of millions.