University Research Co. Quality Improvement Advisor Job in Kitui, Kenya

Mar 4, 2016

Quality Improvement Advisor
 

Location: Kitui - Kenya
 

Salary: Commensurate with required experience and qualifications
 

Reports to: Senior Quality Improvement Advisor
 

Position Level: 11

University Research Co., LLC (URC): URC is a global company dedicated to improving the quality of health care, social services, and health education worldwide. 

With a non-profit affiliate, the Center for Human Services (CHS), URC manages projects in over 45 countries, including the United States.

 

Established in 1965, URC offers a range of technical assistance to strengthen health and social systems and service quality by empowering communities and health workers to identify and scale up locally appropriate solutions to critical problems. 

Internationally, we expand access to and improve the quality of services addressing maternal, newborn, and child health; infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria; reproductive health and family planning; food and nutrition; and vulnerable children and families. 

In the US, we focus on improving communication related to issues like substance abuse, with a particular focus on reaching underserved populations.

URC’s 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 URC Quality & Performance Institute (QPI) is a division of URC which serves as an organizing force to bring together best practices, staff experience, partnerships, and documentation on improving health care at URC. 

The USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project is URC’s flagship project in quality improvement.

ASSIST is managed by URC’s Quality and Performance Institute, (QPI), which 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.

URC is looking for individuals to fill the positions of Kitui based Quality Improvement Advisor- Health Service Delivery for USAID funded project Applying Science to strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST). 

The project is a global leader in the implementation, advocacy, development and promotion of cost-effective methods to design and improve healthcare services and systems in developing and middle income countries.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Senior Quality Improvement Advisor, the Quality Improvement (QI) Advisor will work closely with Ministry of Health (MOH) officials and Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) to support improvements in select health program areas. 

S/he will be responsible for advancing the science of improvement in health care service delivery at both county and facility levels in accordance with the Kenya Quality Model for Health (KQMH). 

The incumbent will;

• Engage with MOH County and Sub-county level Health Management Teams and Implementing Partners to support quality improvement work in line with the Kenya Quality Model for Health.


• Support existing or help establish functional QI infrastructure at all levels


• Develop and update materials for QI trainings, continuous education, learning sessions and coaching visits.


• Capacity building of Training county, sub-county and facility level health management teams to be quality improvement coaches.


• Mentoring Quality and Work Improvement Teams and QI coaches at health facilities.


• Conducting routine healthcare facility audits on quality improvement.


• Prepare monthly reports and updates


• Participate in the design, development and implementation of integrated project work plans together with other technical staff


• Ensure project compliance with USAID, MOH and organizational rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:
 

Required Experience & Qualifications 

• A minimum of degree in Medicine, Nursing or Pharmacy. Those with a Master degree in Public Health will have an added advantage. 


• Five (5) years’ experience managing National and County health systems.


• Hands on skills of health care and health care coverage issues. Those with prior clinical practice and quality improvement process experience will be preferred.


• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.


• Proficiency in data analysis and presentation.


• Experience in advising, training and mentoring on improvement efforts.


• Exceptional verbal, interpersonal and written communications skills.


• Excellent time management and organizational skills


• Ability and willingness to travel in the field as and when required.


• Fluent in English and Kiswahili.

Desired Experience & Qualifications 

• Knowledge  of USAID/Federal rules and regulations


• Relevant training in Quality assurance/quality improvement of health services.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams.


• Demonstrated experience in development and improvement of programs addressing management capacity, quality improvement and sustainability of health care programs.


• Familiarity with national and international guidelines and best practices as they relate to the technical areas.


• Familiarity with operations of Ministry of Health in Kenya.

Please note: Only candidates who are eligible to work in the Country 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/career-opportunities. 

Qualified applicants can also send a cover letter and detailed curriculum vitae indicating present employer, and position, daytime telephone number, current salary, names and addresses of three work related referees to hrkenya@urc-chs.com.  

The closing date for submitting applications is 11th March, 2016.
 
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.

URC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

We value and seek diversity in our workforce.