Community Health Workers (CHWs) and other cadres of lay health personnel are increasingly being seen as a core element of primary health care (PHC) teams. In South Africa, CHWs form the cornerstone of the PHC outreach teams of the national PHC re-engineering strategy. This development is not dissimilar to that of a number of countries in the region and elsewhere, where the pendulum has swung back towards support for national CHW schemes. We are also aware of a growing body of research in South Africa on carers, lay and community health workers, the role of non-profit organisations and community based services. To this end, we are hosting a one-day symposium on Thursday 7th June at the University of the Western Cape, with the purpose of providing opportunities to share recent research findings in the field, and to learn what these insights offer for the PHC re-engineering strategy. 

If you would like to participate in this symposium, please RSVP to:

Busi Nkosi or Helen Schneider
Tel: 021 959 9390/3563 Fax: 021 959 2872
Email: bnkosi@uwc.ac.za  or hschneider@uwc.ac.za

SACEMA, a national research centre established under the Centre of Excellence programme of the Department of Science & Technology and the National Research Foundation, specialises in the innovative mathematical modelling and statistical analyses relevant to diseases, in particular HIV and TB, prevalent in South Africa, Southern Africa and the African continent.

In collaboration with Imperial College London, and supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, SACEMA is playing a supporting and co-ordinating role in work packages of the HIV Modelling Consortium (www.hivmodelling.org) which aims to accelerate progress in the modelling community on issues of high concern to policy makers.

Based at the Stellenbosch University in Stellenbosch, South Africa, the successful candidate will work closely with modellers, funders and policy makers from around the world, and have access to a generous travel and logistical budget and support network.

Duties: 

• Performing literature reviews on emerging issues in HIV transmission and intervention;
• writing carefully crafted calls for proposals in response to recent developments and steering committee directives; 
• co-ordinating the review of applications for funding;
• supporting work packages through mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, computational tool development, and the writing of reports and articles.

Requirements

• Proven ability to develop and critique mathematical and statistical models; 
• some experience in the epidemiology of HIV; 
• excellent spoken and written communication skills.

Recommendations: PhD in a quantitative aspect of Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics or Dynamical Modelling.

Commencement of duties: As soon as possible

Closing date: 16 May 2012

Enquiries regarding job content: Alex Welte on +27 21 808 2589

Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Human Resources Client Services Centre on +27 21 808 2753

Apply online at http://www.sun.ac.za/vacancies.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and contact details of at least two referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

It is important that applicants request their referees to forward confidential reports by the closing date to vacanciesSET@sun.ac.za

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments

Approximately every 5 years, the People’s Health Movement http://www.phmovement.org/ (PHM) organises a People’s Health Assembly http://www.phmovement.org/en/pha3   (PHA). This year from 6-11 July 2012, the Third People’s Health Assembly will take place at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa bringing health activists, civil society, academics, communities, health professionals, networks and individuals from across the world together to analyse global health and to strategise jointly towards Health for All.

The Assembly  is more than an event, it is part of an ongoing process which aims to create sustainable structures and dynamics, both within and outside the health sector, which will continue to drive coordinated action to secure universal and equitable access to health and health care in particular comprehensive primary health care as described in the Alma Ata Declaration; to address social determinants of health and in particular the growing inequity within and between nations, mostly due to the unfair economic structures. It aims to increase the capacity of civil society and health activists to engage with and intervene in the policy making process, to monitor and drive policy implementation, to ensure sustainable, equitable and accountable health systems and to build a productive dialogue on governance in health care.

The first Assembly took place in the year 2000, with more than 1500 people from over 70 different countries coming together in Bangladesh as a global reaction to the failure in realising Health for All. This Assembly was preceded by community mobilisation and actions worldwide. The voices emerging from this Assembly, together with the spirit of solidarity and coordinated action towards positive change led to the development of the People’s Charter for Health and the formation of the People’s Health Movement . The People’s Charter for Health is now translated in over 40 languages and used worldwide as an advocacy tool to achieve Health for All. 

The Second PHA held in Ecuador, drew in over 1400 health activists in a gathering which revitalised and inspired continuation of the movement and the struggle for better health. Now PHM is in full preparation for PHA3! Across the world, people are gathering testimonies, success stories and violations of the right to health, with the aim of strengthening the movement and action towards equity and health for all.

The main themes of the assembly are ‘The Global Political and Economic context of health’, ‘Social and Physical Environments that destroy or promote health’, ‘Universal coverage and equity in comprehensive and integrated health systems’ and ‘Beyond the Crisis: Mobilizing for Health for All’. 

The final draft program is online on www.phmovement.org. Each day the program will focus on analyses of global health as well on action and each session aims to contribute to the Call to Action which will be developed before and during the event and will set the direction of the movement for the coming 5 years. Organisations and networks can be part of the PHA3 through organising a workshop or session.

How to get involved?

We would encourage you to link up with health activist around the world and in your region to connect and engage with country and regional processes in the lead up to PHA3. For more information please refer to our website http://www.phmovement.org/en/pha3/pre-assembly-activities, link up with us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/PHA3.global/ and twitter (#pha3) and link up with the mobilisation processes in your region. Registration for the PHA3 is open online.

Feel free to contact the global secretariat on anneleen@phmovment.org for any further questions.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The Program Director will be responsible for the management of all project activities and staff. S/he will be responsible for the project to USG. S/he must have the skills, abilities and experience to lead a program at the same scale and complexity, and oversee programming across technical disciplines.  In addition, the Program Director should be able to cultivate and sustain working relationships with government, civil society, the US and other international donor agencies, civil society and the private sector.  S/he must be able to travel extensively to program locations within Zambia and to other places as required. 

Experience and Qualifications: S/he must have at least eight years of experience in Public health, including at least three years of experience in social welfare and HIV and AIDS systems strengthening, and monitoring and evaluation in developing and/or transitional countries.  S/he must have at least five years of experience as a country/project director in a public health and/or international development project. S/he must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. S/he must have at least a Master’s degree in social sciences, public health or other relevant professional and advanced degree. 

MONITORING AND EVALUATION DIRECTOR/GOVERNMENT LIAISON OFFICER

The Monitoring and Evaluation Director/Government Liaison Officer must have experience managing a program at the same scale and complexity. S/he must direct and oversee the programme, to ensure all programme goals are met through proper design, staffing and implementation. 

Experience and Qualifications: The Monitoring and Evaluation Director/Government Liaison Officer must have a first degree in public health, social science or related professional advanced degree. S/he have at least eight years of experience in planning, particularly with the public sector, with two of these years being in pertinent aspects of OVC programming.  S /he must also have extensive M&E experience.  S/he must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.  S/he must have the ability to travel extensively to program locations within Zambia and to other places as required. 

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

The Finance and Administration manager should have expertise in accounting, financial planning and management, procurement and other management support areas/functions.  The Finance and Administration manger should have demonstrated abilities to manage a program of similar magnitude and complexity and manage sub-grants under a contract, and should have demonstrated knowledge in and experience with USAID procedures and policies and US Government Auditing standards.  S/he should also be able to work across technical disciplines and communicate effectively orally and in writing.  S/he must be able to travel extensively to program locations within Zambia and to other places as required.

Experience and Qualifications: S/he must have a minimum of five years of experience in a managerial position in the public or private sector (knowledge of, and experience in public health and/or international development preferred).   S/he must have a bachelor’s degree in accountancy, finance, business administration, organizational management, or related field plus MBA in Finance.  A full ACCA, CIMA or CPA qualification is preferred.  The Finance and Administration Manager should be registered with the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) or its internationally recognized equivalent.  

Application process: interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV (including three traceable references) to recruitment@ihm-southernafrica.org. Applications are due by Friday, May 18, 2012. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the application deadline.

Laetitia Rispel (PHASA president) welcomed all present and presented the aims of the workshop which included:

1. Provide a forum to engage with and debate the role of national PHAs in health policy development
2. Present the results of the survey on PHAs experience of influencing national public health policy and practice
3. Identify factors facilitating and constraining the ability of national PHAs to influence public health policy and implementation processes
4. Develop strategies for influencing public health policy and practice in order to achieve improved health outcomes, a reduction in health inequities and improved health systems performance.

Stephen Knight (Treasurer of PHASA) presented the results of a survey conducted electronically among national PHAs. This survey was prepared by PHASA and administered by the WFPHA secretariat in Geneva. The survey revealed that most PHAs are not actively engaged in policy influence but revealed some interest in pursuing this objective and also identified some possible avenues to do so, including annual conferences, meeting with government and politicians, disseminating position papers and media releases and using social media. The survey results set the platform well for the ensuing discussion. (This presentation can be downloaded here.) 

James Chauvin (Director of Policy at Canadian PHA) shared the Canadian PHA’s long history of over 100 years in policy advocacy. The focus areas for policy advocacy for the CPHA have included health equity and social determinants of health, public health leadership, public health infrastructure including human resources, chronic disease prevention and environmental health. He presented two short case studies: advocacy around chrysotile asbestos and Insite, a safe injection site. The CPHA has been able to influence policy through position statements, endorsements of other organisations positions, and using legal avenues where required. He advised on using the relevant and appropriate formats and approaches when engaging with politicians and the media. (This presentation can be downloaded here.) 

Mathias Some (President of African Federation of PHAs) described the experience of the AFPHA. He painted a picture of the current health problems in Africa and explained the need to influence public health policy development and why it should be national PHAs at the forefront of this challenge. PHAs should be independent authoritative voices with a comprehensive approach to policy advocacy. He suggested that the way to do this would be through producing the evidence base to build advocacy strategies, mobilising other actors, sharing the results of our actions and importantly mobilising communities in implementation of health programmes. He also pointed out that unfortunately most African PHAs are young, inexperienced and lack the capacity to collaborate with research institutions to generate the evidence and conduct successful advocacy campaigns. He presented the following guidance to PHAs:

• Strengthen capacity of existing PHAs to increase their visibility and credibility
• Mobilise around priority health issues such as maternal and neonatal mortality
• Ensure that every national event be regarded as an occasion for PHAs to share their experiences
• Promote framework or mechanism for interaction between researchers and policy makers and health programme officials
• Establish strong and lasting partnerships with UN agencies esp WHO, other African organisations and networks of PHAs from other continents with more experience.

(This presentation can be downloaded here.)

Deo Sekimpi (UNACOH, ECSAPHA and AFPHA) gave some practical advice on how PHAs can influence policy through their membership who may be largely voluntary but are usually passionate about public health issues. He also stressed the importance of advocacy, generating and sharing evidence and demonstrating good practice for public health action. He shared the successes of UNACOH in

• Creating a brand “health for all and by all”
• Defining a niche in community and occupational health
• Continuous engagement using every opportunity to either talk about public health and primary health care or carry out a PHC activity
• Creating bridges through both north-south and south-south collaborations
• Information sharing using newsletters, magazines, radio and TV, newspaper articles, public lectures, annual scientific conferences, attending ministry of health and stakeholder meetings and international conferences

(This presentation can be downloaded here.) 

Laetitia Rispel gave an overview of PHASA and its evolution in the context of a changing political landscape, significant disease burden and resource limitations faced by the PHA. She outlined PHASA’s perspective on policy influence which requires a move from individual to collective action as a national PHA. She presented a framework using research for policy influence and engagement which proposes that the influence may be instrumental (having direct impact on policy) or conceptual (influencing approaches to thinking). Policy making she argued is not a linear process and therefore policy influence is also complex, diffuse, sometimes influenced by chance and requiring long periods of time to demonstrate impact.

(This presentation can be downloaded here.) 

In wrapping up the exciting and vibrant session, Laetitia Rispel summarised the discussions as follows:

• PHAs should recognise our power to influence
• We cannot use a one-size-fits-all approach; our efforts are dependent on specific contexts in which we work but there is still a great deal we can learn from each other in terms of experience and tactics
• It is crucial to produce research evidence and disseminate this knowledge
• It is important in planning your advocacy approach to “know your audience” whether it be government, NGOs, donors or the public

The new website is a CHEPSAA-flavoured collation of HPSR+A resources, pooling information from sources far wider than CHEPSAA for teachers, researchers, students, policy-makers & decision-makers:

• Recommended readings selected by experts
• Open access teaching materials
• Course & event news
• Member profiles
• And much more… 

This website will be updated regularly and the resource section will expand over time – send us your questions/suggestions and tell us what other resources are needed.

CONNECT WITH US:  By subscribing to RSS feeds or following us on Twitter (hpsa_africa)

Axios Foundation is seeking Chief of Party (COP) candidates for the upcoming USAID-funded Health Systems Strengthening Project in South Sudan. The goal of the Health Systems Strengthening Project is to increase the ownership and capacity of County Health Departments (CHDs) and State Ministries of Health (SMOHs) to ensure the provision of high quality primary health care in Western Equatoria State (WES) and Central Equatoria State (CES).  The Health Systems Strengthening Project will facilitate the implementation of more effective management systems and processes that enable the provision of higher quality health care services and, thus, better health status outcomes.

Specific Responsibilities

The Chief of Party will provide technical leadership and management oversight and will serve as the primary point of contact with USAID/South Sudan, Republic of South Sudan government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The position will be based in Juba, South Sudan.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall performance and results of the project
• Oversee project technical, operational, financial, and administrative operations
• Develop and manage the implementation of annual work plans and performance monitoring plans
• Ensure the timely and quality completion of all program technical and financial deliverables and reports in accordance with USAID guidelines
• Facilitate coordination and collaboration with other USAID/South Sudan cooperating agencies, Republic of South Sudan government officials, public sector programs, and health implementing partners
• Oversee day-to-day management of the project office and activities, including travel to various State and County counterparts
• Supervise senior technical and operational staff, including long- and short-term expatriate and local staff

Qualifications

• Masters level degree in a relevant field such as public health, public administration, health administration, nursing, medicine, another health profession, etc.; a doctoral degree is preferred
• 10 years of demonstrated technical expertise, with substantial developing country context experience, combining health systems strengthening and broad competencies in the key technical areas (i.e. maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, malaria, family planning)
• 5 years of demonstrated excellence in a senior level management and leadership position, preferably in an international health development context; previous experience as a Chief of Party is preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Previous experience in Africa is strongly preferred, but not required

Application Process

To apply for this position, please email your CV to sandeep.shamasunder@axiosfoundation.org

Include your name, along with the title of the position you are applying for, in the subject line.

The Axios Foundation (Axios) is dedicated to increasing access to care in developing countries through innovative approaches, with emphasis on improving health and social systems and building local capacity. Axios provides strategic consulting and implementation services that increase access to medicines, diagnostics and healthcare. Axios provides its clients with expert knowledge of HIV, cancer and other chronic diseases, as well as specialized expertise in healthcare delivery in low- and middle- income countries. In collaboration with its clients, Axios is dedicated to improving access to healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.

Axios Foundation is seeking Senior Advisor, Health Financing candidates for the upcoming USAID-funded Health Systems Strengthening Project in South Sudan. The goal of the Health Systems Strengthening Project is to increase the ownership and capacity of County Health Departments (CHDs) and State Ministries of Health (SMOHs) to ensure the provision of high quality primary health care in Western Equatoria State (WES) and Central Equatoria State (CES).  The Health Systems Strengthening Project will facilitate the implementation of more effective management systems and processes that enable the provision of higher quality health care services and, thus, better health status outcomes.

Specific Responsibilities

The Senior Advisor, Health Financing will develop and oversee implementation of financial mechanisms for planning and budgeting at the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and County Health Departments (CHDs), and ensure effective monitoring, control systems and auditing procedures are in place.  The Senior Advisor will work with the SMOH and CHDs to establish demand-side incentives for fiscal responsibility, involving community participation, and ensuring accountability and oversight. The position will be based in Juba, South Sudan.

Key Responsibilities

• Strengthen health financing capacity within the respective CHDs and SMOH managers to implement and oversee health budgets in the states of Western (WES) and Central Equatoria (CES). Develop skills in auditing, budget management and oversight, and financial analysis for managers at both the state and county levels.
• Develop and implement a standardized training program for CHD and SMOH staff, to include topics such as planning, utilization of data for decision making, budgeting, etc.
• Based on state and county health plans, determine potential resource gaps at the CHD and/or SMOH levels. Where appropriate and feasible, assist in the resolving those gaps.
• In collaboration with other technical staff, GOSS officials, and other agencies, work to ensure that work plans and scopes of work are clearly understood.
• In collaboration with other technical staff, GOSS officials, and other agencies involved, participate in the design of health service performance indicators, targets, and incentive structures.
• Work with the technical and financial teams to review service delivery performance.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other USAID/South Sudan-funded programs to facilitate improved CHD supervision of facility-level management and decision making.
• Ensure the timely and quality completion of all relevant program deliverables and reporting.
• Assists in preparation of technical briefings, reports and documents.
• Provide updates to the Chief of Party, including timely delivery of required reports and data.
• Participate in field visits and technical activities.

Qualifications

• Masters level degree in a relevant field such as public health, public administration, health administration, finance, etc.
• A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated expertise, with substantial developing country context experience, in facilitation of health financing system development and strengthening, including central level coordination and systems integration.
• Experience in capacity building in the area of financial management.
• Demonstrated extensive experience in developing budgets.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Previous experience in a developing country context is required.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please email your CV to sandeep.shamasunder@axiosfoundation.org

Include your name, along with the title of the position you are applying for, in the subject line. 

Axios Foundation is seeking Senior Advisor, Health Information Systems candidates for the upcoming USAID-funded Health Systems Strengthening Project in South Sudan. The goal of the Health Systems Strengthening Project is to increase the ownership and capacity of County Health Departments (CHDs) and State Ministries of Health (SMOHs) to ensure the provision of high quality primary health care in Western Equatoria State (WES) and Central Equatoria State (CES).  The Health Systems Strengthening Project will facilitate the implementation of more effective management systems and processes that enable the provision of higher quality health care services and, thus, better health status outcomes.

Specific Responsibilities

The Senior Advisor, Health Information Systems will lead the development and strengthening of health information system (HIS) at the state and county levels in the states of Western and Central Equatoria. The position will be based in Juba, South Sudan.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all HIS project activities including developing materials and facilitating trainings and other capacity building activities.
• Assist the CHDs and SMOHs to coordinate and harmonize parallel health information systems within Western Equatoria State and Central Equatoria State.
• Build capacity in quality collection, analysis, dissemination, and use of health information at the CHD and SMOH levels for program planning and management use.
• Work with facility-based staff and service providers to improve their capacity to collect, report, and use facility-level data for facility management.
• Facilitate the implementation of the HIS standardization process, and maintain system-wide training materials to support generalized infrastructure strengthening and development planning.
• Support the CHDs and SMOHs to use HIS data to track, monitor, and project medical and pharmaceutical needs.
• Ensure high quality and accuracy of HIS related reports and deliverables, and timely submissions.
• Work closely with State Ministries of Health to determine systems requirements for HIS activities and to develop operational plans for implementation and roll out.
• Develop systems requirements, analysis, and design specifications to ensure the project is adequately equipped to meet HIS related objectives.
• Conduct assessments, training, and compose reports for HIS activities.
• Serve as project contact for health information technologies and create networks and partnerships with leading organizations that will complement project activities.
• Facilitate the participation of CHD managers, clinicians, and monitoring and evaluation professionals to discuss approaches to improve the availability and use of quality data to improve health programs.

Qualifications

• Masters level degree in a relevant field such as public health, public administration, health administration, demography, statistics, epidemiology, etc.
• 5 years of demonstrated expertise, with substantial developing country context experience, in facilitation of health information system strengthening, including central level coordination and systems integration, and sub-national strengthening for quality collection, analysis, dissemination, and use of health information.
• Demonstrated experience in strengthening human resources information systems (HRIS) is a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Previous experience in a developing country context is required.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please email your CV to sandeep.shamasunder@axiosfoundation.org

Include your name, along with the title of the position you are applying for, in the subject line. 

(UCLA). This fully funded fellowship programme, building upon the MAC AIDS Fund Leadership Inititative led by the HIV Center at Columbia University, is designed to support the emergence of new leaders who will contribute to the development of effective approaches that reduce the spread and impact of HIV & AIDS and gender-based violence, and to promote gender equality.

Fellows will attend three full-time, residential training workshops between June 2012 and February 2013. Under the guidance and supervision of experts in the field, Fellows will develop an HIV and gender-based violence prevention pilot project during the first training workshop and will implement the project between July 2012 and March 2013. Fellows will be provided with a total amount of R 35 000.00 excluding VAT to be used exclusively for the implementation of their MAFLIHP pilot projects.

Applications for the 2012 – 2013 MAFHLIP Fellowship Programme are being solicited from prospective candidates. The following minimum requirements apply:

• South African citizenship or permanent residency;
• A three-year University degree (Honours an advantage);
• Demonstrated leadership abilities;
• Experience in HIV prevention and/or gender-based violence prevention an added advantage;
• Based at a recognized South African institution or organisation possessing a valid tax certificate; and
• Release from work for the duration of all three training workshops

Applications will be accepted until the close of business on 07 May 2012. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an in-person interview in early June. The first intensive training workshop will take place in KwaZulu-Natal from 24 June to 11 July 2012. The second training workshop will take place between 10 and 12 September 2012. The third training workshop will take place from 03 Feb to 06 Feb 2013. Pilot projects are to be implemented by Fellows in the periods between the training workshops, with interim written assignments.

For more information on the Fellowship programme and to request an application pack, please contact Lisa Wiebesiek-Pienaar at lwiebesiek@hsrc.ac.za or on 031 242 5684