Job Purpose 

The Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Specialist will provide technical support in building the capacity of the County Health Management Team (CHMT) towards ownership and utilization of high quality and sustainable HIV and FP/RMNCAH and Nutritional services as well as support the mainstreaming of HSS in all program areas. In addition, will ensure that HSS activities support the project transition/sustainability goals and objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the HSS Technical Support to the CHMTs and across project areas to ensure high quality HIV services and oversee overall HSS initiatives in project
• Develop and implement a HSS plan with clear milestones through the life of the project towards county ownership of health services under the Vukisha95 Project
• Contribute to building the capacity of CHMT in key health system strengthening functions, including policy, planning, health care financing and resource mobilization, budgeting, Human Resources for Health (HRH) management (including transition plans) and supply chain management systems
• In conjunction with the technical staff, support health facilities in undertaking HSS capacity assessments (SIMS) gap analysis; setting priorities; and developing and implementing capacity strengthening plans
• Work closely with technical staff, to provide technical assistance in mainstreaming HSS into annual program work plans for all projects
• Support other project staff to identify technical assistance needs required to achieve the expected project results and develop the work plans for capacity strengthening activities
• In consultation with the project Director (PD), provide technical and management support to technical staff in HSS with the aim of improving the management of HIV and FP/RMNCAH and Nutrition services
• Through mentorship, coaching and training, build the capacity of the Vuklsha95 Project and county technical staff in the mainstreaming of health systems in their technical service areas – service delivery, laboratory services, pharmacy services and strategic information
• Provide expert support in the development and application of HSS tools (gap analysis, supervisory etc.)
• Support technical staff to undertake regular Health systems assessments e.g. Site Improvement through Monitoring System (SIMS) in the project service delivery sites
• Coordinate identification of training and system improvement needs and support implementation of relevant training modules targeting health workers and CHMTs
• Take part in the donor review meetings on a regular basis and in the SIMS assessments
• Participate in the relevant technical working groups (TWGs) in the county and supra county levels

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in health or social sciences and a post graduate qualification in public health, health systems management, public policy or related fields
• Minimum of 7 years working experience working in health systems strengthening
• Demonstrable knowledge of national and county health systems and policy development
• Ability to cultivate, develop and maintain good relationships with the county government and staff, colleagues and partners