Monitoring, Evaluation and Communication Program Officer

Background

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms in 2012 and also named one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in nearly 40 countries.

The 5-year USAID-funded Health Finance and Governance project (HFG) provides technical assistance in health systems strengthening around the world. The project addresses the financing, governance, operational, and capacity-building constraints that block access to and use of priority population, health, and nutrition services by people in developing countries. 

HFG is also the implementing agency for the Sustainable Financing Initiative in Vietnam, a three year program funded by the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), committed to support ongoing country-led efforts to further mobilize Vietnam’s resources to help deliver an AIDS-free generation.

Objectives:

As acknowledged by many stakeholders, and expressly indicated by the GVN, Social Health Insurance is the most appropriate financing vehicle for Vietnam to take on the direct financial burden related to HIV/AIDS programs. However, there are major roadblocks for GVN to transition HIV financing into SHI, including:

• Lack of a defined financing and administrative mechanism that would enable the SHI fund to pay and/or reimburse for expenditures related to HIV procurements;
• Lack of a defined set of HIV/AIDS interventions that is included in the SHI Benefit Package; The GVN deadline for defining the overall package is the end of 2017;
• Currently, the level of enrollment in Health Insurance among PLWHA is estimated at 40%, lagging even the unsatisfactory average rate of 70% for general population. A much higher rate of coverage is needed if SHI has to realistically provide the needed financial protection to PLWHA in the years to come;
• Current health insurance regulations only allow reimbursement of services performed in hospital settings. At the moment, about 50% of POCs managed by PEPFAR only are in a preventive level of the health system. New legislation and an efficient system for payment at Commune Health Station level is needed to ensure the uninterrupted level of services PLWHA are accustomed to at the moment;
• Decision makers at Government, Ministry of Health and Vietnam Social Security (VSS) are in need of evidence and technical advice that would improve the design of policies and lead to appropriate legislation for inclusion of HIV in the health insurance benefits.Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The incumbent Program Officer for Monitoring, Evaluation and Communication will directly contribute to address some of the roadblocks and sustain the country of Vietnam in the path that leads to domestic funding and management of the response to the HIV/AIDS challenge.

Key Responsibilities

• Take the primary responsibility of collecting evidence of achievements and accomplished deliverables as a result of HFG activities;
• Adequately manage, edit and store all relevant reports and material produced as a result of HFG activities;
• Responsible for quarterly reporting with client;
• Help design a communication strategy and manage communication activities on behalf of HFG/Vietnam;
• Take a technical role where communication activities are required as part of HFG’s current activities;
• Support COP and other international consultants with interpretation and translation as needed;
• Coordinate with the activities of international and local consultants working on other activities related to the objectives;
• Skills/Knowledge Required:
• A degree (minimum BA/BS) in public health, communication, management  or equivalent, and at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in HIV and health policy;
• Proven experience of working with Government of Vietnam and Ministry of Health strongly desirable;
• Knowledge of Social Health Insurance (SHI) issues and key stakeholders in Vietnam, including experience with MOH and VSS highly desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government counterparts and coordinate various actors such as different Ministry of Health units, other ministries and government agencies, donors and NGOs.
• Proven professional knowledge of MS Office applications and appropriate organizational skills.
• Mother tongue Vietnamese, with good oral and written communication skills in English.

Note: This position is based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Local candidates only need apply.

To apply, please send your application document to Ms. Phuong Doan at [email protected]

Deadline: 17-April-2016

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.