Provincial Consultants to Guide ARV Treatment Facilities through the Process of HIV Services including ARV Paid by SHI Fund

Abt Associates Inc.
USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV Activity

PROVINCIAL CONSULTANTS

To guide ARV treatment facilities through the process of HIV services
including ARV paid by SHI fund in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city

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 USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV Activity (SFHA) is a two-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam. The project started on October 1, 2018 and will end on September 30, 2020. The project builds on USAID’s existing support to the Government of Vietnam (GVN) to provide a program of targeted, innovative, evidence-based, and results-driven technical assistance. Building on its predecessor the Health Finance and Governance
(HFG) project, the purpose of SFHA is to help Vietnam mobilize and organize host country financing for HIV programs. This includes strengthening the capacity of GVN to achieve financial protection for health, and minimizing the out-of-pocket burden for people living with HIV (PLHIV) as they use comprehensive HIV services.

In the context of gradual cutting down budget from international donors for HIV/AIDS program in Vietnam, since January, 2019, eleven HIV/AIDS treatment facilities in Hanoi and Hochiminh city are providing ARV through SHI fund. Of which, 6 facilities are at district health centers, which used to be one function DHC, so they are lack of experience in SHI reimbursement. On the other hand, at the very beginning of ARV provision, they might have to face with many challenges, such as: preparation for all requirements for ARV to be reimbursed by SHI, examination and prescription of ARV under SHI (reason for changing prescription), scanning ARV to VSS electronic portal… Therefore, it is important to deploy provincial SHI advisors who can guide the health facilities through smooth process of preparation and SHI reimbursement for ARVs.

Objective

Abt Associates’ USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV Activity seeks to hire two provincial consultants to be responsible for providing technical assistance and guidance to ARV treatment facilities in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi to reimburse HIV services including ARV through SHI smoothly.

These two consultants will work closely with Hanoi CDC and Hochiminh PAC and the HIV/AIDS treatment facilities.

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation for SHI reimbursement at selected facilities:
  
  • Site visit to see if the facilities meet all requirements for SHI reimbursement, especially focusing on ARV
  • Provision of instructions to facilities in the preparation of necessary conditions for SHI reimbursement, such as making list of medicine used at the facilities and upload to VSS portal for approval, computer at examination room must be installed SHI software and connect with VSS portal,…
  • Discussion with and respond to facilities to anticipate challenges they might face
• During the process of SHI reimbursement, identify bottlenecks and provide solutions to minimize claim refusal.
• In consultation with provincial DOH and PAC, provide technical advices on the preparation of 2020 ARV provision through SHI.
• Other related priorities requested by DOH/PAC and SFHA.

Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Graduate degree in Medical University, Public Health or similar disciplines
• Strong understanding and knowledge on SHI policy and practice
• Working experiences with SHI agencies and/or Ability to coordinate and network with SHI agencies
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of HIV program in Vietnam and its current context of donor transition
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with government agencies DOH, PSS and health facilities providing HIV treatment.
• Basic knowledge of English

Duration: January 1st 2019 to May 31 st 2019, with the total of up to 50 working days (could be extended based on the performance)

Note: This position is based in Hanoi and Hochiminh city, Vietnam.

To apply, please send your application documents to the following email: [email protected]

Deadline: 20th December, 2018

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.