Social Health Insurance Director

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.

Objective:

Abt Associates’ Health Finance and Governance Project (HFG) seeks to hire a Social Health Insurance (SHI) Director responsible for providing support to activities related to social health insurance and health financing in Vietnam. The SHI Director will work closely with the Chief of Party to support implementation of project activities in order to achieve the project’s objectives.

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate activities to support Social Health Insurance in Vietnam, including provider payment reforms, and monitoring and evaluating SHI performance.
• Work closely with Vietnam government counterparts, including the MOH, VAAC, and VSS, to provide technical inputs in line with HFG workplan. In particular, work closely with Provider Payment Management Unit –Department of Planning and Financing (DPF,) MOH.
• Provide technical assistance as needed in areas such as revising provider contracts, revising reporting systems, defining monitoring indicators.
• Build the capacity of MOH and VSS and their relevant units in managing SHI, particularly to design a payment mechanism for HIV services that ensures sustainability for social health insurance and appropriate quality and financial incentives for service providers.
• Facilitate and conduct workshops to improve skills related to SHI, including coordinating meeting and workshop logistics with the project’s finance and administration staff as needed.
• Facilitate discussions and workshops with DPF, VAAC, and VSS to come to agreement on issues critical to moving forward with SHI payment for HIV/AIDS services.
• Develop working relationships with donor agencies, implementing partners, and senior government officials.
• Coordinate the activities of international and local consultants working on health financing activities.
• Communicate with and update the COP on a regular basis with regards to progress on various health financing activities.

Skills/Knowledge Required:

• An advanced degree (minimum MA/MSc) in health economics, economics or equivalent, and at least 12-15 years of relevant work experience, particularly in health insurance.
• Professional experience and skills in design and implementation of provider payments mechanisms in the context of health insurance.
• Knowledge of Social Health Insurance (SHI) issues and key stakeholders in Vietnam, including experience with MOH and VSS.
• 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 planning, networking, and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Vietnamese.

Note: This position is based in Hanoi, Vietnam

To apply, please visit www.abtassociates.com.

Deadline: 6-June-2014

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.