Quality Improvement (CQI) Advisor – Health Systems Strengthening

About Catholic Relief Services

The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) country program was established in 2000, and administers a varied and diversified portfolio of nutrition, health systems strengthening, food and security economic growth and livelihoods, orphans and vulnerable (OVC) research and HIV and AIDS programs. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and the vulnerable overseas.

Background

Epidemic Control 90-90-90 (EpiC 3-90) supports the Ministry of Health (MOH) in targeted faith-based sites and Government facilities to achieve the UNAIDS Fast Track goals for epidemic control: 90% of all PLHIV know their status, 90% of those diagnosed receive sustained ART, 90% of all people receiving ART have viral suppression.
EpiC 3-90 supports comprehensive HIV/AIDS service delivery at supported faith-based facilities while building capacity and systems for sustainability through a three-pronged approach: 1) Support health facilities improve their delivery of HIV prevention, treatment and laboratory services; 2) Improve key health system functions and structures needed to deliver quality HIV services; and 3) Health information is strategically collected and utilized to improve HIV service delivery. Through the course of the project, EpiC 3-90 will gradually decrease its involvement so that District and Provincial Health Offices (DHOs, PHOs) assume oversight of and technical assistance to supported facilities.
EpiC 3-90 is a consortium project comprising of Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ), Chreso Ministries and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), as a prime consortium member, CRS brings globally recognized expertise in grants management, health systems strengthening and sustainability, and top-notch HIV/AIDS service delivery.

Job Summary

The Continuous Quality Improvement(CQI) Advisor – Health Systems will effectively implement activities, strengthen, and improve the quality of HIV care and treatment service delivery in supported facilities, and support the work of QI leaders and QI teams.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

Utilizing CQI as a basis for health system improvement, the CQI Advisor will support district, sub district and health facility teams with a focus at service and system improvement contributing to the 90:90:90 strategy. The CQI Advisor will:

• Participate in refinement of quality improvement methods and tools, developing facility level norms and standards for delivery of high impact services
• Provide guidance to facility level CQI teams making sure that they are thoroughly familiar with idea conceptualization, root cause analysis, development of change ideas, implementation, monitoring and reporting to demonstrate evidence of improvement
• Provide coaching and mentorship to CQI teams at district, sub district and supported for optimal performance outcomes.
• Use innovative approaches for mentorship and coaching including virtual tools
• Design and deliver CQI trainings using MOH approved training tools applying interactive adult learning techniques ensuring that sessions are collaboratively delivered either centrally or on site
• Participate in the design of QI projects, especially in the re-design of systems of care, and in focus areas related to HIV specific service delivery
• Work together with MoH district and sub district Quality Improvement teams as well as supported facilities to develop and support district level QI strategies and approaches in line with project objectives and adhering to national QI principles
• Participate in donor led GSM and SIMS activities to supported sites
• Document GSM/SIMS findings and work with facilities to develop remediation plans
• Carryout health systems assessments and develop appropriate action plans to plug the gaps
• Ensure that there is a strong integration between CQI and Health System and that CQI is used as a platform for health system improvement.
• Promote learning among facilities implementing CQI activities making sure that successful interventions are scaled up among all the project sites.
• Participate in district, provincial data review meetings seizing such opportunities to explain the CQI challenges, gaps and would be solutions based on what has been learnt from the successful CQI activities based at the health facilities
• Constantly coordinate with EPIC3-90 district & provincial coordinators and supervisors on all QI matters.
• Review and improve technical strategies employed in under health systems segment of the project to ensure the project work plan is adhered to and implemented with measurable success through all the components
• Ensure the timely writing and submission of quality and accurate reports quarterly, monthly, and at all other requested times
• Plan and implement quarterly Learning Sessions and workshops
• In collaboration with the Senior CQI advisor, participate in the process of documenting Project best practices in form of case studies, success stories, abstracts, video clips in addition to the routine updates, quarterly and annual reports.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, or its international equivalent or higher, in Public Health, Health Program Planning and Management, or another relevant field preferred
• BS Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Public health or other with post-graduate training in quality improvement and human factors
• At least five years of professional experience in managing and implementing health systems strengthening programs in quality improvement including in HIV care and treatment
• Experience/training in health systems research or implementation science
• Experience and a good grasp of QA/QI as espoused by the Ministry of Health in Zambia
• Three years’ demonstrated experience working in a HIV/AIDS Service Delivery environment
• Must have a track record of and the ability to document field results in a timely manner
• Knowledge and practical application of CQI techniques and tools at health facility level
• Adaptable and flexible to changing work environments and condition
• Excellent communication skills and strong inter-personal and supervisory skills, including the demonstrated ability to lead teams of technical specialists
• Ability to multi task, work independently and with team members and partners at all levels
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time and to serve at regional and district levels as needed
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically
• Strong work experience with local and international partners in Zambia, including both private and public partners
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Agency-wide Competencies: These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.

• Trusting Relationships
• Professional Growth
• Partnership
• Accountability

Disclaimer: The job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Important Note: By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants Instructions: Please email a cover letter, and curriculum vitae which should include three references to: [email protected] . Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line.

The closing date for applications is 7th November 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.