R4D, in partnership with a number of reforming countries and global organizations, has been working in the area of financing for universal health coverage in the developing world and is expanding its portfolio of work in this area. Over the past decade, a number of national or state-level reforms have been implemented by governments that are committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through “demand-side” financing models, often specifically targeting the poorest and informal sectors of their populations. While many implementing countries have not yet achieved UHC, reforms are underway in countries as varied as Chile, Colombia, Estonia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. UHC reforms are ambitious in their goals, but often challenging to implement successfully. These reform efforts can face policy challenges as well as implementation challenges. These challenges can be exacerbated by political and economic circumstances as well as in-country capacity constraints. Furthermore, the variation among these national reform plans suggests that there is not likely to be one type of health financing or delivery scheme appropriate for all countries.
To respond to the challenges faced by reforming countries, R4D will be working with country-level and international partners to address these needs through several new health financing-focused projects, including:
- Facilitation of progress on the ground through the Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage that aims to establish a network of countries working together to share ideas and solve problems facing their reform efforts and conduct “joint learning” activities based on the shared interest of multiple countries
- Research and analysis to strengthen the ability of policy makers and implementers undertaking financing reforms through the creation of a prioritized set of topics for research and analysis based on needs of in-country policymakers and implementers and connecting these topics for analysis to individuals and organizations who have capacity and interest in the research topics
- Targeted country-level technical assistance to support governments that are experimenting with demand-side financing reforms and require expert advice to overcome particular challenges (e.g., hard-to-reach informal sector; perverse provider incentives) in expanding and deepening health care coverage
R4D is seeking a Senior Program Officer/Program Director (position title will be based on qualifications) to play a key role in in the various projects in R4D’s financing for UHC portfolio. Responsibilities encompass a range of managerial, analytical, and communications tasks but will be focused on technical analysis and writing. Candidates must have expertise in the area of health financing.
Operating with substantial independence, he or she will: (1) provide technical assistance to developing countries in the area of health financing reform; (2) produce analytic papers and products on health financing reform (3) facilitate idea exchanges and networking across country leaders and development partners on UHC; (4) undertake quantitative analysis of trends in and implications of health financing in and across developing countries; (5) where relevant, conduct deep-dive analysis on best practice health financing models
Given the nature of these projects and the entrepreneurial environment of R4D, the SPO/PD is expected to be a self-starter with a wide range of experience and talent, who can exercise good judgment and deliver results within tight timeframes.
While specific tasks and responsibilities will vary based on level of experience and qualifications, the SPO/PD’s potential responsibilities might include:
- Consulting with key experts, in both larger public and smaller private settings
- Overseeing the writing, preparation, and where relevant – publication – of reports of the projects
- Presenting preliminary and final results and recommendations to internal and external audiences
- Identifying, assessing, and planning for implementation of various potential additional activities related to financing for UHC
- Producing progress reports and other materials which may be requested periodically by funders and sponsors of the projects
- Fostering collaborative relationships with countries engaging in reform and other global organizations with similar interests
- Performing other duties as necessary
Additional responsibilities if full-time staff include:
Supervising project expenditures and the development and submission of progress reports to the project funder(s)
Hiring, supervising and mentoring project staff and consultants
The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following qualifications:
- Minimum 7 years of relevant work experience in a research institution, government, bilateral or multilateral development agency, consulting firm, NGO, or think tank
- An advanced degree in public policy, business, economics, international public health or other relevant discipline
- Knowledge of and experience in health care financing in developing countries
- Experience working in or with public or private sector health financing organizations
- Structured thinker with excellent analytical skills and experience analyzing data
- Strong writer and oral communicator, with a proven track record
- Ability to set priorities and handle competing time and resource demands
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member
- Willingness to travel internationally
- Enthusiasm, energy, and composure under pressure
Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
The Results for Development Institute offers a competitive benefits package to its full-time employees including:
- Medical, dental, and life insurance
- Short & Long Term Disability
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid holidays
- Paid annual and sick leave
Please fill out our online application and upload your cover letter, resume, and two writing samples.
No telephone or e-mail inquiries please.