Junior Health Specialist AusAID Health Resource Facility (HRF)

The appointment is subject to AusAID approval of the preferred applicant.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND VACANCY NOTICE

Post title: Junior Health Specialist

Department: AusAID Health Resource Facility (HRF) and Asia Pacific Division, Health and Education Unit

Responsible to: Director, AusAID Health Resource Facility

Purpose: Responsible for the oversight and management of health consultancy assignments being commissioned through the HRF and, as appropriate, responding to knowledge / information requests received through the HRF Help Desk.

This position is based in Canberra, Australia. This is a limited tenure position until January 2014 and is not intended to be a permanent position. All applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia.

Job Profile and Background

HLSP is a leading professional services organisation specialising in the health sector working in low & middle-income countries and operating as part of the Health and Education Unit of Mott MacDonald. In collaboration with international agencies & national governments, we work to advance health systems, improve health outcomes with a focus on the poor. HLSP is working in association with IDSS (part of Aurecon) to manage the Health Resource Facility (HRF).

The AusAID Health Resource Facility provides consultancy services to AusAID in a broad range of areas including health systems development, human resources for health, communicable diseases, maternal and child health and HIV. Alongside responding to AusAID requests for technical expertise and assistance, the HRF Help Desk also supports requests for technical advice, briefings, knowledge analysis/synthesis, information and professional development. The Health Specialist is a member of small facility team based in Canberra.

Accountabilities

Oversight and management of consultancy assignments related to public health and health systems commissioned through the HRF. This work is supported by the HRF operational team. Activities include:

• Liaise with the client to reach a shared understanding of requirements, including timelines for deliverables
• Check TOR are clear and feasible. If necessary assist the client with drafting or finalising ToRs.
• Liaise with HLSP’s Consultancy Services Team and wider networks to identify and source appropriate available consultants
• Ensure prequalification, short-listing and presentation of consultants to AusAID
• Work closely with the Operation Officers responsible for logistical arrangements with consultants, budgeting, contracting and invoicing. Provide the officer with all input information needed for budget preparation.
• Brief/debrief consultants or arrange that an appropriate technical briefing/debriefing takes place as necessary.
• Provide backstopping for consultants during assignments as required.
• Quality-assure HRF products, or ensure quality assurance is undertaken at an appropriate level, and deliver a high quality output to the client.

Undertake literature searches, knowledge analysis/synthesis work and other activities related to the HRF’s core services, in conjunction with the HRF’s other technical staff.

Develop and maintain a professional network of contacts, including consultants.

Ensure good customer relations and liaison with AusAID. Use opportunities to conduct HRF awareness raising with AusAID clients in Canberra and regional offices, including explaining how to access and best use the services, and taking a lead role in communication activities.

Promote best practice in all HRF work ensuring that all products are evidence-based and reflect up to date knowledge.

Maintain a database of core literature for the HRF, including country level grey literature.

Support the process of lesson learning, including identifying knowledge and experience gained through HRF core services and feeding into future work, including professional development and knowledge activities as appropriate.

Contribute to the general work of the team and of the company as a whole. Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as agreed with the Facility Director.

On the job support will be given for professional development, as reflected in the Performance Development Review process, to support the specialist to build competence in technical work and management.

Any other tasks and responsibilities as agreed with the Director.

Note: This job description reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

Special relationships and contacts

Establish and maintain good working relationships with other MM staff, all clients and consultants in a way which demonstrates respect for their particular roles and responsibilities. Developing and maintaining good working relationships with AusAID essential.

Essential academic, professional qualifications and experience

· Educated to degree level, or equivalent.

· Knowledge or expertise in a priority technical area related to international health, i.e. M&E, programme design, health systems, health finance, RMNH, communicable diseases, nutrition.

· Understanding of current development issues at international and national levels, including aid management issues.

Essential personal attributes/skills

· Good technical writing skills.

· Fluency in the English language (both written and oral).

· Excellent communication (verbal and written) and strong interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Accurate and good attention to detail.

· Ability to think strategically.

· Ability to remain calm when under pressure.

· Flexible and adaptable approach to work and priorities.

· Proven ability to undertake research in relevant subject.

· Proactive and able to use own initiative.

· Competent user of MS Office packages, particularly Word and Excel.

· Motivated to engage actively in own continued learning and development

Desired academic, professional qualifications and experience

· Project management skills i.e. ability to put together and monitor budgets, commercial awareness, negotiation skills, managing resources including people, etc

· Experience of working with UN bodies, other international agencies, and national health and development agencies: understanding their policies, processes and procedures, especially at country level.

· Higher degree in public health, health policy and systems, or related subject.

· Experience or familiarity with the Asia Pacific region, with an understanding of regional and country health issues.

Desired personal attributes/skills

· Knowledge and experience of AusAID policy, processes and procedures, especially at country level and including the ability to constructively interact with AusAID staff.

· Personal networks and credibility in the development field in Asia Pacific

· Additional language skills

How to Apply

For a full job description and person specification please visit our website at www.careers.mottmac.com/externalgateway and search openings using the job reference 5609BR.

To apply, please use the ‘Apply now’ link and upload your CV and a covering letter. The cover letter should highlight where your skills and experience match the job description and the required criteria.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 2 December 2011.