Program Overview
Pathfinder seeks a Quality Assurance/ Quality Improvement (QA/QI) Advisor for an upcoming opportunity in Malawi. The purpose of the project is to support the national government to improve health outcomes for underserved populations.
Position Purpose
The QA/QI Advisor is responsible for leading activities to improve all quality management to increase capacity to manage health programs and support services. S/he will develop and implement an effective quality assurance program and oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the project’s quality management activities including; clinical quality assurance, assisting the collaborating partners to ensure that training standards are developed and applied, and ensuring supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of program elements to track and support high quality services. The QA/QI Advisor will serve as the focal point to ensure strengthened management and leadership capabilities in health facilities supported by the project. S/he will evaluate program effectiveness and develop consensus best practices and auditable performance checklists. The QA/QI Advisor will integrate results into the project’s overall strategy, and provide technical assistance on health system strengthening and institutional capacity building to health facility and departmental staff. S/he will also be responsible for ensuring that project results are reported upon and communicated in line with project guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
- Under the leadership of the COP, plan, develop and implement quality assurance programs. Develop activity plans, conduct quality assurance audits to identify system deviations and assist in developing corrective and preventative actions.
- Design and develop project management tools and routine quantitative approaches for assessing program performance, including the development of protocols, analysis of data, development of recommendations and appropriate sustainability plans.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to develop and implement quality assurance policies and procedures, best practices, training and technical assistance.
- Support all strategies, approaches and technical methodologies, directives and tools to improve service delivery and integration of MNCH, FP/RH, malaria and WASH services.
- Lead on-site auditing of management systems and operations to monitor performance quality; perform internal and external system and process auditing; incorporate quality control systems into performance based management programs and systems.
- Provide advice and support to the COP and other staff on integrating audit and evaluation results into project work plans and budget projections.
- Prepare and communicate quality assurance program reports; maintain an inventory of successful strategies and approaches; Work with IS to define documentation management needs and record retention requirements.
Basic Requirements
- Master’s degree in public health, social science, or other relevant area; clinical background required.
- At least 4 years’ experience in quality management and quality improvement and/or M&E; preferably including experience with USG funded projects.
- Experience in the development and monitoring of health service protocols, training programs, and monitoring quality in resource-limited environments.
- Experience and technical expertise working with community-based organizations, NGOs, and host-country governments; experience working in health programs in developing countries.
- Demonstrated ability to translate quality assurance practice and approaches into practical, effective and efficient practices.
- Familiarity with the mentorship and supportive supervision approach to quality.
- Excellent public presentation skills.
- Works well independently and on teams; pro-active in anticipating work requirements and problem solving.
- Advanced computer skills, especially with Microsoft Office.
- Fluency in English and one or more local languages specific to Malawi required.
- Ability and willingness to travel frequently in rural areas.
HOW TO APPLY:
