Background
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.
HFG is also the implementing agency for the Sustainable Financing Initiative in Vietnam, a three year program funded by the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), committed to support ongoing country-led efforts to further mobilize Vietnam’s resources to help deliver an AIDS-free generation.
Objectives:
As acknowledged by many stakeholders, and expressly indicated by the GVN, Social Health Insurance is the most appropriate financing vehicle for Vietnam to take on the direct financial burden related to HIV/AIDS programs. However, there are major roadblocks for GVN to transition HIV financing into SHI, including:
- Lack of a defined financing and administrative mechanism that would enable the SHI fund to pay and/or reimburse for expenditures related to HIV procurements;
- Lack of a defined set of HIV/AIDS interventions that is included in the SHI Benefit Package; The GVN deadline for defining the overall package is the end of 2017;
- Currently, the level of enrollment in Health Insurance among PLWHA is estimated at 40%, lagging even the unsatisfactory average rate of 70% for general population. A much higher rate of coverage is needed if SHI has to realistically provide the needed financial protection to PLWHA in the years to come;
- Current health insurance regulations only allow reimbursement of services performed in hospital settings. At the moment, about 50% of POCs managed by PEPFAR only are in a preventive level of the health system. New legislation and an efficient system for payment at Commune Health Station level is needed to ensure the uninterrupted level of services PLWHA are accustomed to at the moment;
- Decision makers at Government, Ministry of Health and Vietnam Social Security (VSS) are in need of evidence and technical advice that would improve the design of policies and lead to appropriate legislation for inclusion of HIV in the health insurance benefits.Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
HFG/Vietnam is looking for a long-term Senior Social Health Insurance (SHI) Advisor to work closely with USAID/Vietnam Office of Health and the Government of Vietnam, namely the Vietnam Social Security, The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance and other entities related to implementation and financing of HIV/AIDS services.
The Senior SHI Advisor will mainly work in activities aimed at the timely and effective transition of HIV financing from external source of funding to the Social Health Insurance scheme of Vietnam.
The incumbent will perform the following key tasks with indicative time requirements:
- Provide technical advice and direction to various GVN stakeholders in advocacy and development of legal and regulatory frameworks, guidelines, policies and schemes for SHI to integrate HIV/AIDS into the basket of benefits currently provided by health facilities and SHI financial flow for drug central procurement including ARV 50%
- Serve as a resource for USAID, as required by the Office of Health in providing strategic advice, recommendations and capacity building in health financing and health insurance issues to the mission staff and PEPFAR colleagues. This can include the preparation of presentations, fact sheets, data visualization, and reports to communicate the transition of HIV financing. 30%
- Coordinate multi-sectorial activities that impact on HIV and Social Health Insurance development in Vietnam with relevant international and national partners including USAID and PEPFAR programs. 20%
Requirements
Education
- Essential
- Master’s degree required in health economics, financing, business, public policy, or other related discipline with applicability to international health financing programs
- Candidates with a postgraduate education at Master or equivalent degree level in a relevant area such health systems research, health systems management, public health or social sciences with substantial (> 5 years) practical health financing and insurance experience could be considered
- Desirable
- Medical sciences or related primary degree
Experience
- Essential
- At least 5 years of experience (with 10 years or more preferred) in international health financing with demonstrated expertise in health insurance and social protection systems. Experience working with social health insurance programs in Asia or context similar to Vietnam;
- Demonstrated leadership skills in the policy development process in complex program environments with multiple implementing organizations;
- Good understanding of low-income countries health systems and their challenges, particularly of issues related to health financing and HIV/AIDS;
- Practical knowledge of health financing, insurance systems, their tools and mechanisms and implementation;
- Demonstrated experience and skills in successful collaboration with senior and high ranking public sector host-country officials;
- Ability to develop terms of reference for specialized local and international short-term personnel, guide and facilitate the work of such personnel to serve overall program objectives
- Good analytical and problem solving skills;
- Strong ability to organize, analyze and summarize information for lay persons and technicians alike;
- Excellent English language communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills;
- Proactive, client- and team-oriented, creative, and problem-solving working attitude;
- Desirable
- Work experience in international or regional organizations (technical agencies, consultancy firms, bilateral agencies etc.)
- Experience working in Vietnam
- Strong record of professional expertise proven by previous work assignments;
- Ability to integrate and work well within a team proven by suitable recommendations;
- Proficient in computerized office tools (e.g. Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and specialized statistical tools such as STATA, SPSS, etc.
Note: This position is based in Hanoi, Vietnam.
To apply, please visit www.abtassociates.com. [1]
Deadline: Open until filled
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.