Health Economics Officer/Senior Officer

Terms of Reference – Health Economics Officer/Senior Officer

Clinton Health Access Initiative, Vietnam

Position: Health Economics Officer/Senior Officer
Work place : Hanoi
Length of position: One year, extendable based on performance and funding
Reports to: Associate Director

Background

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. Established in Vietnam in 2006, CHAI works with a number of departments in the Ministry of Health to help strengthen the response to HIV, TB, hepatitis, malaria, and other diseases. CHAI has emphasized a sustainable and integrative approach to health systems strengthening premised on a close partnership with government to build national capacity.

CHAI’s team in Vietnam consists of a dynamic core of 15 staff in addition to resources available at the regional and global levels.

Description

Vietnam’s lower middle income country classification and resulting donor exodus means that domestically sourced funding to finance health care is increasingly important. For instance, due to funding concerns, there are no clear plans to introduce the PCV or Rotavirus vaccinations into the routine immunization program, despite the potential to avert an estimated 2,000 and >800 deaths, respectively, each year. The funding concerns are exacerbated by the country’s Gavi transition status (Phase 2 Accelerated Transition) and the impending loss of Gavi financial support in 2019.

The Health Economics Officer/Senior Officer will help support evidence-based decision making in government, especially as it pertains to generating and presenting data related to the feasibility of introducing the PCV and Rotavirus vaccines. He/she must be skilled at finding and analyzing data from diverse sources, and presenting it in an easily understandable manner to decision makers. He/she must be a highly motivated, entrepreneurial individual with outstanding problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Main Responsibilities

• Support CHAI, the national Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), and other MOH agencies in the decision-making and planning process firstly for PCV and Rota vaccines but potentially for other diseases such as malaria and hepatitis B/C. Activities may include, but are not limited to:
• Generating and analyzing data to help prioritize and plan for PCV and Rota introductions, and malaria and hepatitis prevention and elimination.
• Assessing financial needs and identifying short- and longer- term funding sources should the government decide to include Rota and/or PCV in the routine immunization program.
• Identifying and advising on appropriate products and procurement practices internationally and domestically.
• Developing solutions to ensure vaccine delivery readiness – notably cold chain - for new vaccine introductions.
• Perform other tasks as necessary.

Qualifications

• Vietnamese citizen
• Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of work experience
• Background in economics, business, statistics, or health
• Exceptional problem solving skills and quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities
• Strong written and oral English and Vietnamese communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships in a challenging multicultural environment
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word and in internet-based communications

Advantages

• Advanced degree in health or economics
• Experience working with government institutions

A one-page cover letter should specify the position sought and highlight why the candidate believes they are the right person for the position. A CV detailing professional experience, relevant qualifications and three reference contacts should be provided. Interested candidates should send materials in English to [email protected]. Indicate position sought in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, but must be received by 10 July, 2018. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.