Technical Specialist

Abt Associates Inc.
USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV Activity

TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

To provide technical support to Vietnam Administration of AIDS Control

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 2-year USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV Activity provides technical assistance to the Government of Vietnam (GVN) from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2020. It builds on existing support to the GVN since 2014 through the Health Finance and Governance (HFG) project. USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV Activity will provide technical assistance to GVN to complete the transition to a domestically-funded HIV program able to exceed the 9090-90 targets – 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) tested, 90% on anti-retroviral treatment (ART), and 90% virally suppressed – thereby achieving epidemic control. The project will provide specialized expertise to deliver targeted, innovative, evidence-based, and results-driven technical assistance designed to: 1) increase in-country capacity to self-finance and sustain HIV control efforts; and 2) strengthen government capacity on ARV supply planning, quantification, bidding, and procurement financing through the SHI fund.

Objective

Abt Associates’ USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV Activity seeks to hire a Technical Specialist to be responsible for providing technical support to Ministry of Health/Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) on SHI reimbursement guideline development for Multi Month Scripting (MMS)/Multi Month Dispensing (MMD) for ARVs, Monitoring provision of ARVs for MMS/MMD, and for Component 2 program coordination.

Component 2 is: Provide technical support to implement an ARV copayment subsidy for advancing financial sustainability for PLHIV, providers, and the SHI fund. Component 2 includes the following activities:

  • Activity 2.1: Support VAAC to monitor SHI premium and ARV co-payment support nationwide and in the four learning provinces to design and implement these support mechanisms.
  • Activity 2.2: Monitor the application of policies and technical guidance for ARV payment and reimbursement through SHI.
  • Activity 2.3: Recommend financing mechanisms for emerging best practices in ARV treatment.

The Technical Specialist will work closely with VAAC and the Technical Team of the USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV project.

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

The Technical Specialist is expected to perform tasks on the following two technical areas:

1- SHI reimbursement guideline development for Multi Month Scripting (MMS) / Multi Month Dispensing (MMD) for ARVs and Monitoring Provision of ARVs for MMS/MMD (this is part of Activity 2.3 as listed above).

  • Provide technical inputs on aspects related to ARV treatment and MMS/MMD to VAAC and VSS throughout the development of SHI reimbursement guideline for MMS/MMD for ARVs.
  • Develop an M & E tool to monitor the MMS for ARVs from multiple sources including SHI. The M & E tool should be part of the current official VAAC monitoring framework for monitoring ARVs  treatment. Major indicators include and not limited to health facilities providing MMS ARVs, patients receiving MMS from SHI, PEPFAR, Global fund. Other indicators if needed shall be discussed and agreed between VAAC and SFA.
  • Monitor the MMS for ARVs from health facilities report and/or through field trips to selected health facilities.
  • Compile and report quarterly to VAAC and to USAID (through USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV) on MMS for ARVs.

2- Coordinate the project component 2 on the implementation of ARV copayment subsidy for advancing financial sustainability for PLHIV, providers, and the SHI fund

  • Coordinate component activities as per the project work plan.
  • Coordinate and facilitate discussions with partners, consultants, clients and key stakeholders.
  • Organize workshops and meetings in collaboration with project partners.
  • Prepare reporting to project clients, with USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV.
  • Perform other tasks as needed and relevant to the technical areas in charge.

Skills/Knowledge Required:

  • Advanced degree in medicine and/or public health
  • Professional experience in HIV treatment and HIV programs in Vietnam and its current transitional context, including social health insurance
  • Experience in working with VAAC, MOH and relevant government agencies
  • Knowledge of development partners working on HIV in Vietnam
  • Basic knowledge of English.

Duration: February 2019 to September 2019 initially, with potential to extend to August 2020 (subject to project funding continuation).

This position is recruited as a Consultant

Note: This position is based in Hanoi, Vietnam.

To apply, please send your application documents to the following email: [email protected]

Deadline: February 22nd 2019

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Job Details
Organisation Name: 
Abt Associates
Location: 
Hanoi
Application Deadline: 
Fri, 2019-02-22