District Pharmaceutical Systems Strengthening Coordinator – Ministry of Health

About US:
The Government of the Republic of Uganda under the Ministry of Health has received funding from the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support among other things recruitment of key staff to assist in improvement of the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) grant performance. The goals of the Health Systems Strengthening grant are to:
· Strengthen the Procurement and Supply Management (PSM) system
· Support improvements in the Management Information Systems and Monitoring and
· Support community involvement in the delivery of health services
Additionally, the National TB and Leprosy Program (NTLP) is under the department of the National Disease Control (NDC) in the Ministry of Health. NTLP’s overall functions are to establish country wide quality diagnosis and treatment services for TB and Leprosy and to coordinate the implementation of TB and Leprosy control activities. Under the National Program is a National TB Reference Laboratory whose functions are; to provide technical guidance to all TB diagnostic facilities and standardization of Laboratory TB and Leprosy provide technical supervision and training of laboratory staff on TB and Leprosy Diagnosis Techniques, Confirmation of drug resistant TB and provide follow up culture and drug susceptible tests as a national referral facility. It also supports coordinated drug resistant TB surveillance and technical support roll out of new laboratory technologies and support their uptake and utilization. It also carries out operational research activities.

Job Summary: The District Pharmaceutical Systems Strengthening Coordinator will work closely with Pharmacy Division of the Ministry of Health to manage the implementation of program activities across the country and reports to the Assistant Commissioner Health Services, Pharmacy. The incumbent will be instrumental in the design and development of innovative district level interventions to improve overall functioning of the pharmaceutical logistics system and works with Implementing Partners and the relevant programs of the Ministry of Health in ensuring pharmaceutical systems efficiency. The DPSS Coordinator will take overall responsibility for the management and supervision of regional performance monitoring pharmacists employed by the MOH and will play a crucial role in the development of concepts and managing strategies for improving capacity and performance of the pharmaceutical logistics system.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· Responsible for monitoring and documentation of program progress, identifying weaknesses, Technical Assistance needs, lessons learnt, and best practices
· Providing technical support for performance improvement and implementation of the HIV/AIDS Program, National Malaria Control Program, National TB and Leprosy program and Reproductive Health PSM activities in the districts.
· Mentor and supervise staff as assigned. Supervisory responsibilities include, but are not limited to, regularly meeting with supervisees to discuss issues, track work progress, provide guidance and support, and ensure consistent quality of work performed; conducting Performance Plan Reviews and Development; communicating, implementing, and ensuring adherence to MOH policies, guidelines; developing staff skills and knowledge; approving time sheets.
· Take part in the development and monitoring of HCSS annual work plan.
· Participate in meetings with the District Health Teams and partners to share progress, accomplishments, and challenges and ensure common understanding of current as well as future strategic direction.
· Work collaboratively with District staff to document and publish lessons learned and use them as a mechanism to share experiences and to advocate for appropriate policy direction in support of the HSS focus areas.
· Render support in the M&E activities including impact assessment design and implementation as well development of M&E training curricularfor staff at district level
· Prepare and submit regular reports for assessing performance of implementing partners and give feedback to the Assistant Commissioner Health Services, Pharmacy.
· Participate in development of District Supervision Date System and capacity building of the district managers in using the health facility data for planning and decision making
· Work closely with the HCSS grant coordinator to ensure that all Global Fund Sub- Recipients/health units are reporting correctly, following the set guidelines
· Performing any other duties as assigned by the Assistant Commissioner Health Services, Pharmacy.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The applicant should preferably hold a Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Pharmacy or related field.
· At least eight years of progressively increasing responsibility managing large comprehensive and complex health programs in Uganda.
· Prior experience in management of pharmaceutical/logistics systems strengthening program is an added advantage.
· Demonstrated management skills, including relevant experience in direct supervision of professional staff.
· Significant management and planning experience including human resource management and supervision.
· Work experience in providing pharmaceutical management technical assistance.
· Good M&E skills and hands on experience with indicator based surveys and assessments
· Working experience in Uganda with knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the Uganda public health system.
· Proven ability to collaborate with other stakeholders in developing creative and strategic solutions to achieve common goals.
· Willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and shifting deadlines.
· Demonstrated strong organizational, administrative, communications and reporting skills.
· Strong teamwork and team-building skills
· Strong English skills required, including ability to write lucid technical reports and documents.
· Computer literacy skills, including knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to send their applications addressed to the Permanent Secretary, MOH to the address below;

Ministry of Health,
Plot 6 Lourdel Road, Room D213, Block D, 2nd Floor.
P.O. Box 7272, Kampala,
Kampala. Uganda.

Deadline: 11th September 2015.

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