CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Chief of Party (Health Systems Strengthening Project)

Terms of Reference 

Position Title: Chief of Party for Health Systems Strengthening Project

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Description

The Ateneo School of Government is the public policy academic arm of the Ateneo de Manila University. Its long-term mission is to teach and work with effective and ethical public servants to build prosperous, sustainable, just, and happy communities in the Philippines, empowered by democratic, participatory, transparent, and accountable governance institutions and processes. Through its research and extension programs, and its work with public, private, and civil society organizations, ASOG aims to develop and foster innovative ideas and approaches to change mindsets and systems in such areas as leadership, poverty eradication, climate change, social accountability, and politics.

ASOG is expecting to implement a project that will support current efforts to realize the goals of Universal Healthcare with specific emphasis on strengthening the performance, sustainability, resilience, and responsiveness of the local and national health systems. 

Tasks and Functions

The Chief of Party is expected to: 

• Provide comprehensive programmatic and strategic technical and managerial leadership for all aspects of the Health Systems Strengthening Project, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and timely outcomes;
• Serve as the primary representative of the project in high-level discussions and engagements with key stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and other relevant parties;
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain partnerships with pertinent stakeholders, such as national agencies and local government units, civil society organizations, networks, coalitions, and the private sector, to support project objectives effectively;
• Lead knowledge management, communication, and awareness-raising efforts to disseminate project activities, findings, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders;
• Develop and implement strategies, policies, and procedures aimed at enhancing the capacity of national agencies and local government units, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to contribute to improved health systems in the targeted areas;
• Provide overarching guidance in the development and execution of activities geared towards enhancing governance capacity, strategic resource mobilization, health regulation, human resources for health (HRH), and health information systems (HIS);
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all required reports, including quarterly, semi-annual, and final reports, in alignment with the expectations of the Implementor and the project's funder;
• Supervise project staff, consultants, and assigned personnel, fostering a work environment characterized by mutual respect and a commitment to excellence; and
• Maintain regular and direct communication with the project's funder to coordinate program direction and ensure the effective implementation of project activities.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Masters or PhD) in public policy and/or international development policy, medicine, economics, or any related course;
• At least 10 years of experience in government service, teaching, research, and policy development, project management, or capacity development;
• Had previous professional engagements with international organizations (either as consultant or resident technical expert) conducting work related to policy development/ knowledge management, capacity development, and advocacy;
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in successfully managing health governance project of similar size or scope; and
• At least 3 years of project management experience in the Philippines or Asian region with comparable contexts and successful past democracy work with civil society.

Desired Competencies

The competencies listed below go beyond traditional public health competencies and emphasize social determinants of health and a systems approach, particularly grounded in localization. These skills can facilitate collaboration, mitigate challenges, and ensure smooth project implementation, ultimately contributing to the success of the initiative. Other competencies include:

• Systems Thinking and Complexity. Experience applying systems thinking principles to health programming, including the ability to analyze complex health systems, and design interventions that consider the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health outcomes.
• Community Empowerment and Participation. Strong commitment to community empowerment and participatory approaches, including experience facilitating community-led initiatives and fostering local ownership of health interventions. Experience in mobilizing communities to advocate for their health needs and rights.
• Cultural Competency and Localization. Experience working in the Philippines or similar contexts, with a nuanced understanding of cultural norms, values, and social dynamics influencing health behaviors and outcomes. With a track record of designing and implementing health interventions tailored to the specific needs and priorities of local communities.
• Intersectoral Collaboration. With experience collaborating with diverse sectors beyond health, such as education, agriculture, and urban planning, to address social determinants of health and promote multisectoral approaches to health system strengthening. With previous work related to establishing partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector for collective action on health issues.
• Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights. With a track record of advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized and vulnerable populations, including indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and people living in poverty or experiencing homelessness.
• Data-Informed Decision-Making and Learning. With basic capacity in data analysis and interpretation, and ability to use evidence to inform decision-making, monitor progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

All interested applicants must submit the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. An Application Letter addressed to Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government

Submit the required documents via email to policycenter.asog@ateneo.edu and use "[SURNAME] - Chief of Party - Health Systems Strengthening Project" as email subject.

Deadline for the submission of applications is on April 30, 2024.