Foundation Grants Specialist with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Position Available

June 13th, 2012 in Jobs

JOB DESCRIPTION- Foundation Grants Specialist

Apply through their website below!

https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/portal/page?_pageid=213,271911&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL.

UNICEF’s The Carrier: A film screening on June 28th at The Revere Hotel, Boston

June 12th, 2012 in Outside Announcements

U S  Fund for UNICEF's The Carrier Invitation

A Wonderful Tribute to Dr. Bill Bicknell by Alum Kate Mitchell

June 7th, 2012 in Fellowships

http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2012/06/public-health-bill-bicknell

Two projects needing experienced students! Contact Chris Gill with questions

June 7th, 2012 in Volunteer

Project 1:  Looking for evidence of systematic bias among published meta-analyses of efficacy studies.

 One of the chief threats to the validity of meta-analyses is publication bias, which is often demonstrated within a given meta-analysis by use of funnel plots or related statistical approaches.  In this project, we aim to take this process one step higher and to conduct a meta-analysis of published meta-analyses to determine if there is evidence of publication bias within the meta-analysis literature at large.  For this project, we are seeking ideally two highly motivated students who have strong skills in epidemiology/biostatistics in general and meta-analysis in particular.  The project is expected to last at least six months, so students must be able to make an extended commitment to the project. Additionally, consideration will be given to students that are self motivated and creative.  Please include a cover letter documenting your interest, skills, and relevant background and a current CV.  

If interested, please contact Dr. Christopher Gill at cgill@bu.edu

Project 2:  M health and EDC working group

 For the past year, the electronic data capture (EDC) project has been working on setting up field robust systems for collection of clinical trials data in remote settings using wireless enabled hand held devices.  Currently, we have a working system and are about to embark on our first field trial using this system.  For the upcoming year, we would like to expand the working group to include one or two additional team members to help develop activities related not just to EDC but also to developing M-health interventions, including potentially a collaboration with Save the Children in Ethiopia.  The group meetings for one hour each week, and we are looking for potential members who are willing to commit to this group for at least 12 months and dedicate time to project related activities.  Applicants should have solid skills in epi and biostats and be familiar with mobile technologies. In addition, priority will be given to students who can program in Linux and/or XML.  Please include a cover letter documenting your interest, skills, and relevant background and a current CV.  

If interested, please contact Dr. Christopher Gill at cgill@bu.edu

“How to Write a Grant Proposal” with Wolffy! June 20th at 12pm in BUSM L301

June 6th, 2012 in Conferences/Seminars

6-20-12 How to write a grant proposal

Notice of Bill Bicknell’s Passing

June 6th, 2012 in Fellowships

Students, Friends and Colleagues:

 It is with great sadness that I write to let you know that Bill Bicknell succumbed to cancer last night.  He was at home, with family, in the home he loved overlooking the marshes and on out to sea.

 Bill brought International Health to BUSPH.  He started certificate courses in health management that attracted participants from all over the globe. Based on the certificate program experiences, he was able to convince the BUSPH to create the Department of International Health.  Susie Foster and I as Chairs that have served following Bill have benefited greatly  from the foundation he built which now supports 250 Master’s and doctoral students and the work of the University-wide Center for Global Health and Development.  He helped to build a new medical school in Egypt. In Lesotho, he was instrumental in the building of a new hospital and the founding of a primary care residency program.

 He was outspoken, creative and a force that will not soon be forgotten by any who worked with him.  Much will be written in the next days about Bill and his career, but I write you now in recognition of all he has given our Department.  Our thoughts are with Jane and his family in these difficult days.

 Jon

 Professor Jonathon Simon, DSC. MPH

Chair, Department of International Health

Boston University School of Public Health

Director, Center for Global Health and Development

Boston University

GHFP II Technical Advisor II: Knowledge Management and Communication Advisor 2-year fellowship position. Apply by June 29th

June 5th, 2012 in Fellowships

Global Health Fellows Program II

Technical Advisor II: Knowledge Management and Communication Advisor

Office of Health Systems, Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development

Location: Washington, DC

Assignment: Two-year fellowship

GHFP II-P1-047

 The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with CDC Development Solutions and Management Systems International. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

 GHFP-II's goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by developing and increasing the capacity of health professionals with tailored development opportunities. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels, and performance management and professional development activities aimed to enhance the technical and leadership skills of fellows.

 BACKGROUND:

The Health Systems Office (HSO) leads a network of Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) colleagues throughout the Bureau for Global Health (GH) in the development and implementation of USAID's agenda and strategy to promote effective, sustainable, country-owned health systems capable of promoting health, preventing disease, advancing reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition; combating infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases; and addressing emerging public health priorities. The HSO leads the Agency's health systems research efforts, including development of a research portfolio and of metrics and tools for measuring health systems improvements. It tracks and aligns USAID resources, funds, and programs for HSS to this agenda. The HSO also works to build partnerships and synergies to support this agenda and strategy, including with other US government agencies, host country governments, donors, the private sector, and civil society.

 The HSO is USAID's hub for generating, capturing and sharing state-of-the-art knowledge on the factors that contribute to strengthening health systems, including experiential knowledge, and complex systems thinking, service delivery, community engagement and outreach; governance, finance, human resources, medical products, vaccines, and related technologies; information systems including application of information and communications technology; and public-private partnerships. The HSO works with other offices in GH and with USAID missions, regional bureaus and partners to advance HSS knowledge and innovations and to promote country uptake.

 The HSO serves as the hub of USAID's talent management in HSS. It works to grow and nurture technical expertise and intellectual capital in HSS within the Agency to build a cadre of USAID HSS specialists. The HSO ensures basic HSS knowledge among all health officers and among health systems practitioners and health-related institutions in developing countries. The HSO develops and facilitates recruitment, training, professional development, staff rotations and exchanges, and networking opportunities.

 INTRODUCTION:

Within the HSO, the role of the Knowledge Management and Communication Advisor (the Advisor) is critical to the success of the HSO. The Advisor has the unique and exciting challenge of leading Agency HSS stakeholders to develop and coordinate the knowledge management and communications strategy around USAID's health systems strengthening work, create efficient and cost-effective approaches to promote a learning environment in USAID on HSS, manage knowledge across health systems strengthening programming, and ensure that information feeds back into Agency HSS implementation and builds knowledge.

 The Advisor leads the development, implementation and monitoring of the HSO knowledge management and communications strategy to ensure the ability to collect information and capture knowledge. In coordination with other HSO and GH staff, the Advisor contributes to the development of the HSO research agenda.

 The Advisor provides these efforts in a participatory and inclusive manner. In carrying out these responsibilities, s/he establishes, nurtures, and maintains strong working relationships with a wide range of players with varied perspectives. These players include, but are not limited to, other members of the HSO and the broader network of USAID HSS colleagues in GH, regional bureaus, and missions; Knowledge Management (KM) and communications staff within GH, regional bureaus, missions; Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning (PPL); staff of other USG agencies and other donor organizations; and thought leaders in the global health and development communities.

 The HSO knowledge exchange objective is to leverage our knowledge assets to strengthen developing country health systems by capturing, synthesizing, sharing and applying best practices on health systems strengthening throughout HSO, the GH Bureau and the Agency's health sector.

 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary responsibilities of the Advisor include:

  • Establish a health systems network in USAID that connects health systems strengthening colleagues throughout the Agency to share knowledge
  • Set up a web-based health systems intelligence function that provides USAID staff and other stakeholders with accurate, timely, comprehensive information on developing country health systems and on USAID health systems strengthening programming
  • Develop and disseminate communications materials that convey the scope and breadth of USAID's HSS work and its impact in terms appropriate for a variety of audiences, from Congress to disease program advocates to the general public. Leverage media channels efficiently and effectively
  • Support HSO and HSS colleagues in communicating information about HSS work through scientific and other channels
  • In collaboration with PDMS, develop and implement professional development activities
  • Review and constantly improve HSO's processes for content development, monitoring, marketing, delivery and support, and share lessons learned both internally in USAID and externally with the wider community and through the media
  • Establish and promote information standards, capture and share best practices, approaches, and lessons learned, and promote the adoption and use of working communities of practice within HSO, partner projects and the broader community
  • In coordination with the HSO M&E Advisor, develop tracking and reporting methods to improve HSO efforts, share lessons learned, and determine strategic outcomes of HSO programming
  • Provide advisory services to projects and missions, facilitate cross-country learning, including but not limited to south-south technical assistance, study and oversight visits, video and conference calls
  • Expand strategic engagement with HSS issue advocates, science and technical community, academia and policy experts

Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational and programming need and/or (b) the Technical Advisor's own interests.

 REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in knowledge management, library science, communications or related field
  • Minimum five years' experience in organizational learning and creating a culture of knowledge management and communication, with at least 2 years' experience in an international or resource challenged setting
  • Proven experience developing programs in organizational learning, development curriculum and for diverse cross functional groups and multi-lingual/global projects in low technology countries
  • Proven experience implementing strong strategic communications, with significant experience working in the health sector
  • Proven experience in using social learning and Web 2.0 approaches
  • Proven experience with press outreach and media relations experience - preferably mainstream media
  • The ability to work with and influence senior colleagues
  • Strong management skills
  • Excellent analytical and written and oral communication skills, extensive experience working in organizational communication as well as public relations
  • Fundamental understanding of information content and associated issues
  • An in-depth appreciation of IT and its utilization
  • Demonstrated knowledge of information and communications technology and its application
  • Demonstrated familiarity with key concepts in health systems strengthening and global health.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment
  • Ability to work with diverse teams and cross-culturally
  • Ability to travel internationally (up to 25% time)
  • Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements highly desired
  • Proficiency in a second language highly desirable
  • US Citizenship or US permanent residency required

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2012_Benefits_Booklet_GHFP.pdf

 TO APPLY:

All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II's online recruitment system at  https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on June 29, 2012

GHFP II Technical Advisor: Supply Chain Management System Advisor in DC, Applications due June 29th!

June 1st, 2012 in Jobs

Global Health Fellows Program II

Technical Advisor II: Supply Chain Management System Advisor

Supply Chain for Health Division, Office of HIV/AIDS, Bureau for Global Health,

United States Agency for International Development

Location: Washington, DC

Assignment: Two year fellowship

GHFP II-P1-048

 The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with CDC Development Solutions and Management Systems International. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

 GHFP-II's goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by developing and increasing the capacity of health professionals with tailored development opportunities. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels, and performance management and professional development activities aimed to enhance the technical and leadership skills of fellows.

BACKGROUND:

For people with HIV/AIDS in developing countries, cost-effective, reliable, secure and sustainable supply chains can save millions of lives. By the end of 2006, about 2 million people living with HIV/AIDS were receiving antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle-income countries-a dramatic 54 percent increase over the year before. Ensuring that essential medicines, HIV test kits, laboratory supplies and other health products are continuously available when they are needed is an ongoing imperative.

 Awarded in September 2005 as an indefinite quantity contract to the Partnership for Supply Chain Management, a nonprofit consortium, the Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) project is funded under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The purpose of SCMS is to establish and operate a safe, secure, reliable, and sustainable supply chain management system to procure pharmaceuticals and other products needed to provide care and treatment to persons with HIV/AIDS and related infections. Through creating and enhancing an uninterrupted supply of key commodities, SCMS is intended to support the rapid scale up of HIV/ AIDS prevention, treatment, and care. This includes ensuring the quality of drugs, test kits, and other supplies, and building capacity for long-term sustainable procurement and distribution. Project activities include supporting the purchase of lifesaving anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs (including low-cost generic ARVs approved or tentatively approved by the Food and Drug Administration); non-ARV drugs, including drugs for opportunistic infections, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, and malaria; drugs for home and palliative care; quality laboratory materials such as rapid test kits; and supplies such as gowns, gloves, injection equipment, and cleaning and sterilization items.

INTRODUCTION:

Based within the Supply Chain for Health Division (SCH) of the Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA), the Supply Chain Management System Advisor's (SCMS Advisor) primary objective is to provide scientific and technical assistance to the SCMS project. S/he will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the OHA/SCH, which includes supporting a sustainable supply chain to procure and distribute pharmaceuticals and other commodities needed to provide care and treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS and related infections.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a member of the Supply Chain for Health Division within OHA, the SCMS Advisor will provide scientific and technical assistance to accomplish PEPFAR and other HIV/AIDS program objectives and will have three primary responsibilities:

1. Serving as a scientific and technical expert and resource for OHA/SCH on HIV/AIDS and other public health issues and their impact on the SCMS project and activities (approximately 50%), including:

  • Serving as part of the Country Support team in SCH responsible for backstopping countries and organizations on the full range of PEPFAR issues
  • Coordinating with and advising USAID Missions, other USAID offices and other US Government agencies on technical and programmatic issues
  • Assisting in the management and evaluation of the SCMS project with special emphasis on integrating technical and scientific concerns into the project, e.g., reviewing work plans and project management reviews for scientific and technical merit

2. Assisting and providing technical and programmatic guidance on issues related to laboratory commodity procurement, the quantification and forecasting of laboratory equipment, and the functioning of the supply chain. In addition, the SCMS Advisor will help manage and work with the interagency Laboratory Technical Working Group, and provide assistance to the USAID principal laboratory advisor (approximately 25%).

3. Assisting and providing technical and programmatic guidance on issues related to male circumcision (MC) commodity procurement, the quantification and forecasting of MC-related materials and the functioning of the MC supply chain (approximately 25%).

Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational and programming need and/or (b) the Technical Advisor's own interests.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in public health management or a related field
  • Minimum five years' experience in providing scientific and technical assistance to HIV/AIDS related or public health programs, with at least two years' experience in an international or resource challenged setting
  • Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, program management and implementation, especially within a developing country or resource challenged context
  • Experience with USAID and PEPFAR policies and procedures, especially as related to commodity procurement
  • Knowledge of the technical issues that arise in health commodity procurement and issues related to PEPFAR-specific procurement
  • Experience with international health organizations' operations (e.g., WHO, UNAIDS)
  • High level of judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to develop strategies, and to analyze, develop, monitor, and evaluate program implementation
  • Ability to work independently with light oversight
  • Ability to recognize areas of weakness and willingness to learn
  • Willingness to travel extensively to developing countries
  • Ability to work within diverse teams
  • Strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral presentation and writing skills
  • Ability to speak French desirable
  • US Citizenship required

Salary and Benefits:

Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2012_Benefits_Booklet_GHFP.pdf

 TO APPLY:

All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II's online recruitment system at  https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on June 29, 2012.

Program Manager with Harvard School of Public Health based in Rwanda

June 1st, 2012 in Jobs

https://sjobs.brassring.com/EN/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?jobId=881359&partnerid=25240&siteid=5341&type=search&JobReqLang=1&codes=IND