Quality Improvement Intern at Global Health Fellows Program II
Global Health Fellows Program II
Quality Improvement (QI) Intern
Office of Health Systems, Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development
Anticipated timeframe: April 2015 - July 2015: Compensated 16 week internship
Location: Washington, DC/Arlington, VA
INT-P4-043
The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with Global Health Corps, GlobeMed, Management Systems International and PYXERA Global. 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 addressing the Agency's immediate and emerging human capacity needs. The program seeks to accomplish this goal first through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels. These program participants include fellows, interns, corporate volunteers and Foreign Service National professionals. The program then provides substantial performance management and career development support to participants, including annual working planning assistance, and ensures that professional development opportunities are available.
Looking to the future, GHFP-II also seeks to establish a pool of highly-qualified global health professionals that will ensure the Agency's ongoing technical leadership and effectiveness. This objective is supported by an extensive outreach program that brings global health opportunities and specialized career advice to a diverse range of interested individuals, with a particular focus on those underrepresented in the field of global health.
BACKGROUND:
Since 1990, USAID has supported a series of centrally-managed projects to adapt modern quality improvement (QI) approaches to the needs of USAID-assisted countries. The most recent of this series is the Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) project, a 5-year, $185 million cooperative agreement awarded in September 2012. ASSIST draws on the experience of earlier projects in this series, as well as state-of-the-art approaches developed in high income countries. Like QI approaches used in the US, ASSIST focuses on helping health systems measurably improve the processes used to implement health care.
Improvement strategies focus on changes in processes, rather than the provision of resources, to bring about better health and development outcomes. A major type of process that often needs improvement is the degree to which providers follow national guidelines for basic services. A review of the results from recent USAID projects in this series specifically focused on provider compliance with such guidelines, and found that the application of modern QI approaches produced impressive levels of improvement across the sample studied.
INTRODUCTION:
The field of QI is growing, and many people would be interested in learning about QI through well-written stories based on actual experiences. However, no detailed descriptions of QI in low-resource settings have been published. Although many health professionals around the world know about good results from QI, few of them know the details of how QI teams do their work.
The QI Intern will be assigned to the Office of Health Systems. S/he will focus on supporting the development of a book of case studies that will be submitted for publication. The book will feature QI case studies from low-resourced countries. The Intern will receive day to day guidance from the Quality Improvement and Human Resources for Health Technical Advisor who will serve as his/her onsite manager.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Gaining a greater understanding of the field of QI and its application in low-resourced countries.
- Gaining experience in supporting the documentation of how QI activities are implemented and how QI Teams function in low-resourced settings.
- Gaining a solid understanding of how QI approaches can be used to strengthen health systems.
- Deepening skills in collaboration and coordination within a complex organizational and implementation structure.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assisting with the review of submitted case studies for inclusion in the case book.
- Providing support to case study submitters on drafting, editing and revising case study submissions, which may include supporting the collection, transcription and interpretation of qualitative data.
- Coordinating logistics of manuscript development process to ensure that manuscript aligns with publisher's submission requirements.
- Providing technical support to authors writing commentary sections of the case book.
- Reviewing, editing, and providing feedback on submitted commentary.
- Participating in technical discussions with the Case Study Review Team and case study authors.
- Ad hoc help with literature reviews related to case book, if required.
- Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on organizational and programming need. and/or the Intern's own interests.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Currently enrolled master's or other post-bachelor's degree candidate in public health, international development, or a related field; or, completion of such within the past 12 months.
- Strong writing and analytical skills and the ability to work independently.
- Demonstrated experience in working in low-resourced settings, research and analysis, and conducting literature reviews.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in one or more of the global health technical areas such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and infectious diseases.
- A basic understanding of QI approaches and the field of health systems strengthening in global development.
- US citizenship or US permanent residency required.
COMPENSATION:
$1,680 bi-weekly (exempt, salaried position).
TO APPLY:
Detailed information, including an online application and instructions, is available on our website at www.ghfp.net. All applications must be submitted by Monday, February 9, 2015 at 5:00 pm eastern time.
Enter the GH Raffle to win a 1-day Pass to the 6th Annual CUGH Conference!
The 6th Annual CUGH Conference: Mobilizing Research for Global Health is coming up -- March 26-28 --and the Department of Global Health is raffling 1-day passes to the conference for 10 students! Read below, or follow the link for a snapshot of information about the conference:
The themes include genetics and vaccines, One Health (including antimicrobial resistance and food security), the drivers of non-communicable diseases, and a deep look at improvement science. Other pressing global challenges will also be addressed from building smart cities and protecting health workers in conflict zones to the Ebola crisis. Researchers, educators, implementers, faculty, students, administrators, members of NGOs, the private and public sectors will all find many sessions relevant to their interests across. Attendees and presenters will come from the medical and social sciences and address the challenges of delivering better health to populations everywhere. Some of the many speakers scheduled to attend are listed below, as well:
- Chris Wilson: Director, Health Discovery & Translational Sciences, BMGF
- Victor Dzau: President, Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Science
- Esther Duflo: Co-Director, Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, MIT
- Paul Farmer: Co-Founder, Partners in Health
- Glenda Gray: President, South African Medical Research Council
- Peter Piot: Director, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Beth Bell: Centers for Disease Control
- Lawrence Madoff: Editor, ProMed Mail
- Oyewale Tomori: President, Nigerian Academy of Science
- Christian Mandl, Global Head of Research,
Novartis Vaccines
If you are interested in being entered in the raffle for one of the 10 slots, please fill out the Smart Sheet form below by February 2nd.
Are you a current student looking for part-time work? If so, the GH department is hiring a Student Administrative Assistant; apply by February 4th!
Student Administrative Assistant for the Department of Global Health & Center for Global Health & Development
The Department of Global Health and The Center for Global Health & Development at the Boston University School of Public Health is currently seeking a student for the position of Student Administrative Assistant.
The purpose of this position will be to provide general administrative support to Faculty, Staff and Students.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Manage day-to-day administrative operations activities, including: phone coverage, distributing the mail and faxes, deliveries to various departments, knowledge of AV equipment, and knowledge of computers.
- Assist with financial tasks and office management, such as, travel expense reports, ordering office supplies, submit work order requests to internal BU offices, assist faculty and staff with various projects/tasks when needed, manage various tracking sheets.
Candidates must have attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks while ensuring that they are completed with accuracy. Knowledge of Excel is required.
Need someone for approximately 15-20 hours per week.
**Please send resumes by February 4th to Mary Dangora via email mmb@bu.edu
Boston University is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Interested in issues and topics relating to Mental Health and Public Health? Join CHS for an informal conversation hour Wednesday Feb 4 at 5 pm
Interested in issues and topics relating to Mental Health and Public Health? Join us for an informal conversation hour Wednesday Feb 4 at 5 pm in CT-446. Possible topics include current faculty research related to mental health, info sharing on community sites and organizations that may provide practicum and/or job opportunities, and brainstorming ways we can make our group helpful and interesting to students and faculty.
If you can make it, send an email to Kelly Royce karoyce@bu.edu and Dr. Carol Dolan cdolan@bu.edu to let us know of your interest.
Vietnam-based job opportunity at Clinton Health Access Initiative; apply by February 2nd!
Clinton Health Access Initiative, Vietnam
Position/Title: Malaria Associate
Base Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Length of position: One year, extendable based on performance and funding
Reports to: Deputy Country Director
Background
The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) is a trusted advisor to governments worldwide, helping them transform the way they provide health services. In Vietnam, CHAI works with a number of entities to help the government reach national HIV, TB, and malaria targets. Established in Vietnam in 2006, CHAI has emphasized a sustainable and integrated approach to health systems strengthening premised on a close partnership with government to build national capacity.
Description
The Malaria Associate will support the acceleration of Vietnam’s drive towards malaria elimination. As a core member of the Clinton Health Access Initiative’s (CHAI) country team in Vietnam and CHAI’s global malaria team, the Malaria Associate will provide effective day-to-day support to the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology (NIMPE) of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in optimizing current strategies and developing and executing new strategies to eliminate malaria.
The Malaria Associate must be a highly motivated, entrepreneurial individual with outstanding problem solving, managerial, analytical, and communication skills. The Associate must be able to function independently and flexibly and have a strong commitment to excellence. The position will be based in Hanoi, Vietnam, with travel within the country expected.
This position reports to the Deputy Country Director in Vietnam.
Main Responsibilities
- Support NIMPE on the reorientation of their program towards elimination, specific activities may include:
- Updating national guidelines, policies, and plans to align with global elimination recommendations
- Developing operational plans and associated training materials to build government capacity and support effective execution of malaria program
- Assist NIMPE identify potential sources for and mobilization of additional funding to address any potential gaps preventing robust implementation of national malaria strategic plan
- Support NIMPE’s implementation of national case management guidelines at all registered public and private health facilities to support accurate and prompt diagnoses and treatment of all suspected malaria cases
- Collaborate with NIMPE to support rapid and accurate reporting of malaria data from health facilities and community health care workers and that all data is appropriately stored and managed to ensure a rapid and effective response
- Identify key impediments to the successful execution of the malaria elimination strategy and other national guidelines and work with the NIMPE and partners to develop solutions to rapidly address these bottlenecks
- Explore the utilization of new tools and interventions to eliminate malaria and develop operational plans and other materials to support the implementation of these tools
- Collaborate with NIMPE and partner organizations to design and implement operational research projects to identify improved approaches that will help optimize malaria elimination interventions
- Support all CHAI staff working in collaboration with the NIMPE and partner organizations on malaria elimination in Vietnam
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus 3 – 5 years of work experience
- Exceptional problem solving skills and quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships in a challenging multicultural environment
- Ability to manage numerous work streams simultaneously
- Ability to multi-task and to be effective in high-pressure situations
- Ability to work independently on large, demanding projects
- Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
ADVANTAGES:
- Vietnamese language skills
- Advanced degree in public health or business
- Experience working with geographic information systems
- Experience developing database systems and using statistical software for data analysis
- Experience living and working in Southeast Asia, including as a native of the region
- Experience working with Asian governments and institutions
- Experience in working with malaria and/or other infectious diseases
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 and relevant qualifications should be provided. Interested candidates should send materials to either vietnam_office@clintonhealthaccess.org, or https://careers-CHAI.icims.com/job/5353/associate%2c/malaria/job. Indicate position sought in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, but must be received by 2 February 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
Global Oncology Event-MONDAY
Dr. Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Director of the GLobal Health Initiative in Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dinner will be provided. View the full flyer here: BU GO Event Flyer
Kids Play International seeks Rwanda Program Manager with a talent, passion and commitment to effectively use sport to improve gender equality; applications due by February 23rd
Kids Play International (KPI) -- a sport for development organization in Rwanda -- is seeking a Rwanda Program Manager to oversee their work in Gatagara, Rwanda. KPI is looking for a strong leader with the talent, passion and commitment to effectively use sport to improve gender equality.
Founded in 2008 by three-time Olympian, Tracy Evans, KPI uses sport as a catalyst to promote gender equity in communities impacted by genocide through the powerful Olympic value of Fair Play. KPI works to build a better community with a bigger purpose by empowering KPI Coaches to deliver the Let's Play Fair (LPF) program to girls and boys aged 7-18. LPF is a long term commitment to youth and their communities, and is implemented through educational sport activities and interactive discussions that aim to shift knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Rooted in the belief that sport can be a powerful catalyst for social change, KPI strives to inspire the next generation to positively change gender norms in Rwanda.
Job Overview: Kids Play International is seeking an inspired Program Manager with a sport and sport for development background who will be responsible for providing strategic leadership while overseeing day-to-day programming in Gatagara, Rwanda. The PM will oversee both program activities and organizational operations, support KPI Coaches to implement high quality gender equity programs, help develop and conduct continued Coaches trainings, implement monitoring and evaluation tools, cultivate strategic in-country partnerships, contribute to business development and fundraising efforts, and provide strategic direction and recommendations for long term program development and model replication. The PM will work closely with and report to the Founder/President and be responsible for submitting regular reports and updates on organizational progress.
The ideal Program Manager candidate has an athletic background, professional experience with sport for development programs, international program management skills, overseas working/volunteering experience (preferably in Africa), and is willing and able to live comfortably in a rural village Rwanda.
Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to info@kidsplayintl.org by Monday February 23, as they are looking to fill the role immediately.
Funding Opportunities for young professionals (under 30) who are interested in Women’s Health!
This is an opportunity for people under 30, who are interested in women's health, to apply for funding/support.
The Women Deliver conference is a really great, multidisciplinary conference that focuses on a range of women’s health and economic issues. They’ve put out a call for applications by young people who want to 1) go to the conference and/or 2) join a network of young leaders who are passionate about women’s health. The young leaders will get funding for a community-based project and training in research, advocacy, and communications.
http://www.womendeliver.org/deliver-for-youth/?youngleaders
Check out the website. The deadline for applications is 1 March.
Practicum Opportunity at the Society for Emergency Medicine in India
Background: There is a great need for practice guidelines to help emergency medicine development efforts on a local and national level in India. This practicum opportunity is a joint placement between the Boston University Medical Campus (MED and SPH) and the Indian non-profit, the Society for Emergency Medicine India (SEMI). Ms. Liz Clark, a BUSPH Alum, who works for SEMI member hospital, the Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), is collaborating with Dr. Gabrielle Jacquet (ED Attending at BMC, Faculty at BUSM and Affiliate Faculty at BU Center for Global Health and Development) to offer this opportunity. The student(s) will also be working with Ms. Clark’s collaborators at various SEMI-affiliated hospitals throughout India. Both MPH and MED students with Emergency Medicine experience, EMTs, ED nurses or others with experience or interest in emergency medicine and/or quality improvement and performance indicators are encouraged to apply.
Anticipated scope of work:
- The student will establish a set of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) that are applicable to the Indian context. The student is expected to do some research prior to coming to India. (Ms. Clark, Dr. Jacquet and SEMI doctors will interact with the student to discuss needs and what's realistic in the Indian context.) KPIs will be agreed to in advance of arriving in India.
- The student would come to KIMS (Trivandrum) and SEMI-affiliated hospitals to collect the agreed data points as well as document basic patient systems in Indian EDs. The student(s) may be provided with housing and transport to and from the hospital depending on the host institution. All other expenses including international and domestic air travel, food and other related expenses will be borne by the student. All work they perform will remain confidential to the hospitals/SEMI.
- The student will create a final report for both hospitals’ executive management and may be asked to present their research to the local hospital executive committee. In this report they will document the KPIs, explain how the KPIs compare to global benchmarks, and then make recommendations to increase operational efficiencies while maintaining or increasing patient safety.
FOR SPH ONLY: To respond, submit a letter of interest, a CV and dates of availability to Joe Anzalone via josanz@bu.edu . A need-based Santander award is a possibility.
