Senior Health Advisor

Status: Permanent full-time position

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Senior Health Advisor will play an important role in guiding, strengthening and supporting Plan Canada and Plan’s global capacity and expertise in health programming, proposal development, policy/research development and public engagement initiatives.  A major component of the work will be to: (i) take technical leadership in the design and development of concept notes and proposals on health projects related to (but not limited to) maternal, newborn and child health; reproductive health and HIV-AIDS to submit to various donors; (ii) lead/participate in the development of policy and position papers; (iii) provide health related technical support to health advisors and staff of Plan and its partners in the field on projects managed by Plan Canada ; (iv) lead/participate in health networks that are relevant to Plan Canada programs; and (v) perform any relevant tasks related to Plan Canada programming, program effectiveness and quality assurance as required. This will involve working with a range of individuals and teams within Plan Canada and the global organization, to develop systems, tools and processes to build Plan’s capacities and to encourage continual learning in this regard. 
The position is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with frequent trips to the field to different Plan Country Offices.

Program/Grants Development:  (30%)

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities with other donors both in Canada and in the field offices to expand Plan’s health programming
• Develop and/or support development of technically sound programme concepts and proposals relating to improving health status of children and women
• Provide technical input on the health components within other cross sectoral projects proposals

Technical advice and Capacity Building: (40%)

• Provide leadership to Plan Canada with respect to advancing best practices, designing and developing new high quality health programs, and improving the learning and quality of existing Plan Canada funded health projects.
• Provide training and organizational capacity building of Plan Canada and certain Plan Country Offices to effectively design and implement health programming with emphasis on child rights-based approach, child survival, maternal health, and reproductive health
• Provide technical support to strengthen the health component in existing grants.  This will include applying Results-Based Management monitoring and reporting methods to programs focused on health. Liaise with gender advisor to ensure that health programming is also gender sensitive
• Participate in project planning, implementation and evaluation to ensure adherence to best practice in the field of health

Policy, Research and Public Awareness (30%)

• Support Plan International in linking with global health networks
• Contribute to formulation of research initiatives in health highlighting maternal and child health issues in the developing countries
• Review and analyse findings from baseline surveys, and other qualitative and quantitative research from health projects
• Along with others in the Health team, ensure visibility and engagement of Plans’ work in international development and health forums and networks in Canada
• Develop and/or support partnerships and cooperation with other organizations in Canada and overseas  on strengthen health programming and policies
• Represent Plan Canada at provincial, national and international development forums on health 
• Keep up to date with professional knowledge on strengthening health of women and children  in developing countries
• In collaboration with the Advocacy team, advocate with key stakeholders on strategic health issues

Competencies

• Strong technical capacity in health programming in the developing world 
• Good information gathering, assessment, analysis and presentation skills
• Good listening skills and demonstrated capacity to work effectively with others
• Proven skills in proposal writing, innovation and rights based programming
• Proven skills in results based management approaches
• A working knowledge of health management information systems in developing countries
• Strong knowledge management capacity

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years program experience in international development with a focus on health; most of of which should have been gained overseas
• Experience working for and International of Local NGO in a developing country and/or the local Ministry of Health
• A good knowledge of global health development issues, especially community based approaches to addressing Maternal and Child Health Care, Health Systems Strengthening and familiarity with health information systems
• Proven track record in mobilising grant funding and designing/managing projects related to child and maternal health
• Experience in project management cycle, monitoring and evaluation, and data analysis
• University degree preferably in health, medical degree, or post graduate in development or other relevant discipline
• French and/or Spanish skills considered a strong asset
• Good familiarity, networking and working relationships with different donors and other partner organizations
• Demonstrated ability to review, synthesize information and produce quality reports
• Solid grasp of CIDA’s approach to Results Based Management or other Logical Frameworks
• Able to work in a team enviornment, pitch in attidude a must
• Knowledge of child rights-based approach to programming as asset
• Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point) and internet use

About Plan Canada

Imagine working for a leading international Non governmental organization (NGO) that’s dedicated to creating a better world. That’s Plan, a global movement for change, mobilizing millions of people around the world to support social justice for children in developing countries. Founded in 1937 as Foster Parents Plan, we are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, we have only one agenda: to improve the lives of children.

Plan Canada is part of a global network of offices in over 65 countries. Our busy Toronto-based office undertakes fundraising, donor engagement and public outreach, as well as overseeing a wide variety of field programs led by our International Program Department, which includes experts in Health, Education, Microfinance, Gender equity, Child Protection and Humanitarian Assistance. We have a dedicated, passionate and diverse team of over 140 employees who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children.  Join us and plan to change the world.

Visit our website:  www.plancanada.ca

How to apply:

To apply for this role please forward a cover letter and resume, by February 29, 2012, an outlining of your skills and experience to gethired@plancanada.ca.     

Please reference Senior Health Advisor in the subject line.

Plan sincerely thanks all applicants for their expressed interest in this opportunity; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No Phone calls please.

Consistent with our Child Protection Policy the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including the vulnerable sector screen.