Health Management Information System Advisor, Ethiopia (VSO)

Context and purpose of the role

This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the development of health services in the Beneshangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia.

The Benishangul-Gumuz Health Bureau lacks basic Management Information System (MIS) resources, resulting in inadequate management planning. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health recently launched HMIS in selected regions, however Benishangul-Gumuz does not have the human resources to introduce the system.

This shortage of skilled staff leads to poor reporting and a lack of available data for making informed decisions.

You’ll work with colleagues at the Bureau to introduce this new HMIS system and provide training and support to staff. This will ensure that relevant information can be accessed for planning purposes and maximise use of health resources in the region.

What does the role involve?

• Introducing the government’s HMIS to staff at the Bureau and health partners.
• Developing or adapting hard and software to run the HMIS.
• Giving technical support to strengthen other systems feeding into HMIS.
• Training staff and stakeholders on the use of HMIS.
• Producing guidelines on the new system and using HMIS in evidence-based decision-making.
• Supporting and mentoring colleagues to deliver training on the new system.

Skills, experience and personal qualities needed for the role

You’ll be educated to degree level in computer sciences or similar with at least 2 years’ work experience in IT and Monitoring and Evaluation.

Ideally you’ll have experience of delivering training in these systems and of working specifically with Health MIS.

You’ll have a management background and be experienced in resolving conflicts, negotiating and overcoming challenges. In addition you’ll need to be highly motivated with a positive attitude and confidence.

You’ll be used to working in pressurised environments, be flexible and self-motivated and prepared to work in a resource-poor environment.

As with all VSO placement a sense of humour and willingness to adapt to local culture will serve you well and enable you to get the most out of your placement.

And the rest…

We’ll ask you to commit to 12 - 24 months to ensure you can make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support.

We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation and insurance.

When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.

Instructions for applicants

Contact Hannah Gilman at VSO UK with a copy of your CV hannah.gilman@vso.org.uk

For more information about VSO please visit www.vso.org.uk