Quality Improvement Advisor

Jhpiego is an international, non-profit health organization affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University. Jhpiego develops innovations to enhance the capacity of health care workers, strengthening health systems and improve delivery of care towards improving the health and well-being. Jhpiego has been collaborating with the Government of Malawi and various partners in implementing a wide-range of interventions in maternal, newborn and child health, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and care and treatment, since 1999. 

Jhpiego is seeking a highly qualified Quality Improvement (QI) Advisor to lead the design and implementation of high-quality, lifesaving Maternal, Newborn, Child Health, and Nutrition (MNCH-N) services in Malawi. This is a unique opportunity to shape impactful health interventions and contribute to sustainable improvements in maternal and child health across the country.

The QI Advisor will work closely with partners and district teams to strengthen quality improvement and assurance systems, leveraging existing processes and guidelines. The ideal candidate will have experience leading multi-site QI initiatives, working with local stakeholders, and applying QI methods to improve health outcomes.

The Quality Improvement (QI) Advisor  will be based in Lilongwe, Malawi, reporting directly to the Technical  Director, and will supervise Districts Quality Improvement (QI) Officers .

Quality and Monitoring Responsibilities

• In collaboration with key stakeholders, support the design and execution of strong technical support for quality management functions in supported districts, including QI and QA systems, leveraging local structures and processes
• Support the design, implementation and monitoring of district-wide multi-site QI initiatives, with public and private facilities focused on critical quality of care (QoC) gaps in essential MNCH+N services
• Collect, analyze, and interpret clinical data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Support articulation of clear measurable improvement aims and selection of QoC indicators using existing HMIS data
• Establish or strengthen capacity of managers and multi-cadre QI teams to apply quality improvement methods and tools including analysis of clinical workflows and processes, FMEA, Histograms, Pareto charts, root cause analyses, rapid improvement cycles (e.g. plan do study act) to improve quality of care
• Support identification and documentation of root causes for poor performance of high impact interventions through quality improvement teams and committees
• Support mechanisms for regular sharing of learning, including documentation and dissemination of local solutions for common QoC problems within and across supported districts
• Oversee technical support for regular monitoring, visualization, analysis and use of QoC results within and across facilities and districts to improve care and communicate results to key stakeholders

Leadership Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic quality improvement plans.
• Align quality improvement initiatives with government priorities and strategies and with project goals and objectives.
• Foster and establish productive working relationship with facility and district counterparts
• Lead and motivate team work to achieve quality improvement goals and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Meet and engage with various stakeholders, including patients, staff, government and partners, to align, support and advance quality improvement efforts.
• Communicate effectively to ensure buy-in and engagement from all stakeholders.

Training and Mentoring Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver competency-based training and mentoring programs related to quality improvement and patient safety
• Conduct on-the-job training as required to regional and district structures to strengthen QA/QI systems including performance assessments, service quality assessment, and technical supportive supervision.

• Master’s degree in public health or related field
• Experience in the development of strategic and tactical QI/QA plans in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to build capacity and collaboration between governmental and non-governmental partners and other project implementers
• Familiarity with data in the HMIS and experience selecting QoC indicators and data sources using HMIS and other routine health information data
• 5-6 years' experience in the successful design, implementation and monitoring of MNCH+N QI initiatives in the public, private and/or NGO sector in Malawi
• Technically proficient with up-to-date QI skills, including knowledge and mastery of QI methods and tools
• Experience supporting QI systems at subnational level
• Experience in supporting QI projects to improve service delivery at district/facility level.
• Strong communication, coaching and mentorship skills for quality improvement and quality assurance
• Regional/District-level work experience in Malawi
• Knowledge of the roles and functions of the different health Structure in Malawi

Core Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• High level of personal initiative, adaptability, and ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, writing and oral presentation skills
• Strong results-oriented, decision-making skills
• Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks and intense pressure to perform
• Familiarity with U.S. Government (USG)/USAID donor policies and administrative procedures
•  Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Professional proficiency in Chichewa is required.
• Willingness and ability to travel to all project implementation areas

All staff irrespective of their position are expected to comply with and follow Jhpiego operational procedures and policies, and codes of conduct. 

                                       Jhpiego offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive employee benefits package.

                                                                     Please apply at www.jhpiego.org/careers

Applicants must submit a single document for upload, including a cover letter, resume, and references.

                       For further information about Jhpiego, visit our website at www.jhpiego.org

Note: The successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.

Jhpiego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to tough international child safeguarding standards.

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

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