Abt Associates Career Opportunities in US and International Health

Transcription

1 Abt Associates Career Opportunities in US and International Health Abt Associates Inc., a major American business and government research, technical assistance, and consulting company is searching for well-qualified public health professionals. Candidates are invited to apply online at /employment. Associate / Public Health and Epidemiology Bethesda, MD; Cambridge, MA; Durham, NC; or Atlanta, GA US Health MA/MBA with 7-10 years of experience OR PhD with 4-6 years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Abt Associates, Inc., a $300 MM for-profit governmental research organization seeks an Associate with Research, Evaluation and Public Health Economic experience in HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, obesity and/or other infectious or chronic diseases to help grow its Public Health and Epidemiology Practice Area. The successful candidate will serve as Project Director for government contracts and grants with the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and other federal agencies. The candidate will enjoy working in a team environment, participating in and leading major projects, directing proposal efforts, and managing relationships with the study sponsors. She/he will maintain excellent relationships with federal agency and sponsor scientists and be regarded within target agencies and organizations as a scientific expert. The candidate will have demonstrated capability of presenting and speaking at research sponsor and professional meetings, and leading development and publication of research and evaluation findings. Specific duties for the Public Health and Epidemiology Associate include: Lead, participate in, and manage projects that use public health economic analyses to assess the cost effectiveness of public health prevention interventions and/or to assess the economic impacts of various disease courses across the lifespan. Participate with other staff in CDC and HRSA business development activities by obtaining additional work from existing clients or by identifying new opportunities. Direct project promotion, project concept dissemination, and proposal efforts in accordance with the Division s business development plan. Participate with other staff in existing projects and the development of a stronger strategic HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and/or other infectious and chronic disease focus within the company. Serve on teams for key proposal and concept opportunities, collecting long-term advance intelligence on program area prospects, identifying strengths and weaknesses of competitors, and preparing and implementing plans to lead to successful proposals. Lead, participate in, and manage projects with federal agencies with primary responsibility for contract management, implementation, deliverables, and overall sponsor relations. Contribute to the achievement of annual sales and revenue targets to be set in consultation with Practice Leader. Manage junior staff in developing all aspects of proposals and implementing contracts and grants.

2 Maintain a scientific presence as a subject-matter expert by publishing regularly in peer-reviewed journals and/or by presenting at annual conferences and meetings. Position requires an understanding of principles of cost-effectiveness, research design and hypothesis testing, and advanced econometrics including simulation models. Focus of graduate work and experience should be in public health economics related to HIV/AIDS, other infectious diseases and/or obesity and other chronic diseases. Position also requires experience in project and program development and sponsor relationship management, supervisory experience, and project leadership. Ideal candidate will have experience working in positions for other health consulting or contract research firms, the federal or state government, or a combination of academic and consulting/contracting firms. Background desired: Doctoral degree in public health or economics with a focus on economic analyses of public health interventions related to prevention and control of infectious or chronic diseases. Please apply online at:

3 Senior Associate / Public Health and Epidemiology Atlanta, GA US Health MA/MBA with years of experience OR PhD with 8-10 years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Abt Associates seeks a Senior Associate with senior level public health, evaluation and health communications experience. The successful candidate will serve as a Project Director for government contracts and grants with the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and other federal agencies. The candidate will work in a team environment, participate in and lead major projects, direct proposal efforts, and manage relationships with the study sponsors. He/she will maintain excellent relationships with federal agency and sponsor scientists and be regarded within target agencies and organizations as a scientific expert. The candidate will have demonstrated capability of presenting and speaking at research sponsor and professional meetings, and leading development and publication of research and evaluation findings. Specific duties include: Directs and manages complex scientific/technical components of large projects or series of small projects with responsibility for the application of advanced evaluation and research methods and techniques. Maintain and develop substantive competencies necessary for performing key evaluation and research projects with CDC and other HHS agencies. Direct sales and proposal efforts in accordance with the Division s business development plan. Serve as Capture Manager for key bid opportunities, collecting long-term market intelligence, identifying strengths and weaknesses of competitors, and preparing and implement a capture plan. Assist with hiring staff to meet project/practice area needs and consistent with the market strategy and Health Division Plan. Provide professional development/mentoring of all levels of staff. Maintain an industry presence as a subject-matter expert by publishing regularly in peer-reviewed journals and/or by presenting at annual conferences. Experience in a contract research environment, preferably with CDC and other HHS agencies. Please apply online at:

4 Principal Associate / Senior Health Economist Bethesda, MD; Cambridge, MA; or Durham, NC US Health MA/MBA with 15+ years of experience OR PhD with years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Abt Associates Inc., a $400+ MM for-profit governmental research organization, seeks a Principal Associate for our Domestic Health Division s Health Policy Practice with demonstrated competence and senior-level experience in health economics to manage projects, direct analyses, lead major proposal and business capture efforts, and mentor mid-level and junior staff. The successful candidate will serve as a Project Director and/or Principal Investigator for government contract business with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and/or Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ), generating and managing a multi-million dollar revenue base annually. Substantive experience in bringing the concepts and methods of health economics to large, complex health services research and policy projects, particularly those funded through contract mechanisms, is especially desired. Ideally, the candidate will present and speak capably at client and professional meetings, and lead the development and publication of research findings. The Principal Associate/Senior Health Economist will also direct proposal efforts, conduct sales briefings, and manage client relation/development activities. S/he will maintain excellent business development relationships and be regarded within HHS and related target markets as a subject-matter expert. Specific duties for this position include: Lead and manage complex projects, often involving staff at multiple Abt locations, with primary responsibility for contract management, implementation, deliverables, and overall client relations. In many cases, these projects also require management of subcontractors (e.g., academic institutions, hospitals or other health care service sites, small businesses). Assist in managing business development activities that require core competencies in health economics, by obtaining additional work from existing clients or by identifying new markets and sales opportunities. Direct capture and proposal efforts in accordance with the Division s business development plan. Serve as Capture Manager for key bid opportunities, collecting long-term market intelligence, identifying strengths and weaknesses of competitors, and preparing and implementing capture plans. Maintain and further develop health economics research and consulting competencies necessary for performing key research projects within HHS agencies. Supervise mid-level and junior staff, and provide mentoring, including professional development opportunities, to staff at all levels. Assist with hiring qualified staff to meet project/practice area needs, consistent with the market strategy and Health Division Plan. Maintain an industry presence as a subject-matter expert by publishing regularly in peer-reviewed journals and/or by presenting at annual conferences and meetings. PhD in health economics with 10+ years of experience, with preference given to those with background in Medicare and Medicaid payment policy studies and work with national and state administrative datasets. Strong preference for those with experience in health services/policy evaluation research, and developing the

5 subject-matter and methodological expertise of junior staff. Position also requires significant experience in business development and client relationship management, supervisory experience, and proven track record of project leadership. Ideal candidate will have experience working for other contract research firms in a senior executive position. Please apply online at:

6 Associate / Francophone Africa Regional Manager Bethesda, MD International Health Abt Associates is the lead implementer of a USAID project called Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS). The SHOPS (Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector) Project is a five-year Leader with Associates Cooperative Agreement. The mandate of this USAID-funded project is to increase the role of the private sector in the sustainable provision and use of quality family planning (FP), HIV/AIDS, and other health information, products, and services. With a distinct focus on innovation, SHOPS builds on USAID s decades of leadership in private sector programming and on the achievements of predecessor projects, including Private Sector Partnerships-One (PSP-One) and Banking on Health (BoH). SHOPS currently seeks a Master s level graduate with expertise and experience working in development. This full-time position offers opportunities to contribute to a variety of health policy, public private partnership and service delivery applications aimed at strengthening health services in developing countries through the private sector. Specific responsibilities will include: Serving as the primary client contact with USAID field missions. Representing the SHOPS Francophone Africa regional country work at USAID/Washington meetings and events. Ensuring the implementation of country strategies, identifying field support opportunities and TA needs, and advocating for linkage of research tasks and other core funded activities. Coordinating with senior technical staff and long-term advisors in the field to develop scopes of work, define the approach, inform partners, and recruit teams to respond to Mission requests. Tracking performance of field support and USAID Global Health Bureau tasks, reviewing progress and products, and making either direct reports to the Mission or ensuring frequent reporting by the technical team. Ensuring the coordination of field support activities with other donors and international organizations. Supervising country representatives, long-term advisors, and other technical staff in the region. Directing and managing the planning, design, and implementation of project protocols and procedures for new country programs. MA/MBA with 7-10 years of experience OR PhD with 4-6 years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant experience must include management of field projects and working on USAID-funded programs. Demonstrated leadership skills in project management and successful collaboration with USAID & host governments. Technical expertise in reproductive health, HIV and/or Child Health is required, and experience with private sector health is preferred. Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills. Fluency in English and French required. Please apply online at:

7 Senior Associate / Senior Integrated Vector Management Technical Advisor Bethesda, MD International Health MA/MBA with years of experience OR PhD with 8-10 years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. The USAID-funded Africa IRS ( Indoor Residual Spraying ) Project supports the President s Malaria Initiative (PMI), as well as USAID Missions and Bureaus with malaria programs outside PMI countries, in planning and implementing IRS programs with the overall goal of reducing the burden of malaria in Africa by enhancing USAID s ability to implement IRS programs on the ground through cost-effective commodities procurement and logistics systems, access to technical expertise, and implementation of IRS in countries affected by malaria. Under the supervision and management of the Project s Technical Director, the Senior Associate / Senior Integrated Vector Management (IVM) Technical Advisor provides technical oversight and support for the IVM Program activities in nine designated African countries (Benin, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe). Specific duties and responsibilities include the following: Support the IVM Program countries in the preparation of annual comprehensive entomological monitoring work plans and budgets. Support the program countries in providing technical oversight and making sure that IVM activities are conducted according to the WHO and PMI guidelines and best practices. Support capacity building of technical staff of the project, country institutions, and other relevant partners to ensure that countries undertake high quality IVM activities independently, without the need for external STTA. In collaboration with country project teams and technical coordinators, participate in the identification, selection, and the development of SOWs for IVM sub-contracts and consultants, when deemed necessary to implement IVM activities in project countries. Work closely with project countries to identify gaps related to materials, test kits, insecticide impregnated papers, and other items needed for successful implementation of IVM activities (particularly those items that need to be procured internationally) and follow up the procurement process and the timely delivery of these items. Set up and maintenance of an entomological database, compile entomological data collected from project countries to one central database, and submit to PMI, when needed. Support project countries in the analysis and write up of IVM reports. Review the content IVM reports for technical accuracy. Advise PMI and counterparts in the selection of insecticides based on evidence generated by the project and other partners. Document and publish findings of the IVM project, lessons learned and best practices from national, regional and international sources to help contribute to the national and international vector control information pool to influence policies. Ensures the transfer of technical skills to local institutions. Participate in M&E activities of the Africa IRS Project. A Master's Degree (minimum), or a Doctorate Degree (desirable), in public Health, Entomology,

8 Epidemiology, Environmental Health, or other relevant field years of relevant professional experience with a Master's Degree, or 8-10 years with a Doctorate Degree, in public health programs in developing countries. Significant experience in malaria vector control and/or entomology is required. Experience in program management. Experience in sub-saharan Africa is desirable. Fluency in English is required; and fluency in French is desirable. Please apply online at:

9 Senior Associate / Chief of Party, Reproductive Health Project Ghana International Health MA/MBA with years of experience OR PhD with 8-10 years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Ghanaian nationals are encouraged to apply for this position. The Project Director is responsible for providing strategic direction, management and technical leadership to the reproductive health services quality improvement project. The position is responsible for ensuring responsiveness and quality of project results, guiding senior technical staff and the overall management of operational, financial and administrative aspects of the project. Ghana nationals are encouraged to apply. Specific responsibilities will include: Leading the development of the strategic vision, assuring its articulation to staff, partners and the donor. Leading project annual work planning and ensuring that quality deliverables are submitted according to contract requirements. Overseeing development and timely implementation of monitoring plans, management and operations systems, and routine staff communications. Clarifying roles, delegating responsibilities to senior staff and communicating expectations for work and contributions to project activities. Developing relationships and working closely with Ghanaian counterparts, and maintaining communication with these partners. Coordinating with Abt Associates Headquarters staff to assure that all managerial and administrative actions are communicated the donor and comply with donor regulations. Representing Abt Associates interest in Ghana. Master s degree (minimum) in Public Health, Health Administration or other relevant health specialization. Substantial experience in the areas of reproductive health, health care improvement strategies and quality assurance, and working with public and private health sectors. Demonstrated experience managing a donor funded project in a developing country setting, preferably in West Africa. Demonstrated experience managing and leading staff Demonstrated ability to establish relationships with donors, government counterparts and private and civil society partners. Please apply online at:

10 Principal Associate / Chief of Party Ghana International Health MA/MBA with 15+ years of experience OR PhD with years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. The upcoming USAID-funded PMI ( President s Malaria Initiative ) Project in Ghana will support the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in the expansion of diverse areas of malaria programming, including malaria case management, capacity building, antenatal care services, malaria diagnostics, and routine monitoring of malaria data. Under the supervision of a Portfolio Manager, the Principal Associate / Chief of Party provides technical leadership, management, and strategic direction for the Project. This position is responsible for guiding senior technical staff and for ensuring the responsiveness and quality of work along with efficient use of resources and achievement of results. The Chief of Party has the final authority within the project team for decisions related to technical, management, resource allocation and personnel issues, and will be accountable for the successful implementation of all aspects of the project. Specific duties and responsibilities include the following: Provides leadership and strategic direction for the entire project, resolves problems, and has overall responsibility and accountability to USAID for ensuring that the Abt project team provides high-quality technical products and services, delivers required results, and uses resources efficiently. Holds responsibility for project inputs, project strategy, external representation and coordination with Project counterparts, USAID, PMI, and other USG entities, Ghana Health Service and NMCP contacts, other donors within the sector and other programs, as necessary. Ensures compliance with the project contract requirements and the oversight of project interventions which will meet the stated objectives of the project. Meets with the USAID AOR on a regular basis to keep him/her updated about the project. Ensures the timely preparation and submission of semi-annual, annual and other reports specified in the agreement. Monitors the progress and pace of project implementation, ensures that project performance meets the client s expectations, and brings to USAID's attention any issues and concerns regarding project implementation in a systematic and timely manner. As the official representative of Abt Associates, ensures the success of the project, and be liable for any failure, on behalf of the organization. Supervises the project s Senior Management Team and has the final authority within the Team for decisions related to technical, management, resource allocation, and personnel issues. Oversees all management/administrative reports and monitoring and evaluation activities in accordance with a Performance Monitoring Plan which monitors progress toward achieving the SO and Intermediate Results. Oversees all financial report activities, including submission of quarterly reports detailing fund categories and status for all activities. In concert with the Technical Director, manages short-term technical assistance resources. Scans the environment and takes leadership actions to maximize opportunities and to strengthen partnerships and alliances Clarifies roles, delegates responsibilities to senior staff, communicates expectations for work and contribution to project activities Represents Abt Associates corporate interests in Ghana.

11 Master s Degree (minimum), or a PhD (desirable), in Public Health, Business Administration, Medicine, Social Sciences, or other relevant field. More than fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience designing, implementing and managing large and complex health projects in developing or middle income countries -- relevant experience includes malaria prevention and control, antenatal care services, case management for malaria (diagnosis and/or treatment; facility-based and/or community-based), and capacity building for supportive supervision or monitoring and evaluation. Prior experience as a COP/DCOP of a multi-year donor-funded public sector health project. USAID experience preferred. Significant experience in scaling-up interventions is highly desirable. Demonstrated leadership skills and experience in managing disease prevention and control interventions primarily through a technical assistance approach. Experience interacting with host county governments and counterparts and international donor agencies at high levels and civil society organizations. Experience developing project vision, aligning key stakeholders around that vision, and assuring that the vision is translated into implementable strategies. Ability to develop consensus among stakeholders and to assure effective collaboration among development partners. Demonstrated ability to assure that individuals and teams adhere to the highest standards of quality, relevance and timeliness. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Ghana-specific or other West African experience is preferred. A Ghanaian national would be highly desirable. Please apply online at:

12 Principal Associate / Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy Lead Bethesda, MD International Health MA/MBA with 15+ years of experience OR PhD with years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Abt Associates is a leader in health systems strengthening and private sector development, and a recognized expert in evaluation and applied research. Abt s International Health Division (IHD) currently seeks a Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy Lead to grow its evaluation practice. S/he will lead a dynamic team of evaluation professionals dedicated to strengthening international health programs through rigorous quantitative and qualitative evaluation research. The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy Lead will play three key roles in the IHD at Abt Associates: 1) Director of M&E strategy and business development in IHD, 2) Co-Director of Evaluation Methods Center (company-wide), and 3) Principal Associate. Responsibilities include: Director of M&E strategy and business development in IHD (40% time) Provide strategic leadership for international health monitoring and evaluation work and serve as M&E technical champion for the International Health Division Develop and implement International Health Division s M&E business development strategy Identify and track upcoming priority business opportunities; attend divisional new business meetings Develop and build relationships with key clients at USAID, DFID, MCC and other funding organizations; serve as the main point of contact for IHD M&E with contacts outside the organization Lead key proposals, or provide substantial support to other senior M&E staff that are leading proposals Co-Director of Evaluation Methods Center (company-wide) (10% time) Co-direct (with domestic counterpart) the Abt Associates Evaluation Methods Center, representing the international divisions. Co-Directors are responsible for strengthening the company s evaluation expertise through professional development, knowledge sharing, and external thought leadership. Principal Associate (50% time) Oversee and provide rigorous quality assurance for state-of-the-art quantitative and qualitative research in a broad array of health areas, including health systems strengthening, private sector development, family planning, nutrition, malaria, and/or HIV. Present research, monitoring and evaluation results to both policy and academic audiences Mentor and support career development for monitoring and evaluation staff Liaise with and promote linkages with staff outside of the International Health Division who have evaluation expertise (including Evaluation Methods Center) Identify strategic staffing needs and recruit senior staff as needed Coordinate teams that implement the following tasks: o Build M&E capacity of US-based and overseas staff through trainings o Labor planning and coordination for M&E staff, including responding to requests for overseas support

13 o Update company qualification statements, marketing brochure, and website o Promote internal knowledge sharing about M&E work Ph.D. in economics (preferred), public policy, demography, epidemiology, or other quantitative social science years of post-phd/15+ years post-master s experience working in international development, preferably international health Previous business development experience with USAID, DFID and/or MCC preferred Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills Training in econometrics and/or development economics Experience conducting rigorous impact evaluations, particularly RCTs Substantial peer-reviewed journal publication record, particularly impact evaluations; publication of RCT results desirable Extensive experience overseeing survey data collection in developing countries Proficiency in Spanish, French, Portuguese or Arabic preferred Strong written and verbal communication skills Demonstrated technical writing and proposal writing skills Extensive contacts in the international development impact evaluation community clients, partner organizations, and academic institutions Collaborative leadership style Please apply online at: