Senior Health Advisor
Status
Permanent full-time position
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.
Responsibilities The position is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with frequent trips to
the field to different Plan Country Offices.
1. 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
2. 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 rightsbased 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
3. 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

Requirements

Strong knowledge management capacity
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
Imagine
working
for
a
leading
international
Non
governmental
Canada
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 17, 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.