Organizational strengthening and institutional support Expert_MoH_THE GAMBIA Full Time NEW

Since 2004, the Global Fund a supported The Gambia in fighting HIV, TB and malaria. While the MoH currently serves as PR for the malaria grant, HIV/TB grants are still managed by external PRs (NAS and ActionAid). As the MoH relies on external entities to serve as PRs for HIV and TB, it can lead to challenges in aligning program implementation with national priorities and the unique health context of The Gambia. By assuming the PR role for all three diseases, including RSSH, the MoH would have direct control over grant management, enabling better integration of Global Fund initiatives, with national health strategies, policies, and systems. This transition would also streamline decision-making processes, enhance accountability, and provide opportunities for building institutional capacity with the MoH.

To strengthened national ownership and align with Global Fund goals of sustainable, country-led health programs, there is a push for the MoH to assume full PR responsibility for all grants. Transitioning the MoH into the PR role represents a strategic move to empower the country in its response to public health challenges and improve grant functionality through direct oversight and management.

A comprehensive readiness assessment is required to evaluate the MoH’s capacity to manage HIV/TB and RSSH grants. This includes reviewing financial systems, procurement, governance, and program oversight. The assessment will identify gaps and propose solutions to ensure a smooth transition.

The transition of the MoH in The Gambia to serve as the PR for Global Fund grants is a critical step toward achieving national ownership and sustainable health program management. This shift aligns with the Global Fund’s vision of empowering countries to take greater responsibility for managing and implementing donor-funded programs, ultimately fostering self-reliance and strengthening local systems.

However, the move to the PR role requires addressing several critical areas to ensure readiness and functionality. Key aspects include strengthening financial management systems to meet the rigorous accountability standards of the Global Fund, enhancing governance frameworks to delineate clear roles and responsibilities, and developing robust supply chain systems to improve the procurement, distribution, and management of health commodities. Furthermore, programmatic oversight capacity must be bolstered to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of grant activities.

To support this transition, a comprehensive assessment is necessary to identify existing gaps and recommend actionable solutions. Engaging experienced consultants is essential for evaluating the MoH’s readiness and providing strategic guidance on capacity-building initiatives, policy reforms, and system enhancements. This proactive approach will enable the MoH to meet the Global Fund’s requirements and ensure a seamless transition to the PR role, ultimately strengthening The Gambia’s health sector and advancing its public health goals.

Expertise France is looking for an Organizational strengthening and institutional support Expert to support the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Gambia in building its capacities to become the Principal Recipient (PR) for the GC8 Global Fund multiple HIV, TB and malaria grant, as well as RSSH investments

Expected outcomes :

• A relevant and efficient organizational model enabling the MoH to act as PR for Global Fund multiple HIV, TB and malaria grant
• Strengthened tools and processes for monitoring and programme management of Global Fund grants (through the update of existing tools related to the Malaria grants, or the design of new, adequate ones if needed)
• Strengthened tools, procedures and processes for financial management of Global Fund grants (similarly through the revision of existing malaria-related tools or the development of new ones as required)
• A structured and actionable plan to guide and support the MoH in its transition to the PR role.

Key milestones and activities of assignment

1. Organisational diagnosis of the MoH and a capacity-building plan

• An initial capacity assessment will be conducted by the Global Fund’s Local Fund Agent (LFA) team. The lead expert will join the process at mid-point or towards the end of the LFA-led assessment, to review preliminary findings and provide complementary analysis where needed. Close coordination with the LFA team will be essential to align technical inputs and facilitate the transition toward the implementation phase of the strengthening plan.
• The objective is to conduct an in-depth institutional and functional assessment of the MoH to evaluate readiness to act as PR for multiple HIV, TB and malaria grants, building on its existing experience as PR for malaria grant
• Based on this diagnosis and the assessment, the expert will :
  • Design an appropriate and effective organisational model enabling the MoH to fulfil PR responsibilities for HIV and TB grants, including RSSH investments
  • Develop a comprehensive capacity-building plan, outlining key priorities, activities, and timelines for institutional strengthening.

2. Capacity strengthening of the MoH (this phase will focus on the implementation of targeted support measures identified in phase 1).

Required profile

Management/diagnosis and organisational strengthening expert

A. TRAINING/EDUCATION

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Health or a related field
• Specialisation and/or proven skills in governance, project management and organisational strengthening

B. GENERAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• At least 10 years of experience in institutional strengthening and change management within the public health or development sectors and private sector
• Demonstrated experience supporting public institutions in the design and implementation of structural or organisational strengthening measures
• Proven experience in successfully completing similar assigments in the region or other locations

C. SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Participated in or supported institutional assessment of Ministries of Health or public health agencies
• Proven ability to design and translate assessment findings into a practical and context-adapted organisational model
• Experience developing detailed capacity-building plans, including implementation roadmaps, priority actions, and resources needs
• Experience working with existing PRs to adapt and expand systems to new disease components
• In-depth knowledge of Global Fund institutional requirements, particularly regarding PR roles and performance expectations

D. SKILLS

• Confirmed skills in :
  • Communications
  • Teamwork and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge transfer
  • Supervision
  • Analysis and problem solving
  • Decision-making and initiative
• Excellent command of English (written/spoken)
• Knowledge pertaining to gender is desirable

Tagged as: Expertise France, Gambia