ThinkWell is a health care consulting organization focused on providing health financing technical assistance globally. We believe that effective health financing systems are essential to ensuring health services are well-resourced, high quality, accessible, and do not cause financial impoverishment by those who use them.
ThinkWell seeks a part-time consultant based in Kuala Lumpur with 5+ years of experience in health financing and/or health policy within the Malaysian context. The consultant should understand how the government’s health (specifically immunization) budget is developed, decided, and executed. Most importantly, this expert should have insights into the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, or other similar-type institutions that are making financing and budget allocation decisions. The consultant should be well-versed in qualitative data collection methods, including the ability to independently identify key informants, conduct outreach, and carry out interviews.
Period of Performance: As soon as possible – May 31, 2024
Level of effort: Part-time, dependent on consultant skills and expertise
Background
Since 2016, ThinkWell has studied, documented, and advocated for the prioritization of financing for national immunization programs under the Sustainable Immunization Financing project. In Malaysia, ThinkWell seeks to understand the current financing status of Malaysia’s national immunization program and identify opportunities to address financing gaps to improve financing for immunization.
Job Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct several activities in collaboration with the ThinkWell team and the client. These include:
Qualitative data collection:
- Identify immunization financing decision-makers, including stakeholders within relevant ministerial departments.
- Conduct outreach to identified stakeholders, which will include supporting the finalization and submission of formal interview invitation letters.
- Review and provide input on an already developed key informant interview guide to ensure that all questions align with project objectives.
- Lead key informant interviews to gather information from decision-makers on immunization financing and immunization program decision making.
Data gathering:
- Gather relevant health financing data, including immunization budget and expenditure information (as possible and available).
- Coordinate with government entities to collect quantitative data required for a return-on-investment study on immunization.
Validation and input:
- Validate data analysis and provide insights and inputs into key findings for the ThinkWell team.
- Review and support write up of final report in collaboration with ThinkWell staff.
- Contribute to the development of findings and recommendations as a subject matter expert.
- Help ensure technical accuracy and relevancy of all materials produced.
Coordination:
- Meet with ThinkWell staff on a regular basis.
- Participate in client meetings on an ad hoc basis to share insights and findings.
- BA/BS and 5+ years of experience or graduate degree and 3+ years of experience. Degrees in health financing, economics, health economics, public health, or other related degrees preferred.
- Robust knowledge of the health system in Malaysia, including health care policy, health system organization, health financing, public financial management, and/or immunization financing.
- Relevant work experience in health systems with a health care consulting organization, NGOs, or governmental organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and effectively communicate with key government stakeholders.
- Expertise in qualitative research, especially on conducting key informant interviews with government officials.
- Exceptional problem solving and analytical capabilities.
- Strong writing and verbal presentation skills in English and Malay/Bahasa Malaysia.
At ThinkWell, we understand that excellence comes in many forms and experiences. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We believe in the potential of all individuals and encourage those who may not meet every single listed qualification to still consider applying. Here at ThinkWell, it's not just about ticking boxes – it's about breaking barriers and building a team that is committed to making bold change.
Please submit a CV in English detailing your relevant experience. If you meet many but not all our qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
