Primary Health Care Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
Partners in Health (PIH) is a non-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through service delivery, training, advocacy and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH has programs in Haiti, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kazakhstan and Boston.

PIH began working in Malawi in 2007, where today we support the Ministry of Health (MOH) to serve a catchment area of 165,000 through 12 health centers and two hospitals in partnership with our sister organizations. Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU) has its headquarters in Neno District with operations across the country.

We therefore seek to recruit suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following positions;

Position: Primary Health Care Officer
Department: Clinical Department
Reports to: Facility Based Primary Health Care Manager
Second Line Reporting : Primary Health Care Director
Commitment: Full Time (Monday-Friday)
Working Hours: Regular Office Hours (40Hrs/Week)
Location: Neno

POSITION SUMMARY

The Primary Health Care (PHC) Officer will play a central role in strengthening the design, implementation, and quality of integrated primary health care services across Neno District. Working closely with the Ministry of Health (MoH), APZU/PIH teams, and district partners, the PHC Officer will help drive decentralization, quality improvement, and implementation of HSSP III reforms using PIH’s 4Ss Framework, Staff, Stuff, Space, Systems.

This position combines technical leadership, clinical mentorship, systems strengthening, and program management. The PHC Officer will provide direct clinical or nursing support (depending on cadre), mentor PHC staff (clinicians, nurses, MAs, lab, pharmacy, support staff), improve facility leadership and data use, and ensure strong coordination between facilities, communities, and district teams.

Frequent travel to primary health facilities across Neno is required.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES (ROLE-SPECIFIC TASKS)

A. PHC Systems Strengthening & Service Delivery

• Review, redesign, and support implementation of PHC services and auxiliary functions to improve quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
• Work closely with facility in-charges and leadership to ensure strong collaboration and effective implementation of PHC programs.
• Assess and ensure availability of essential inputs, equipment, supplies, space, human resources, and systems, across PHC sites.
• Provide longitudinal clinical mentoring and hands-on patient care tailored to cadre (CO/NO).
• Support implementation of DFF, HSSP III reforms, and facility improvement plans.
• Strengthen referral pathways from community → health post → health centre → hospital.
• Improve IPC systems, emergency response readiness, and routine health promotion activities.

B. Capacity Building & Mentorship

• Mentor clinicians, nurses, and allied staff in delivering high-quality, integrated PHC services.
• Support training of community structures (CMAs, DCSAs, CBDAs) and strengthen facility-community linkages.
• Facilitate quality improvement (Ql) initiatives, SOP adherence, and integrated practice changes.
• Strengthen facility leadership, teamwork, and communication among clinical and nursing staff.

C. Monitoring, Data Use & Quality Improvement

• Support monthly facility data reviews and collaborate with M&E teams to ensure high-quality data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Use routine data to identify gaps, propose solutions, and track PHC performance indicators.
• Ensure proper documentation, EMR/DHIS2 use, and data-driven decision-making across facilities.

D. Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with MoH program coordinators (SGBV, SHARC, SHARF, palliative care, nutrition, etc.) to support integrated service planning.
• Attend Health Centre Management Committee meetings with facility leadership.
• Strengthen coordination between MoH, Council, PIH managers, and clinical teams around PHC priorities.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

A. People & Performance Management

• Provide supportive supervision to direct reports.
• Lead work planning, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning.

B. Research, Data & Learning

• Support regular data review sessions, quality assessments, and documentation of best practices.
• Contribute to learning products and insights that inform district model strengthening and APZU strategy.
• Planning & Resource Management: Participate in PHC planning and resource allocation discussions.
• Contribute to budgeting, grant reporting, and donor engagement where needed.

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES, ATTRIBUTES, AND BEHAVIORS

D. Core Competencies

• Program Implementation & Coordination: Strong ability to manage daily execution of programs across multiple sites.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of clinical health service delivery.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses routine data to identify gaps, monitor performance, and inform program improvements.
• Mentorship & Capacity Building: Passion for developing others through coaching, on-the-job training, and support.
• Proven experience with data-driven program management, monitoring & evaluation, and Ql methods.
• Familiarity with community approaches and integration of facility-community systems.

B. Behavioral Competencies

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds trust, collaborates across departments, and fosters mutual accountability.
• Flexibility & Resilience: Remains composed and productive in dynamic, rural, or resource-limited environments.
• Service Orientation: Prioritizes client needs and ensures dignity and equity in all service delivery.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholds ethical standards, confidentiality, and organizational values

C. Leadership Competencies

• Execution & Follow-through: Competently delivers on plans, monitors results, and adapts where needed to stay on track.
• Problem Solving: Proactively and methodically deals with challenges.
• Communication skills: Clearly communicates goals, expectations, and feedback to teams and stakeholders.
• Supportive Supervision: Leads by example, building a motivated and effective team

D. Personal Attributes

• Passionate about health equity, rural health, and serving vulnerable populations.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and adapt to changing program needs.
• Demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and ethical conduct at all times.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Nursing and Midwifery or Diploma in Clinical Medicine plus Post graduate degree in Public Health or Epidemiology or Global Health
• At least 10 years of progressive clinical or nursing experience in a hospital.
• Registered with the Medical Council of Malawi and in good standing.
• Experience in mentorship, clinical training, or quality improvement is an asset.
• Familiarity with DHIS2, EMR systems.
• Willing to be based in a rural district and travel regularly to rural facilities and communities.
• Flexibility to support weekend or after-hours activities as needed for program success.
• Fluent in English and Chichewa

BENEFITS AND REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidates commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Qualified and interested persons should apply strictly to the email address below, enclosing their cover letter; copies of relevant certificates and Curriculum Vitae indicating three names of traceable referees with valid telephone numbers and email addresses not later than 5th January 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Email: apzurecruitment@pih.org

with the title of the position indicated on the subject of the email addressing;

The Director of Human Resources and Administration
Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU)
P.O. Box 56
NENO