Health Economist, Technical Support Unit - (9-month Assignment) at Clinton Health Access Initiative

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Health Economist, Technical Support Unit - (9-month Assignment)
Company: Clinton Health Access Initiative
Location: Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Job Type: Other
Category: Health Economics & Policy
Date Posted: July 23, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Role: The Health Economist will support the Ministry of Health (MoH) in strategizing and implementing technical strategies for a sustainable health care system in Zambia, focusing on gap identification, maximizing existing resources, and supporting the government to sustainably manage and finance the health sector.
Key Responsibilities: Planning, budgeting, allocation, and prioritization; technical efficiency; domestic resource mobilization; capacity building, sustainability, and institutionalization; and strategic and operational flexibility.
Key Skills: Health Economics, Public Policy, Quantitative Analysis, Economic Evaluation, Data Analysis, Resource Allocation, Financial Projections, Public Expenditure Tracking, Health System Strengthening, Capacity Building, Sustainability Planning, Investment Cases, Communication Skills, Analytical Skills, Technical Assistance, Health Financing.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📈 Planning, Budgeting, Allocation, and Prioritization

Support government to strengthen national and sub-national health planning and budgeting processes.
Conduct economic evaluations of health programs to facilitate setting of priorities.
Use data to facilitate transparent, participatory processes for resource allocation and prioritization.
Support the development, review, and use of resource allocation formulas.
Support cost modeling and financial projections to inform funding decisions and donor negotiations.
Support the periodic review and costing of the Essential Care Package for Zambia.

🔍 Technical Efficiency

Support undertaking of Public Expenditure Tracking surveys to identify inefficiencies in the health system.
Provide technical support towards the regular production of the National Health Accounts.
Analyze program costs and performance data to inform strategies for more efficient service delivery.
Support design and implementation of strategic purchasing reforms.
Coordinate financial data inputs from multiple donors and implementing partners.

💰 Domestic Resource Mobilization

Support government to assess and advocate for increased public funding for health.
Support the review of current financing sources and mechanisms.
Provide technical support in the development of investment cases for high-priority health programs.
Provide analytical inputs to support dialogue between Ministries of Health and Finance.
Develop sustainability plans to help reduce dependency on foreign resources.
Help design and assess innovative financing mechanisms and approaches.

🧑‍🏫 Capacity Building, Sustainability, and Institutionalization

Build capacity of MoH staff in economic analysis and financing tools.
Support the institutionalization of regular efficiency assessments and resource tracking mechanisms.
Provide technical support to strengthen the capacity of health planners in health economics and health system development and planning integrated PHC services.
Provide technical support towards running short-term courses in health systems and health economics at national and sub-national levels.
Support and participate in the sustainability steering committee working group meetings.

🌟 Strategic and Operational Flexibility

Take on other strategic and operational priorities as needed, in line with evolving team and organizational goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in Economics, Public Policy, Health Economics, Public Health, International Development, or a related quantitative discipline.

Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of experience in a relevant field (e.g., health management or health system strengthening) in the public or private sector with increasing responsibilities.

Required Skills:

Demonstrated experience using quantitative and economic analysis to inform health sector policies.
Proven track record of working with or supporting low- and middle-income country governments, statutory bodies, and donor agencies.
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Excel and statistical tools (e.g., Stata, R).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing high-quality policy briefs, technical reports, and presentations for government and donor audiences.
Ability to manage multiple workstreams independently and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Understanding of national, regional, and global health care financing.
Prior experience working with MoH, statutory bodies, and donor agencies.
Vast experience in providing technical assistance in health systems strengthening and capacity building.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a high proficiency in use of computers.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A for this role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified, but competitive for the role and region.

Benefits: Not specified, but typically includes health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits common to international organizations.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits for this role are not specified in the job listing. However, given the nature of the role and the organization, it is likely to be competitive with other international organizations operating in Zambia and the global health sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.

Company Size: Medium to large, with a presence in over 40 countries.

Founded: 2002

Team Structure:

The Health Economist will be seconded to the Ministry of Health, reporting into the Director, Policy and Planning.
The incumbent will work closely with the leadership of the Sustainability Steering Committee, a multi-departmental leadership team set up by the Ministry of Health to lead the process of developing a sustainable health care system that will withstand the effects of reduced external funding to health.

Development Methodology:

The role involves working with the MoH to strategize and implement technical strategies, interventions, and approaches to developing a sustainable health care system in line with national priorities.
The Health Economist will support the MoH in strengthening national and sub-national health planning and budgeting processes, using data to facilitate transparent, participatory processes for resource allocation and prioritization.
The role requires exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Excel and statistical tools (e.g., Stata, R), and strong written and verbal communication skills.

Company Website: www.clintonhealthaccess.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI works at the invitation of governments to support them and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems. The organization has a strong commitment to data-driven decision-making and has experience working with governments to navigate periods of massive change and uncertainty.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Health Economist, Technical Support Unit (9-month Assignment)

Reporting Structure: The Health Economist will report to the Director, Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Health and work closely with the leadership of the Sustainability Steering Committee.

Technical Impact: The Health Economist will play a critical role in supporting the MoH in strategizing and implementing technical strategies for a sustainable health care system in Zambia. The incumbent will work closely with the leadership of the Sustainability Steering Committee to develop a sustainable health care system that will withstand the effects of reduced external funding to health.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: With strong performance, the Health Economist may have opportunities to take on more senior roles within CHAI or other international organizations.
Technical Skill Development: The role offers the opportunity to gain experience working with the MoH and other key Ministries and government agencies on health care financing and sustainability response mechanisms.
Leadership Potential: The Health Economist will have the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership at the MoH and CHAI, gaining valuable experience in strategic decision-making and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Health Economist role offers significant growth opportunities for career progression, technical skill development, and leadership potential within CHAI and the broader global health sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, based at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia.

Office Location(s): Lusaka, Zambia

Workspace Context:

The Health Economist will work closely with the leadership of the Sustainability Steering Committee, a multi-departmental leadership team set up by the Ministry of Health to lead the process of developing a sustainable health care system that will withstand the effects of reduced external funding to health.
The role requires exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Excel and statistical tools (e.g., Stata, R), and strong written and verbal communication skills.
The Health Economist will be expected to manage multiple workstreams independently and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Health Economist role is based on-site at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia. The role requires exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams independently and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Application Review: CHAI will review applications and select candidates for the next round based on their qualifications and fit for the role.
Phone/Skype Screening: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a phone or Skype screening to assess their communication skills and cultural fit with CHAI.
Technical Assessment: Candidates who pass the phone/Skype screening will be invited for a technical assessment, which may include a written test, case study, or presentation on a relevant health economics topic.
Final Interview: Candidates who successfully complete the technical assessment will be invited for a final interview with senior leadership at CHAI and the Ministry of Health.

Portfolio Review Tips: (N/A for this role)

Technical Challenge Preparation: (N/A for this role)

ATS Keywords: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for the Health Economist role at CHAI is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, communication skills, and cultural fit with the organization. The process includes an application review, phone/Skype screening, technical assessment, and final interview with senior leadership at CHAI and the Ministry of Health.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Technology Stack: (N/A for this role)

Web Infrastructure: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: The Health Economist role at CHAI does not require a specific technology stack or web infrastructure. However, proficiency in Excel and statistical tools (e.g., Stata, R) is required for the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Data-Driven Decision-Making: CHAI is committed to using data to inform decision-making and improve health outcomes.
Collaboration: CHAI values collaboration and works closely with governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to create and sustain high-quality health systems.
Excellence: CHAI is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based programs that save lives and improve health outcomes.
Innovation: CHAI is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to complex health challenges and continually improving its programs and approaches.

Collaboration Style:

CHAI values collaboration and works closely with governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to create and sustain high-quality health systems.
The Health Economist will work closely with the leadership of the Sustainability Steering Committee, a multi-departmental leadership team set up by the Ministry of Health to lead the process of developing a sustainable health care system that will withstand the effects of reduced external funding to health.
The role requires exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Excel and statistical tools (e.g., Stata, R), and strong written and verbal communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: CHAI values data-driven decision-making, collaboration, excellence, and innovation. The Health Economist role requires exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work closely with senior leadership at the Ministry of Health and CHAI.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Gap Identification: The Health Economist will be required to identify gaps in the health system and develop strategies to address them.
Maximizing Existing Resources: The incumbent will need to find ways to maximize existing resources and generate efficiencies within the health system.
Domestic Resource Mobilization: The Health Economist will be expected to support the government in assessing and advocating for increased public funding for health, aligned with macro-fiscal realities and competing national priorities.
Capacity Building: The role requires building the capacity of MoH staff in economic analysis and financing tools, as well as supporting the institutionalization of regular efficiency assessments and resource tracking mechanisms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: The role offers the opportunity to gain experience working with the MoH and other key Ministries and government agencies on health care financing and sustainability response mechanisms.
Career Progression: With strong performance, the Health Economist may have opportunities to take on more senior roles within CHAI or other international organizations.
Leadership Potential: The Health Economist will have the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership at the MoH and CHAI, gaining valuable experience in strategic decision-making and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Health Economist role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for career progression, technical skill development, and leadership potential within CHAI and the broader global health sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Planning, Budgeting, Allocation, and Prioritization: Questions may focus on the candidate's experience with health planning, budgeting, allocation, and prioritization processes, as well as their ability to use data to inform decision-making.
Technical Efficiency: Questions may assess the candidate's understanding of public expenditure tracking surveys, national health accounts, program cost analysis, and strategic purchasing reforms.
Domestic Resource Mobilization: Questions may evaluate the candidate's ability to assess and advocate for increased public funding for health, as well as their understanding of innovative financing mechanisms and approaches.
Capacity Building, Sustainability, and Institutionalization: Questions may focus on the candidate's experience with capacity building, sustainability planning, and the institutionalization of regular efficiency assessments and resource tracking mechanisms.

Company & Culture Questions: (N/A for this role)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Health Economist role at CHAI is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, communication skills, and cultural fit with the organization. The process includes an application review, phone/Skype screening, technical assessment, and final interview with senior leadership at CHAI and the Ministry of Health.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Health Economist, Technical Support Unit (9-month Assignment) position:

Submit Application: Submit your application through the application link provided.
Prepare Portfolio: (N/A for this role)
Optimize Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and skills in health economics, public policy, quantitative analysis, and health system strengthening.
Research CHAI: Familiarize yourself with CHAI's mission, values, and work in the global health sector.
Prepare for Interview: Review the job description, practice common interview questions, and prepare for the technical assessment and final interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Health Economist, Technical Support Unit - (9-month Assignment)