Program Officer-Continuous Quality Improvement job at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP)

About the Organization

MUWRP is committed to actively engaging communities at various stages of the research process, from trial protocol development, through implementation, to dissemination of research findings. Scientists are encouraged to participate in engagement activities with the public both inside and outside the research community. Sharing our research work is a crucial part of the MUWRP pillars. MUWRP ensures the community members are informed of the research protocols taking place in their communities.

Job Description

Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit biomedical research organization, whose mission is to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. MUWRP was established in 2002 by a Memorandum of Agreement between The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) and Makerere University (Mak) undertake medical research to test HIV vaccines. Over the years, MUWRP's portfolio has progressively expanded to include vaccine research for Ebola and Marburg viruses, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program (EIDP) for surveillance of influenza and influenza-like viruses and other emerging infections in humans and animals; also, a PEPFAR funded program in HIV treatment, care and prevention in the districts of Kayunga, Mukono, Buvuma, Buikwe, Luwero, Nakasongola. Additionally. MUWRP seeks to fill the following position.
Contract Tenure: 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to the needs of the Organization

Duties and Responsibilities

Quality Improvement Planning and Implementation

Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing CQI strategies and plans in alignment with organizational goals and healthcare standards.
Program Development: Designing quality improvement projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.
Implementation: Leading the implementation of CQI initiatives, including pilot programs and scaling successful projects across the organization.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Performance Metrics: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor the effectiveness of CQI initiatives.
Data Analysis: Collecting and analyzing data related to healthcare processes and outcomes to identify areas for improvement.
Reporting: Preparing and disseminating regular reports on CQI activities, performance, and impact to stakeholders and leadership.

Training and Capacity Building

Training Programs: Designing and conducting training sessions for healthcare staff on quality improvement methodologies, tools, and best practices.
Capacity Building: Providing ongoing support and mentorship to staff to build capacity and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Process Improvement

Process Mapping: Conducting process mapping and workflow analysis to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Root Cause Analysis: Performing root cause analysis to identify underlying issues affecting quality and developing corrective action plans.
Lean and Six Sigma: Utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality improvement methodologies to streamline processes and reduce waste.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Engagement: Engaging with healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and insights for quality improvement.
Collaboration: Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to implement and sustain quality improvement initiatives.
Communication: Communicating CQI goals, progress, and outcomes to all levels of the organization

Policy and Compliance

Policy Development: Contributing to the development and revision of policies and procedures to support quality improvement and compliance with healthcare standards.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that CQI activities comply with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, nursing, or a related field.
Advanced Degree: A master’s degree in healthcare quality, public health, health administration, or a related field is often preferred.

Professional Experience

Experience: At least 3-5 years of experience in healthcare quality improvement, quality assurance, or a related field.
Project Management: Experience in managing quality improvement projects, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Healthcare Setting: Experience working in a healthcare setting such as a hospital, clinic, or public health organization.

Skills and Competencies

Quality Improvement Methodologies: Proficiency in quality improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, PDSA) and tools (e.g., flowcharts, cause-and-effect diagrams).
Data Analysis: Strong skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to drive decision-making and improvement efforts.
Training and Facilitation: Ability to design and deliver effective training programs and facilitate quality improvement workshops.
Project Management: Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting, training, and stakeholder engagement.
Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions.

Personal Attributes

Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of quality improvement work.
Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve quality improvement goals.
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and healthcare environments.
Commitment to Quality: Strong commitment to enhancing healthcare quality and patient safety.

Certifications (Preferred)

Certification in Quality: Certification in quality improvement or healthcare quality (e.g., Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality - CPHQ) is often preferred.
Lean/Six Sigma Certification: Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or other quality improvement methodologies is advantageous.