Services Marketing Advisor, Private Sector RDT Scale - Up Program PSI Nairobi, Kenya

Department:  Malaria And Child Survival Department (Mcsd)

Date:  October 2012

PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world's most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives.

PSI's core values are a belief in markets and market mechanisms to contribute to sustained improvements in the lives of the poor; results and a strong focus on measurement; speed and efficiency with a predisposition to action and an aversion to bureaucracy; decentralization and empowering our staff at the local level; and a long term commitment to the people we serve. PSI has programs in 67 countries.  For more information, please visitwww.psi.org.

PSI and its partners, FIND, Malaria Consortium (MC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), are implementing a three year project to create a private sector market for rapid diagnostics tests (RDTs) for malaria in five countries:  Madagascar, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.  There is little experience in the use of RDTs in the private sector in Africa and this pilot project will help fill an important evidence gap by sharing learning with the public health community.

The Partnership will implement an evidence-based marketing approach that uses research and learning of consumers and providers as well as an understanding of market dynamics to overcome multiple barriers to market entry and use of RDTS by both providers and consumers. Beginning at small scale, the partners will: promote the importance of parasite-based diagnosis among private providers and consumers; price RDTs more affordably in the private sector by regulating prices along the distribution chain and manage incentives so that providers will be motivated to provide diagnostic tests and adhere to the test results while providing options for managing RDT-negative results; ensure the quality of the RDT product being used; place RDTs so that they are regularly accessible to private providers through a reliable supply chain; and create a conducive policy and regulatory environment for RDTs in the private sector.

PSI is seeking a Services Marketing Advisor who will work towards achieving dynamic and self-sustaining private sector markets in the pilot countries through strategies that will focus on consumer and provider acceptance and use of RDTs.  This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will report to the Director, ACTwatch and RDT Scale-up with approximately 40% travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  • Keep abreast of global provider and consumer behavior change strategies, activities and tools and facilitate their adaptation for RDTs and fever case management in the private sector.  These approaches and tools should also incorporate lessons learned from public sector experiences.
• Assess branding/packaging options, including umbrella logo, and provide guidance.  Engage in discussions with manufacturers on branding if appropriate.
• Ensure country-specific marketing plans are developed for fever case management including RDTs.  Provide technical support to country platforms using PSI’s DELTA marketing planning process.
• Provide training and technical assistance (in country and from Nairobi) to country marketing and communications teams to continuously improve the marketing mix including communication tools for consumer and provider, provider incentives and supporting activities. Provider-side activities will have a strong focus on medical detailing and monitoring.
• Oversee the design and development of country creative briefs, media channel / media mix selection and creative agency evaluations.
• Contribute to the design of operational research so that it meets program needs.  Facilitate discussions between programmers and researchers to ensure that program monitoring and operational research results are integrated into all aspects of the pilots including strategy, planning and implementation.
• Liaise with PSI’s Malaria and Child Survival Department Integrated Case Management Technical Team, Global Social Marketing Department and Sexual and Reproductive Health Team regarding appropriate tools and strategies.
• Share results and learning of marketing activities across country platforms and the project consortium. Present key learning at selected national and international fora.
• Contribute to the development of project related documents such as donor reports, proposals, success stories and publications.

QUALIFICATIONS:• MBA, MPH, Masters in Marketing or Communications, or equivalent degree
• 5+ years professional experience in international marketing, preferably in health services.
• 4+ years experience managing a team in a developing country, preferably in Africa
• Experience implementing services marketing including the design/development of health communications strategies, implementation plans and budgets.
• Medical detailing or pharmaceutical experience.
• Demonstrated experience as a facilitator of marketing/communications trainings and preferably trained in PSI’s DELTA marketing course facilitation.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• French language competency preferred.

Please apply online at www.psi.org.  No calls or emails please. 

PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals
regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.