Health Information Systems Implementation Manager , Rwinkwavu, Rwanda

Partners In Health (“PIH”), headquartered in Boston, MA, is an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through its service delivery, training, advocacy and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH operates sites for clinical care, research and training in 10 countries (Haiti, Peru, Russia, Boston, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Kazakhstan, Mexico, the Dominican Republic) and has a growing network of affiliated organizations and initiatives in several other countries, including Nepal, Burundi, Mali, Liberia, Guatemala, and Togo.

This is an exciting time for PIH. The organization is taking on immense challenges, while its newfound visibility has brought the opportunity to influence even greater changes on the global stage. As the work continues to expand, PIH seeks individuals committed to the mission and values of the organization (see PIH values) to join the team.

PIH began working in Rwanda in 2005, where today we serve a catchment area of 800,000 through 37 health centers and three hospitals with our sister organization, Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB). Taking the lessons learned and expertise honed in Haiti, our efforts in Rwanda have achieved rapid success, gaining the attention of both the highest levels of the Government of Rwanda and the international community. Through partnership with the Ministry of Health in our efforts, we have already helped to strengthen the public health system in the areas we serve and are helping the government develop plans to replicate elements of our model throughout the country.

In Rwanda, Health Information Systems make a major contribution to PIH/IMB’s efforts to strengthen the national and local healthcare systems.  PIH and its partners pioneered the development of OpenMRS, an open source electronic medical record system (EMR) which is currently being implemented nationally by the Rwandan Government.  PIH/IMB develop and supports the electronic medical record system in use in rural health centers, with patient records supporting care for HIV, TB, non-communicable disease, primary care, and oncology.  Other information systems key to the program support community health care workers and pharmaceutical supply chain including several community-level mobile health initiatives.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a strong systems thinker, mentor and experienced manager for the position of Health Information Systems Implementation Manager.  The candidate must have solid background in project management and systems implementation, along with the interpersonal skills needed to work with a diverse set of stakeholders.  Key components of the role are development of standard operating procedures, user training materials, and capacity building and management support of a team of four coordinators who are responsible for coordination and support of the Electronic Medical Record system implemented across three districts and more than 30 health centers.  The candidate should have an aptitude for the development and critical evaluation of implementation plans, an understanding of the cycle of system development, implementation, and maintenance, excellent organizational skills, producing and/or delivering training content and proven experience in leadership and team building.

Primary Responsibilities:

Provide technical supervision for Electronic Medical Record coordinator staff; provide effective mentorship and actively build skills within the department
Support and train the four coordinators in their role of supporting HR, training, coordination, data quality and team leadership issues for the EMR team
Support the coordinators in their technical supervision of MoH Data entry staff
Work with coordinators to produce and maintain EMR reference guides for various user groups
Mentor the coordinators in development of training materials and in conducting effective training sessions for data officers, clinicians, and other users
Develop and deliver EMR user training content including manuals, presentation slides and videos
Oversee the effective implementation and maintenance of EMR systems and related activities
Develop and implement standards for OpenMRS system administration, including users and access, system permissions and roles/responsibilities
Support the HISR Director and Associate Director in the development, implementation and monitoring of detailed workplans and budgets. Ensure that deliverables are realistic, and that deadlines are met.
Collaborate with EMR IT officer to maintain the EMR asset list and plan for maintenance and upgrade of EMR infrastructure
Develop and implement protocols and policies for system deployment and use
Work closely with finance representatives and coordinators to develop and monitor monthly budgets for HIS activities
Support the program director and associate director in addressing high level HR issues such as hiring and performance reviews
Ensure that outputs from the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) are being used effectively for improving clinical care as well as monitoring, evaluation, research and quality improvement of core activities.
Collaborate closely with EMR coordinators and clinicians in the field to identify opportunities for system enhancement and use of EMR to better support clinical care
Ensure appropriate levels of data quality by implementing data quality assessment practices, in collaboration with data management, data entry and clinical staff.
Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications:

Bachelor degree in information systems, public health, business management or other relevant field; Master’s degree an asset
Minimum two years related work experience in health informatics or public health
Proven track record in project management
Knowledge of or experience in quantitative data management and information technology systems
Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
Experience developing training tools an asset
Ability to take initiative and work with minimal direction.
Great interpersonal skills, and high level written and verbal English communication skills
Ability to competently represent PIH and the HIS department at many levels including the national level
Comfortable living in a rural area; able to function well in a challenging, dynamic environment
English fluency required, French or Kinyarwanda are an asset
A commitment to global health equity and social justice

Interested applicants, please click here