The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: https://www.clintonhealthaccess.org.

The Oxygen Program
Treatment for those experiencing acute respiratory distress requires oxygen therapy to support breathing. In the context of COVID-19, published data on the literature has all in agreement that COVID-19 patients require hospitalization, particularly those severe and critical cases, almost all of whom require oxygen therapy. In the absence of a proven therapeutic, medical oxygen and supportive respiratory care is a vital lifesaving intervention. The CHAI’s Oxygen program aims at improving the capacity and infrastructure for sustainable oxygen delivery to both COVID-19 patients as immediate support and scale-up of oxygen therapy for broader respiratory diseases in the long run.

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Independent Contractor (IC) for the Oxygen team which is starting a 6-month program to provide technical assistance around oxygen supply and delivery. The IC will be based in Harare, Zimbabwe. The IC will work to assess, procure, distribute, and maintain oxygen-related commodities and services in the public sector. They will work among the CHAI Zimbabwe team and report to the Manager of the Oxygen program. Additionally, engagement with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC), health facilities, stakeholders, and partners is necessary.

The candidate should have outstanding analytical ability, technical skills, organization, and communication. The candidate must be self-driven, adaptable, and have a high level of comfort with ambiguity. They will be expected to function independently and flexibly with little oversight. They must be self-assured, a fast learner, resilient, and a strong team player. CHAI places a high value on relevant personal qualities: resourcefulness, responsibility, tenacity, independence, energy, and work ethic.

• Collaborate with CHAI Zimbabwe team, the global CHAI Essential Medicines team, the MOHCC and relevant departments, and local partners to improve oxygen delivery as a common goal;
• Lead on the development and deployment of an emergency oxygen response strategy;
• Lead on the deployment and analysis of a rapid assessment for oxygen capacity and biomedical equipment in relation to potential COVID-19 needs and scale-up for broader respiratory diseases;
• Contribute to the strengthening of the oxygen M&E, procurement, supply chain and equipment maintenance processes and mechanisms;
• Identify new opportunities for relevant engagement and actively troubleshoot issues as they arise;
• With assistance from the Oxygen Team, envision and create a sustainable system for equipment maintenance;
• Other relevant tasks as requested.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or science-related field (including engineering, pharmacy, biotechnology) with exceptional experience, or a graduate degree;
• 2+ years of progressively responsible experience in a demanding, results-driven environment;
• Excellent communication, strategic, and analytical capabilities, with fluent proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Strong diplomacy and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships with a range of stakeholders in a challenging, multi-cultural environment while navigating complex government processes;
• Experience managing multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and work independently at a fast pace with minimal structure.

Advantages:
• Prior experience in related industries including chemical, manufacturing, pharmaceutical;
• Knowledge of supply chain management;
• Experience in applied mechanics (e.g. preventative and curative maintenance, general troubleshooting).