Internship - Primary Health Care Measurement (Summer 2019)
Background:
High-quality and universally accessible primary health care (PHC) is a crucial component of strong health systems and has been highlighted by the World Health Organization as essential to reaching the SDG3 targets. At R4D, we believe that the ability to generate and use data strategically for decision making, improvement, and accountability is essential to strengthening PHC. We support efforts to enhance PHC measurement – through indicator development, monitoring, evaluation and research – as well as efforts to promote learning and the translation of PHC measurement into PHC systems improvement.
R4D has a growing portfolio of work focused on PHC measurement, the use of data to catalyze improvements in PHC, and collaborative learning among countries about best practices for PHC measurement and improvement. The Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) is a core project within this portfolio, and is a partnership among the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank Group, World Health Organization, Ariadne Labs and R4D that aims to accelerate PHC improvements in low- and middle-income countries through better measurement, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy.
Internship Opportunity:
R4D is seeking a Primary Health Care Measurement Intern to join our Health Team and support the PHCPI work focused on measurement and research, systems strengthening, and collaborative learning.
The intern will gain the following educational knowledge and training by the end of this internship:
- In-depth knowledge of PHC performance domains, measurement frameworks, and indicators
- Experience with monitoring, evaluation, research and learning approaches; and
- Knowledge of health systems strengthening topics in low and middle-income countries
This internship is based in Washington, D.C., and will report directly to the Global Health Program Director or a PHCPI Program Officer.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities will encompass a range of tasks including, but not limited to:
- Mapping and analyzing PHC measurement frameworks and indicators, working closely and collaboratively with the project’s Program Director, R4D team members, and partners from other organizations.
- Assisting to develop periodic progress reports, slide decks, concept notes or data visualizations to succinctly communicate analysis results and identified measurement gaps to a variety of audiences.
- Contributing to the technical writing of a summary report on the status of global PHC measurement
- Supporting any efforts to improve PHC knowledge translation through enhancements to the PHCPI website.
Educational Objectives: What you will learn during this internship?
R4D’s internship program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and training about our programs and projects in developing countries as well as supporting areas of R4D. In this internship, you will learn about the following:
- Conducting research on global PHC measurement including landscape analyses/literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative analysis approaches, and information synthesis
- Identifying conceptual and practical areas where global PHC measurement is still lacking or not well aligned
- Contributing to future investments in new measurement efforts, whether by PHCPI or other global actors.
- R4D’s engagement with country stakeholders to support standardized PHC measurement, in alignment with R4D’s country engagement principles.
Compensation and Length of Internship:
- This is a paid internship and R4D interns receive $13.25/hourly.
- This Internship will be for a period of 3 months, which can be extended up to six (6) months. Anticipated start date is June 2019.
Eligibility & Requirements:
- Candidates should be currently enrolled in graduate studies or have recently graduated with less than 2 years of work experience.
- Interns are expected to work between 20 and 40 hours a week during the 3-month internship period.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have excellent written and oral communication skills, possess a strong work-ethic and a ‘can-do’ attitude. They will be expected to successfully manage their work both independently and as part of a team to support high-quality deliverables.
- Master’s degree or currently enrolled in graduate studies in international development, economics, social sciences, public policy, public health, or related fields
- Knowledge or interest in primary health care systems; measurement frameworks, monitoring, evaluation, research and learning approaches; and health systems strengthening topics in low and middle-income countries
- Qualitative research experience (e.g., through dedicated research projects)
- Previous experience working or living in a low/middle-income country setting is preferred
- Previous work experience in a government, bilateral or multilateral development agency, consulting firm, NGO, or think tank is preferred
Academic Credit:
- Awarding academic credit for an internship is at the discretion of your college or university. We are happy to assist you with providing appropriate information at your school’s request. Interns are responsible for making all arrangements for earning credit prior to the commencement of their internship.
Application Procedures:
- To apply, please submit an application and upload your cover letter along with a writing sample.
- No telephone or email inquiries please.