Ongoing Recruitment - STTA Junior National - Research Associate

  • Lahore, Punjab
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 8 days ago
TA: Institutionalisation of the Sustainable Training System through Development of Competency-Based Training Content and Incorporation into Learning Management System (LMS)Programme OverviewEvidence for Health (E4H) is a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)-funded programme aimed at strengthening Pakistan's healthcare system, thereby decreasing the burden of illness and saving lives. E4H (2023–2027) provides technical assistance (TA) to Punjab, Federal, and KP governments, implemented by Palladium in partnership with Oxford Policy Management (OPM).Through its flexible, embedded, and demand-driven model, E4H supports governments to achieve a resilient health system that is prepared for emergencies, responsive to evidence, and delivers equitable, quality, and efficient healthcare services. Specifically, E4H delivers TA across three outputs:Output 1: Strengthened integrated health security for preparedness and emergency response.Output 2: Strengthened evidence-based decision-making for accountability and performance.Output 3: Improved implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).Background
  • The Health & Population Department (H&PD) was supported by Evidence for Health (E4H) Programme in the development of a Sustainable Training System (STS) to strengthen in-service training for health workers across Punjab.
  • A total of 30 training modules were identified in close consultation with the H&PD based on Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with various cadres of the health workforce (LHWs, LHVs, District Managers etc.). Out of these, Six prioritised training modules were developed and handed over (June 27, 2025) to PHDC for incorporation into LMS:
  • Public Health Supply Chain Management
  • Community Management of Acute Malnutrition
  • ⁠Screening & Diagnosis of Hepatitis B&C
  • ⁠Biostatistics & Epidemiology
  • ⁠Blood transfusion
  • ⁠Infectious Prevention & Control
  • Provincial Health Development Centre (PHDC) and District Health Development Centres (DHDCs) provide training infrastructure, but current trainings remain fragmented, donor-driven, and not systematically institutionalised.
  • The National Health Support Programme (NHSP) requires Punjab to meet Disbursement Linked Results (DLRs) under DLI 2 (competency-based training for PHC providers) and DLI 10 (performance management).
  • A key challenge is incorporating the new competency-based framework within government structures and digitising content through a Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Without institutionalisation and LMS integration, gains from the Sustainable Training System risk remaining ad-hoc and unsustainable.
Problem StatementE4H Programme has developed the Sustainable Training System for the H&PD and a digital LMS platform is already in place housed in Health Information & Service Delivery Unit (HISDU). However, the framework has not yet been fully functional within the Health & Population Department (H&PD), and there is a critical gap in developing standardised, competency-based training content that can be integrated into the LMS. This TA addresses the root issue by embedding the Sustainable Training System within H&PD structures and developing competency-based training content for effective use of the LMS.Goal and Objective(s)The overall goal of this TA is To institutionalise the Sustainable Training System within the Health & Population Department and digitising content through the Learning Management System (LMS).We will achieve this by pursuing 3 objectives: * Develop competency-based training content aligned with EPHS.
  • Institutionalise training standards through LMS integration, optimisation, and handholding support.
  • Build government ownership for ongoing management and updating of training content.
Strategic ApproachContributions to health systems strengtheningThis TA addresses systemic gaps in workforce development by institutionalising competency-based training within H&PD structures, digitising training content, and embedding it in the LMS. It strengthens governance, standardisation, and monitoring of training across Punjab, ensuring alignment with EPHS and NHSP DLIs.Alignment with other E4H TAs/investmentsThe TA builds directly on the Sustainable Training System Framework developed earlier through E4H support and complements earlier work on prioritised training needs for H&PD workforce.Alignment with other donorsThe TA aligns with World Bank–funded NHSP (DLIs 2 & 10) and complements Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) work on capacity building and digitalisation of training content for healthcare providers of H&PD.Scope of Work and MethodologyPhased Approach (Sept 2025 – March 2026)Phase 1: Inception & Planning (Sept 2025)
  • Hold inception meetings with H&PD and HISDU.
  • Review current STS framework, LMS readiness, and priority content list.
  • Finalise training content to be developed in close consultation with H&PD
Implementation roadmap, validation mechanism, and responsibilities.Phase 2: Competency-Based Content Development (Oct – Dec 2025)
  • Develop/Upgrade competency-based training content.
  • Ensure EPHS alignment and competency standards.
  • Conduct technical validation workshop with H&PD.
Phase 3: LMS Integration & Optimisation (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026)
  • Digitise and integrate validated content into HISDU’s LMS in parallel with training content development.
  • Orient H&PD staff on LMS use.
Phase 4: Institutionalisation & Handholding Support (Jan – Feb 2026)
  • Develop SOPs and guidelines for competency-based training roll-out and quality assurance.
  • Support HISDU/PHDC in conducting first round of government-led LMS trainings.
  • Provide on-ground handholding support for HISDU staff during implementation.
Phase 5: Consolidation & Sustainability (Mar 2026)
  • Finalise sustainability & scale-up plan (covering identified topics and beyond).
Sustainability: Capacity Building, Institutionalisation, and Transition Planning
  • Dedicated capacity will be developed within H&PD, particularly HISDU, for content management, LMS administration, and training governance. This will be achieved through orientation sessions, mentoring, and handholding support provided during the integration of modules and the initial roll-out of LMS-based trainings.
  • Competency-based training will be embedded within existing government structures by formalising roles and responsibilities across HISDU, PHDC, and DHDCs. SOPs and guidelines will be developed to standardise training processes, validation mechanisms, and quality assurance.
  • The Sustainable Training System will be aligned with the EPHS service package and NHSP DLI requirements, ensuring that training delivery becomes a core, mandatory function rather than an ad-hoc or donor-driven activity.
  • Sustainability will be further secured by enabling government staff to manage, update, and expand training content independently.
Deliverables/KPIs * Inception Report + Slide Deck & Implementation Roadmap
  • Competency-Based Training Content
  • LMS Integration & Capacity Building Package
  • Final Report + Slide Deck with Institutionalisation Framework & Sustainability Plan
Research AssociatesLevel: Junior NationalLOE: 126 daysPeriod: Sep 2025 – Mar 2026Role Requirements
Support research, draft curricula, coordinate workshops, assist in validation, documentation, and reporting.Technical Expertise
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s in Public Health, Social Sciences, Management, Life Sciences, or related degree.
  • 5+ years’ overall experience. Experience in research, documentation, training support.
  • Proficiency in MS Office & basic data analysis tools.
Core Competencies
  • Research & analytical skills
  • Documentation
  • Workshop coordination
  • Teamwork
Deliverables/KPIs
Same as above.

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