Background

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is commissioning an independent evaluation of the Programme d’Appui au Système de Santé du Sud-Kivu (PASS), Phase V (2021–2025). The program supports decentralized health system strengthening in ten health zones across South Kivu, with focus on maternal and child health, nutrition, epidemic preparedness, and systemic governance reforms.

The evaluation will inform the future strategic direction of Switzerland’s health cooperation in DRC, including potential revisions to the ongoing Programme Santé Maternelle et Infantile (PSaMI) and design of the 2026–2029 cooperation strategy.

Role of the Subject Matter Expert

The SME will provide context-specific technical and analytical expertise on public health systems in fragile settings, particularly within the South Kivu context. Working under the guidance of the Team Leader, the SME will support the evaluation team in:

Contributing to the development and refinement of the evaluation framework, including theory of change and data collection tools, ensuring contextual and thematic relevance.

Providing expert insight on:

1. Decentralized health systems governance in South Kivu;
2. Maternal and child health, nutrition, and epidemic preparedness;
3. Performance-based financing mechanisms for health service providers;
4. Gender integration and participatory health governance.
5. Participating in document review, secondary data analysis, and in the synthesis of health indicators and programmatic reports.
6. Joining field visits in selected health zones, leading or supporting key informant interviews and focus group discussions, particularly with local health authorities, service providers, and community groups.
7. Assisting in the triangulation of qualitative and quantitative findings and in drawing out programmatic lessons.
8. Contributing to the drafting of key sections of the evaluation report, particularly findings and recommendations related to health systems performance, local governance, and sustainability.
9. Participating in debriefing workshops and responding to stakeholder feedback during report finalization.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

1. Advanced degree in public health, health systems, international development, or a related field.
2. At least 10 years of experience in the design, implementation, or evaluation of public health programs in fragile or conflict-affected settings, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Strong knowledge of decentralized health governance, maternal and child health services, nutrition, and epidemic response.
4. Demonstrated experience in mixed-methods evaluations aligned with OECD-DAC criteria.
5. Familiarity with health financing models, especially performance-based financing (PBF) and community health governance.
6. Fluency in French (written and spoken); working proficiency in English is an asset.
7. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

Desirable

1. Previous work experience in eastern DRC, particularly South Kivu.
2. Familiarity with the institutional environment of Swiss-funded development cooperation or comparable bilateral donors.
3. Experience with gender- and conflict-sensitive programming and monitoring frameworks.
4. Experience engaging with local stakeholders, including provincial health authorities, NGOs, and community-based structures.

Reports To

Team Leader (International Evaluation Consultant)

Duration

Up to 45 working days between July and October 2025 (to be confirmed)

Location

Remote and South Kivu, DRC (with expected fieldwork in program-supported health zones).

How to Apply

To submit your application, kindly provide your CV using the form provided below.