Project Overview

The AMANI Study (Accelerating Maternal and Newborn Survival) is a research and implementation project aimed at strengthening the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) systems in Kenya. The goal is to improve the quality and consistency of maternal and newborn death audits and foster data-driven responses to reduce preventable deaths.

Position Summary

We are seeking three (3) Practice Facilitators to support the implementation and evaluation of the AMANI Study intervention package in selected counties. Practice Facilitators (PF) will serve as an external mentor and coach in health facilities participating in the AMANI study. The PF will guide and support maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) committees to conduct high-quality reviews, foster a blame free culture and translate findings into measurable actions that can improve maternal and newborn care. PFs will implement AMANIs core strategies of Audit and Feedback (AF) and enhanced mentorship (EM) and will collaborate with facility leadership, county health officials and the AMANI research team.

Key Responsibilities

Training & Capacity Building

• Design, review, and deliver training materials and workshops for healthcare providers and facility-based MPDSR teams.
• Facilitate trainings on the MPDSR process, emphasizing the “no blame, no shame” approach to maternal and perinatal death reviews.
• Provide post-training support, mentorship, and coaching to healthcare teams at the facility level.

Audit & Mentorship Facilitation

• Provide individual and group mentorship to existing MPDSR committee members.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, psychological safety, and quality improvement.
• Coach teams in conducting high-quality death reviews within the MPDSR processes.
• Model a non-punitive, learning-oriented approach to death reviews and help committees develop actionable, time-bound recommendations

Data Use & Quality Improvement

• Support facilities to co-develop systems for collection, analysis, and utilization of MPDSR data to identify systemic issues and track improvement.
• Work with facility teams to document adaptations and translate audit findings into effective quality improvement initiatives.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with county and national health stakeholders to ensure alignment with existing MPDSR policies and guidelines.
• Contribute to the review and development of updated MPDSR protocols and tools.
• Coordinate with Ministries of Health, healthcare facilities, and community organizations for effective implementation and sustainability of the MPDSR cycle.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (e.g., Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, or Obstetrics).
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience with the MPDSR process and implementation in Kenya.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in managing or supporting maternal and newborn health programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Reproductive Health, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with the Kenyan Ministry of Health at national or county level.
• Familiarity with the structure and functioning of the Kenyan healthcare system.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strong understanding of maternal and newborn health and the MPDSR framework.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and adult training skills.
• Proficient in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, and quality improvement processes.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate challenges such as blame culture and resistance to change within healthcare systems.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position based in Nairobi or Western Region (study sites).
• Frequent travel and extended hours may be required to attend project coordination meetings or support site activities.
• Each PF will support multiple facilities (up to 3–4) and report monthly to the AMANI project team.
• Selected candidates will complete specialized training in MPDSR, WHO and AHRQ practice facilitation principles, and AMANI data tools prior to field deployment
• Must handle confidential data in compliance with GCP and institutional data protection standards.

• Design, review, and deliver training materials and workshops for healthcare providers and facility-based MPDSR teams.
• Facilitate trainings on the MPDSR process, emphasizing the “no blame, no shame” approach to maternal and perinatal death reviews.
• Provide post-training support, mentorship, and coaching to healthcare teams at the facility level.
• Provide individual and group mentorship to existing MPDSR committee members.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, psychological safety, and quality improvement.
• Coach teams in conducting high-quality death reviews within the MPDSR processes.
• Model a non-punitive, learning-oriented approach to death reviews and help committees develop actionable, time-bound recommendations
• Support facilities to co-develop systems for collection, analysis, and utilization of MPDSR data to identify systemic issues and track improvement.
• Work with facility teams to document adaptations and translate audit findings into effective quality improvement initiatives.
• Liaise with county and national health stakeholders to ensure alignment with existing MPDSR policies and guidelines.
• Contribute to the review and development of updated MPDSR protocols and tools.
• Coordinate with Ministries of Health, healthcare facilities, and community organizations for effective implementation and sustainability of the MPDSR cycle.

• Strong understanding of maternal and newborn health and the MPDSR framework.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and adult training skills.
• Proficient in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, and quality improvement processes.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate challenges such as blame culture and resistance to change within healthcare systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (e.g., Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, or Obstetrics).
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience with the MPDSR process and implementation in Kenya.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in managing or supporting maternal and newborn health programs.
• Master’s degree in Public Health, Reproductive Health, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with the Kenyan Ministry of Health at national or county level.
• Familiarity with the structure and functioning of the Kenyan healthcare system.