Ongoing Recruitment – STTA Junior National

Ongoing Recruitment – STTA Junior National - Research Associate

Evidence 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).

This TA 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 and Problem Statement Despite Pakistan's progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), persons with disabilities face barriers to equitable healthcare. This TA defines disability and aims to evaluate inclusivity of health services in Punjab, benchmarking against national legislation and international best practices. The assessment will generate actionable recommendations and a roadmap for institutionalising disability-inclusive practices.

Strategic Approach This TA supports UHC reforms by identifying barriers to equitable access for persons with disabilities, contributing to SDG targets and alignment with Pakistan's EPHS. It complements other E4H efforts by embedding disability inclusion within existing delivery platforms and shaping broader programming.

Objectives

• To assess disability inclusion readiness of public health facilities across six selected districts in Punjab, evaluating infrastructure, service delivery and staff readiness against international benchmarks and identify gaps.
• To generate actionable, system-level recommendations and a scalable assessment framework to inform inclusive health reforms and support institutionalisation of disability-responsive practices.

Domain & Description

• Physical Accessibility: Infrastructure, signage, ramps, restrooms
• Attitudinal Barriers: Staff attitudes, awareness, inclusion training
• Communication Barriers: Use of sign language, visual aids, etc.
• Financial Accessibility: Awareness of entitlements, subsidies, or costs

Scope of Work and Methodology

The TA encompasses a multi-phase assessment of 30 public health facilities across six districts in Punjab, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity for persons with disabilities. It uses a mixed-methods approach over six months, structured in five phases.

1. Phase 1: Planning and Inception
   • Engage with H&PD to finalise scope and stakeholder engagement strategy.
   • Select districts and facilities using stratified sampling.
   • Develop an Inception Report with work plan, roles, risk mitigation, and contextual analysis.
2. Phase 2: Tool Development and Training
   • Design data collection tools based on WHO guidance and best practices.
   • Customize checklists to capture physical access, service readiness, staff training, and patient dignity.
   • Develop training materials and conduct a field pilot.
3. Phase 3: Field Assessment and Data Collection
   • Deploy survey teams for on-site assessments with specialists.
   • Conduct physical assessments, staff interviews, patient feedback where applicable, and collect evidence.
4. Phase 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation
   • Consolidate data, identify barriers and readiness scores, map to standards, and develop a feasibility matrix.
5. Phase 5: Reporting and Dissemination
   • Produce facility reports, a consolidated analytical report, policy brief, and slide deck.
   • Organise a validation workshop with stakeholders and incorporate feedback.

Capacity Transfer, Sustainability and Transition Planning This TA emphasises sustainability, capacity transfer, and transition by institutionalising disability inclusion in Punjab's health system and aligning with UHC goals. The Special Secretary (Operations) will be the focal point, with tools and data supporting future policy and infrastructural standards.

Deliverables

• Inception Report and Presentation
• Customized Assessment Tools
• Facility & Consolidated Reports
• Feasibility & Prioritization Matrix
• Final Report & Policy Brief

Position: Research Associate

Level: Junior National

LOE: 126 days

Performance Period: Sep 2025 – Mar 2026

Role Requirements

Coordinate fieldwork, manage timelines, lead documentation, and draft reports/briefs.

Technical Expertise

• Bachelor's/Master's in public health, sociology, development studies, or relevant degree.
• 5+ years' overall experience; field studies, stakeholder coordination, reporting.
• Strong documentation and organisational skills.

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