LEAP Program Description

Global Solutions Ventures (GSV) – a joint-venture partnership between ZemiTek, LLC and Dexis Consulting Group – is implementing the Long-term Exceptional Technical Assistance Project (LEAP Global), a mechanism originally used by USAID to battle against infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and pandemic influenza. As of July 1, 2025, LEAP Global transitioned to the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This initiative aims to address the complex human resource challenges faced by national infectious disease programs in the USA-supported countries.

The intervention of this project is to hire and embed technical expert advisors and subject matter experts within government entities. By directly embedding the technical expertise within the national programs, LEAP provides long-term, sustainable lifesaving support to empower host governments to lead and manage key aspects of their infectious disease portfolios and improve coordination between the U.S. Government and the host country.

About the Position

The Health Governance Advisor serves as the principal technical advisor to the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Social Security (MoH), the Ministry of Finance, and the Joint Health Cooperation Steering Committee (JHCSC) on all governance and oversight aspects of the U.S.-DRC Health Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, reporting directly to the JHCSC Co-Chairs from  the MOH and the U.S. Embassy. This role provides strategic guidance and hands-on technical assistance to government focal points on institutional governance, JHCSC oversight, G2G eligibility, and risk mitigation systems. The Advisor ensures that DRC Government commitments – including the establishment of transparent oversight structures, implementation of anti-corruption and internal control measures, and achievement of G2G direct funding readiness – are properly planned, executed, and verified in line with the America First Global Health Strategy’s emphasis on accountability and results. The Advisor will support the Ministry of Health in carrying out life-saving humanitarian assistance (LHA) service delivery in full alignment with the new Presidential Executive Order (EO) directives. 

This position supports governance and oversight across all Areas of Cooperation under the U.S.-DRC Health Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed February 26, 2026, strengthening the entire health system rather than individual disease programs. This role will contribute to improved financial sustainability for the delivery of integrated HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and maternal and child health programs as well as disease surveillance and outbreak response including the important work of polio eradication in the DRC.  

A critical function of the Health Governance Advisor is defining the operational framework and tools of the JHCSC, which serve as the primary mechanisms for governance, risk management, and cross-ministerial coordination between the two governments. The Advisor designs and implements oversight protocols, performance monitoring systems, and risk mitigation roadmaps, ensuring regular review of governance progress and rapid response to emerging risks. Additionally, the Advisor leads G2G eligibility assessments, supports institutional capacity building, and recommends policy and procedural reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability, and sustainability, thereby advancing mutual health objectives and safeguarding U.S. investments under the MOU.

Responsibilities

1. Supporting the Development of the JHCSC Financial Oversight Functions Across All MOU Areas of Cooperation
• Design and implement the operational framework for the JHCSC Funding Sub-Committee, ensuring representation from the U.S. agencies (Department of State, CDC, Department of War), Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Budget, and the Ministry of Plan.
• Establish quarterly financial review processes and co-investment tracking dashboards, and draft protocols for reviewing co-investment performance (including performance incentive eligibility), triggering consultations, and implementing the 2:1 funding reduction mechanism if targets are missed, in collaboration with the Department of State, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Budget, and the LEAP Health Finance Advisor.
• Prepare comprehensive financial status reports for JHCSC meetings, synthesizing inputs from national and provincial stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with the priorities of all involved ministries in collaboration with the LEAP Health Finance Advisor.
• Ensure JHCSC governance frameworks support integrated implementation across all MOU Areas of Cooperation (surveillance, laboratories, commodities, workforce, data systems, strategic assistance) rather than vertical program silos.
2. Supporting the Operationalization of the G2G Roadmap
• Lead the collection and analysis of information to assess DRC’s eligibility for direct U.S. Government funding, working with relevant ministries, including provincial authorities, civil society organizations or local partners.
• Identify quick wins and critical country eligibility gaps
• Assist with the preparation of documentation and logistics related to local government entity risk assessments
• Complete detailed eligibility assessment for Government-to-Government (G2G) funding mechanisms
• Evaluate DRC partner entities' financial management systems, internal controls, and risk mitigation capacity
• Assess budget transparency, anti-corruption measures, and public financial management systems
• Develop comprehensive risk mitigation roadmap

Deliverables

• Operational framework and terms of reference for the JHCSC Funding Sub-Committee, reflecting DRC’s institutional context and endorsed by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Budget.
• Financial reporting templates, dashboards, and quarterly review protocols adapted for DRC’s systems and approved by all relevant ministries.
• Performance monitoring system for incentive eligibility, with clear guidance for DRC stakeholders across ministries.
• Protocols for co-investment performance review and funding reduction mechanisms, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Budget.
• G2G eligibility assessment reports, risk mitigation plans, and supporting documentation, shared with all relevant ministries.
• Comprehensive financial status reports for JHCSC meetings, with provincial and national perspectives and input from all involved ministries.

Reporting

The advisor will submit an inception report with a six-month work plan within 30 days of contract signature. Detailed monthly progress reports are due to the Department of State during the first week of each subsequent month. At the end of the performance period, a final report will summarize achievements, risks, and recommendations for continued MOU implementation.

Reports should demonstrate how governance activities support integrated health system strengthening across all MOU Areas of Cooperation.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public administration, public policy, finance, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in health governance, financial oversight, or institutional strengthening, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa or fragile contexts.
• Proven experience supporting high-level committees, developing oversight frameworks, and managing G2G funding or similar mechanisms in complex government environments.
• Strong analytical, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working in decentralized and resource-limited settings.
• Fluency in French and proficiency in English required.