Senior Assistant Director of Medical Services/Medical Specialist I - Health System Management Specialist

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Machakos County Public Service Board careers portal at jobs.machakos.go.ke. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline of 9th September 2026, 5:00 PM.

Show Your Health Systems Management Edge

This role sits at the intersection of clinical pharmacy and health systems leadership. Hiring panels will probe how you've turned data into decisions and managed teams under county health service pressure.

1. Lead with your Master's project: Your Master's in Health Systems Management is your strongest differentiator. On your CV, summarize your thesis or capstone project in two lines, focusing on the problem, your intervention, and the measurable outcome. If you evaluated a health programme, say so.

2. Prove your computer skills beyond the certificate: The certificate in computer application skills is a checkbox, but your real edge is using data tools. Mention any experience with health information systems like DHIS2, Excel dashboards, or electronic medical records. Give a concrete example of how you used data to improve a process.

3. Connect pharmacy operations to system goals: When asked about coordinating pharmaceutical services, talk about how you balanced inventory accuracy with patient needs. Mention a time you reduced stockouts or improved medicine use reviews. Show you think beyond the dispensary.

4. Prepare a strategic leadership story: The Strategic Leadership Development Programme is a signal that they want managers, not just clinicians. Prepare a story that shows you leading a team through change, resolving a conflict, or driving a quality improvement initiative. Use the STAR method.

5. Know the county health context: Machakos County has a devolved health system with specific challenges like supply chain gaps and staff shortages. Research the county's health priorities and be ready to discuss how your skills can address them. Mention any experience with county-level health programmes.

6. Highlight your research on medicine utilization: This is a rare requirement. If you've conducted any research, even a small audit, highlight it. Describe the methodology, findings, and any recommendations you made. This shows you can generate evidence for policy.

7. Show your ability to train and mentor: The role includes providing CPD to pharmacists and coordinating capacity building. Give examples of how you've trained junior staff or developed training materials. Show you can elevate the whole team.

8. Align your application with equal opportunity values: The county emphasizes equal opportunity. Reflect on how you've worked with diverse teams or served underserved populations. Show cultural competence and a commitment to inclusive health services.