Gloria Stephen Shirima
Dar es Salaam
Summary
Results-driven Senior Technical Advisor with over 10 years of experience leading and advising on Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health, and Family Planning (RMNCH) initiatives for USAID-supported health programs in Tanzania. Expertise in strategic health systems strengthening, health financing, policy development, and cross-sector coordination. Proven ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and guide technical teams across multi-country settings. Skilled in donor engagement, stakeholder management, and fostering partnerships to drive impactful health outcomes. Adept at navigating fast-paced environments and managing complex projects to improve sustainable health systems, with a commitment to gender-sensitive and inclusive programming.
Experienced analyst prepared for this role with strong focus on data interpretation, financial modeling, and strategic planning. Known for collaboration and delivering results, adaptable to changing needs, and reliable. Skilled in data visualization, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication. Employers value analytical mindset, teamwork, and consistent performance.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Technical Advisor, Family Planning
USAID Afya Yangu – Mama na Mtoto (Jhpiego)
05.2022 - 04.2025
- Provide senior-level technical assistance to CHAI country teams and government counterparts on health systems strengthening, including policy alignment and sustainable financing models.
- Lead cross-cutting initiatives integrating Family Planning (FP) and Reproductive Health (RH) services across health sectors, collaborating with government ministries, UN agencies, and donors to enhance program impact.
- Drive strategic advisory and technical guidance on SBC and gender-sensitive programming to improve FP/RH outcomes, particularly in underserved populations.
- Represent USAID Afya Yangu at national forums, including the National FP Sub-Technical Working Group (TWG), advocating for the integration of evidence-based practices.
- Guide program monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to ensure adherence to standards and utilize data for evidence-based decision-making.
Senior Technical Advisor, RH/FP
USAID Boresha Afya – Northern/Central (EngenderHealth)
02.2017 - 05.2022
- Led the design and implementation of integrated FP/RH programs with maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and TB care in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH).
- Advised on policy development and the implementation of national strategies, ensuring alignment with donor priorities and government goals.
- Managed stakeholder relationships, including USAID, government partners, and NGOs, to ensure program goals were met through strategic collaboration.
- Provided technical leadership on SBC and gender-sensitive strategies, expanding access to FP services in rural and underserved areas.
RH/FP Advisor
Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) – Jhpiego
06.2014 - 02.2017
- Spearheaded the design and implementation of FP/PPFP programs to enhance maternal and child health services, collaborating with national and regional stakeholders.
- Led strategic behavior change communication (SBC) initiatives to increase demand for FP services and ensure the integration of high-impact practices in national programs.
- Conducted technical evaluations and financial analyses to ensure program compliance and donor requirements were met.
Regional Program Officer
MAISHA Program – Jhpiego
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Coordinated regional RMNCH activities, providing technical support and training to health providers across 19 program sites in Tanzania.
- Managed program budgets, ensuring financial compliance with donor requirements.
- Contributed to malaria prevention and PMTCT initiatives, aligning efforts with national strategies and donor standards.
Education
Master of Public Health (MPH) -
Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences
04.2025
Diploma - Enhancing Access to Human Resources for Maternal and Neonatal Survival through Task Shifting
Karolinska Institutet
01.2013
Degree of Medicine (M.D.) - undefined
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
01.2010
Skills
- Health systems development
- Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Decision Making: Translating complex data into clear insights for policy design, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency assessments
- Project Management & Coordination: Leading high-impact program design, implementation, and multi-country initiatives
- Stakeholder & Donor Engagement: Building and maintaining partnerships with donors, government officials, and technical agencies
- Gender-Sensitive & Inclusive Programming: Advancing equitable health services and improving gender-sensitive policy and program interventions
- Health Program Monitoring & Evaluation: Overseeing M&E frameworks, ensuring compliance, and driving data utilization for strategic decision-making
- Global Health & Advocacy: Representing organizations in policy dialogues, advocating for systems-level change in global health
Certification
- Gender & GBV Training Certificate
- Family Planning Compliance Trainings
- Help Mothers Survive (HMS)
- CITI-Human Subjects-Based Research Training
- Clinical Training Skills (CTS)
Languages
English: Fluent (C1)
Swahili: Native
Accomplishments
- Capacitated over 10,000 healthcare providers in reproductive, adolescent, and family planning services across Tanzania.
- Improved FP/RH service uptake in underserved regions, reaching 7,329,284 clients with various family planning methods.
- Developed and implemented effective maternal health and FP policies, improving FP compliance in line with national and donor requirements.
- Presented at and contributed to international conferences, including the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) and FP 2030 PPFP workshops.
Timeline
Senior Technical Advisor, Family Planning
USAID Afya Yangu – Mama na Mtoto (Jhpiego)
05.2022 - 04.2025
Senior Technical Advisor, RH/FP
USAID Boresha Afya – Northern/Central (EngenderHealth)
02.2017 - 05.2022
RH/FP Advisor
Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) – Jhpiego
06.2014 - 02.2017
Regional Program Officer
MAISHA Program – Jhpiego
01.2012 - 01.2014
Diploma - Enhancing Access to Human Resources for Maternal and Neonatal Survival through Task Shifting
Karolinska Institutet
Degree of Medicine (M.D.) - undefined
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
Master of Public Health (MPH) -
Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences
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