Head Of Contracts & Strategy

Background

The NTPF is a corporate body with functions and responsibilities as set out under Statutory Instrument 179 - National Treatment Purchase Fund (Establishment) Order, 2004 and the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act (2009).

Its key functions are:

• Arranging for the provision of hospital treatment to classes of persons determined by the Minister.
• Collecting, collating and validating information on persons waiting for public hospital treatment.
• Agreeing pricing arrangements with private & voluntary nursing homes under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
• Furnishing advice to the Minister for Health on related issues.
• Performing any other function assigned by the Minister for Health, since July 2012 this includes responsibility for the publication of outpatient waiting lists.

In carrying out its functions, the NTPF works closely with the Department of Health, the HSE, acute public hospitals and private nursing homes across the health system.

Nursing Home Support Scheme “NHSS” or “Fair Deal.”

The NTPF negotiates with proprietors of private and voluntary registered nursing homes (on behalf of the State) to reach agreement in relation to the maximum price(s) that will be charged for the provision of long-term residential care services to Nursing Home Support Scheme residents as set out in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act (2009) commonly known as Fair Deal.

As part of this function, the NTPF enters into "Approved Nursing Home Agreements" with registered private and voluntary nursing homes (circa 425) to record the maximum price(s) negotiated. The Head of Contracts & Strategy will manage the NHSS Team and will be required to deal directly with nursing homes under the scheme including participating in the negotiation process.

The Role

The Head of Contracts & Strategy within the NTPF will be responsible for oversight of the Contract Management and Strategic Support team of professionals, including a Health Economist, Strategic Analysts, National Operational Lead, Contract Managers & Administration team. The role requires a high level of strategic thinking, as well as the ability to manage complex budgets, negotiate contracts, and liaise with key stakeholders, including government officials and healthcare providers.

The Head of Contracts & Strategy will be accountable for the efficient and effective management of the NTPF's resources, as well as ensuring that funding is allocated in a fair and equitable manner, and that value for the exchequer is maintained.

The successful candidate will have a key role in relation to the management and administration of this function, including:

• Lead on the management of the activities, outcomes and key issues in respect of carrying out price negotiations with private and voluntary nursing homes for the purpose of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) or “Fair Deal.
• Management of Contract Management team (team of 14 staff including 8 new posts).
• Principle decision maker on price negotiations with private and voluntary nursing homes for the purpose of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) and fulfilling legal function in relation to same.

The Head of Contracts & Strategy will also be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing new strategies to improve the contract negotiation process including restructuring of and building capacity in the contract management and strategic support team.
• Playing a central role in policy development and implementation in the nursing home sector along with key stakeholders (Department of Health).
• Reporting to the NTPF executive on the activities, outcomes and key issues arising from this role.
• Ensuring that the process and output from NTPF’s role provides value for money for exchequer funding and that the activities are carried out with fairness, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensuring contracts are in compliance with NTPF remit and internal policies.
• Managing the contract management and strategic support teams.
• Providing support to the Director of Finance and CEO.
• Gaining an understanding of the financial and business operation of each nursing home (i.e. key cost drivers, level of occupancy, current and future cost pressures, and any other information that will inform discussion on maximum prices).
• Providing guidance and support to contract management & strategic support teams in their processes and procedures, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to perform their jobs effectively.
• Attending to all administrative matters arising out of discussions with each nursing home.
• Participating in the development and implementation of information systems with particular reference to nursing homes.
• Preparing written reports of engagement with each nursing home, including any agreements made, and notification to the NTPF support team to facilitate the drafting of a Deed of Agreement between the NTPF and each nursing home.
• Participating in the development and implementation of information systems with particular reference to nursing homes.
• Managing and implementing best practice in public service values when engaging with nursing homes.

Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to this position are based on the current requirements of the NTPF. These requirements may change in line with changes in the roles, objectives or business requirements of the organisation up to and including transfer to other business units.