Project Director at Jhpiego

• Reporting to the Country Director, The MCGL Project Director will provide program and technical leadership and coordination of project planning, implementation and monitoring to ensure it delivers on increasing the use of quality Family Planning/RMNCAH/Nutrition/WASH/PHC services in a self-reliant manner in Kenya. The Program Director will have the overall responsibility for leadership and management and reporting of project activities in Kenya. S/he will be responsible for making key decisions and solving problems in short timeframes while ensuring operational and program quality and integrity. S/he will serve as the project’s main point of contact with USAID/Kenya and MCGL technical and global leadership on routine and strategic matters. S/he will also ensure effective organizational management and communication with the host country government at all levels and international partners and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to ensure programmatic and financial integrity of the project within Kenya to achieve rapid and sustained goals, objectives, and targets.
• Ensure that the project is technically sound, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of Kenya, its people and donors, including alignment with USAID’s sustainable development aims.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with USAID, the Government of Kenya’s Ministry of Health, as well as implementing partners, private sector partners, and other key stakeholders to maximize resources and avoid duplication of effort.
• Represent MCGL (Jhpiego and relevant consortium partners) and project progress, achievements and lessons learned to donors, other key stakeholders, and through meetings, conferences, and presentations.
• Provide technical leadership and ensure the quality and sustainability of interventions.
• Lead the annual work planning process in close collaboration with USAID, Government of Kenya’s Ministry of Health, and MCGL project team.
• Collaborate and closely coordinate with MCGL consortium partners to ensure effective programmatic implementation.
• Oversee the quality, preparation, and timely submission of project reports for donor consumption.
• Provide guidance, in collaboration with staff, to subcontractors and sub-grantees.
• Write and/or review project materials and publications.
• Work with finance and project staff to develop and track project budgets.
• Work with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) staff to develop M&E frameworks and effectively track data/results.
• Provide guidance and leadership on strategic and programmatic shifts as determined by evolving public health issues, including the COVID-19 crisis.
• Ensure compliance with the terms of the award and with USAID operational policies, rules, and regulations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Planning and design of scope of work, establishing partnerships with local organizations and providing oversight for implementation of activities to address ASRH, FP, and RMC at national and county Levels.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree with a minimum of a master’s degree in public health, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and child health, health management or related field
• At least ten (10) years of demonstrated technical experience, with seven years (7) at the senior level management in at least two of the following areas: maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH); family planning/reproductive health (FP/RH); nutrition.
• 7+ years’ experience in program management, financial management, award contractual compliance, sub award management and tracking project performance and costs via specific funding streams; as well developing, managing, overseeing, or evaluating public health programs in Kenya of a similar size and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in establishing project systems and overseeing project start-up and closeout.
• Previous experience working in Kenya with intimate understanding of local health system and FP/RMNCAHN gaps and opportunities, and solid relationships at government agencies.
• Excellent diplomacy skills and a proven ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and professional relationships with USAID, host-country counterparts, and representatives from other key stakeholders such as NGOs, CSOs, and the private sector, as well as create synergies among stakeholders.
• Knowledge of USAID programs, regulations, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Excellent management skills, strategic vision, and leadership qualities.
• Excellent verbal, written interpersonal and presentation skills in English and Swahili.
• Ability to coach, mentor and develop technical capacity in regional and national program and technical staff.
• Proficiency in word processing and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally.