Project Director

Position description

EngenderHealth is seeking expressions of interest from highly qualified candidates for the Project Director position on an anticipated new Gates Foundation (GF) funded project in Kenya, to scale up the introduction of the hormonal IUD in the public sector as part of an expanded contraceptive method mix. Kenyan nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is subject to change based on procurement requirements and is contingent upon EngenderHealth being awarded the project and the availability of funds.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Project Director will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the project. The position will serve as the strategic and programmatic lead, providing overall leadership for project co-creation, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. S/he will engage with national and county governments, the GF, and other stakeholders while ensuring technical and management oversight of all project activities. The role carries overall responsibility for program results, financial management, compliance with donor and organizational requirements, and effective collaboration with partners. They will oversee program implementation, provide technical vision, and approach and manage the project team and consortium members. They will have direct responsibility for supervising select key personnel. They will be responsible for the smooth implementation of the project and for effectively addressing challenges that arise during performance. They will be responsible for quality implementation and ensuring the project is ethically implemented. They will be responsible for the timely and accurate delivery of all reports and project products and ensure that systems are in place to mitigate the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. The Project Director will also support resource mobilization and new business development activities within the country, including by identifying new opportunities, fostering partnerships, and amplifying the organization’s visibility and influence in the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) sector in Kenya.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the overall planning, implementation, strategic direction, and management of the project in close coordination with the Kenyan government, donor, and other implementing partners, as well as the achievement of the goals and objectives of the project in a timely and cost-effective manner with adherence to technical quality standards and donor guidelines;
• Provide first-class leadership to all aspects of the project management, including development and submission of detailed work plans, budgets, performance frameworks, monitoring and evaluation plans, procurement and supply management plans, and human resource management;
• Provide strategic leadership and technical and managerial direction to ensure the project is evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the targeted population while meeting donor expectations;
• Oversee a team of senior technical and program management project staff and ensure strong communication and coordination with and between all team members, and with EngenderHealth’s regional and global technical advisors;
• Build, strengthen, and sustain critical relationships with Kenya’s Ministry of Health, County government authorities, GF, implementing partners, and other key players in the efforts to maximize prudent resource utilization, minimize duplication of efforts, coordinate regularly with them on project updates and results, and attend relevant technical working groups and conferences as required;
• Ensure the project is implemented in a fiscally responsible manner and in full compliance with all laws, regulations, policies, and donor’s procedures, Government of Kenya, and EngenderHealth;
• Provide leadership in the preparation and timely submission of project reports to the donor and government as per agreement and directives;
• Present project’s progress, achievements, and lessons learned to donors, government, and other key stakeholders through various platforms, including meetings, technical working groups, and conferences, in compliance with the terms and conditions of the award;
• Represent EngenderHealth to donors, external organizations, and the Kenyan government;
• Serve as the in-country lead for proposals and concept notes as they arise, in collaboration with the global technical team;
• Engage in collaborative alliances to position EngenderHealth as a leader on relevant policy issues, including cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships (e.g., Government of Kenya Ministry of Health and other relevant Government bodies, international donor agencies, as well as national and international NGOs), and developing appropriate partnership agreements and engagement strategies

Qualifications

Must possess the following requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Medical degree with public health and management expertise and/or master’s degree in public health, social sciences, or related advanced degree in a related field;
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively increasing responsibility in managing successful international development assistance and health programs of similar scope in SRHR in Kenya;
• Demonstrated understanding of the SRHR landscape and knowledge of the Kenya MOH and GF health initiatives in Kenya;
• Demonstrated capacity in managing for results;
• Working knowledge of and/or experience with donor-funded programs, with experience as Project Director or Deputy PD preferred;
• Proven record of building teams and fostering collaboration to achieve program goals, meet program milestones, and produce quality program results;
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of SRHR, with particular expertise in family planning and contraceptive care, and experience in the design and implementation of SRHR programs, at scale;
• Demonstrated leadership skills in working collaboratively with other donors, host country institutions, and international organizations;
• Excellent past performance references;
• Fluency in English required;
• Demonstrated capacity in priority management and landscape analysis.

ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS:

• Committed to EngenderHealth’s core organizational values of reflection, inclusion, integrity, respect, and transformation;
• Excellent negotiation skills with demonstrated capacity for negotiating with senior government officials or executives;
• Excellent diplomacy skills and a proven ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and professional relationships with GF, host-country counterparts, and representatives from other key stakeholders such as NGOs, CSOs, and the private sector;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS:

• Relevant experience in Kenya;
• Prior experience in a senior management position on a GF-funded project;
• Ability to travel up to 35% in-country and internationally as required.

Application instructions

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