Chief of Party

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is seeking a Chief of Party for the 5-year, USAID-funded Assistance for Families and Indigent Afghans to Thrive (AFIAT) program in Afghanistan. AFIAT strives to improve the quality of primary and secondary health and nutrition services in targeted rural areas; increase access to high-impact and evidence-based health and nutrition services; and enhance adoption of optimal health and nutrition behaviors by communities and households.

MSH saves lives and improves health by helping public and private organizations throughout the world to effectively manage people, medicines, money, and information. Working from more than 40 country offices and our Arlington, Virginia, and Medford, Massachusetts, US headquarters, our staff from more than 70 nations is highly regarded for its technical expertise, integrity, and commitment to making a lasting difference in health. We live our mission to save lives and improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the program and will oversee the implementation of the award while serving in this role. S/he will act as the primary point of contact for USAID, partners, key stakeholders, and will ensure the program meets stated goals and reporting requirements. The COP takes the leadership role in coordination among various partners, and sub-recipients and/or contractors.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION: Master’s degree in public health, administration, or a related discipline (MPH, MBA or other).

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in managing and implementing complex health care service or public health programs in developing countries in a senior manager position. At least three (3) years’ experience shall be within a conflict or post-conflict country. Experience in Afghanistan required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:**

• Demonstrated diplomatic, management and interpersonal communication skills to ensure internal coherence among diverse team members and sub-partners as well as civil society, private sector and other stakeholders in Afghanistan

• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with proven experience managing teams for results and maximizing donor investment in project implementation.

• Prior experience and success directing similar or larger international donor-funded projects.

• Demonstrated strategic planning and visioning skills.

• Demonstrated ability to pivot planning and direction to adapt to emerging needs and requirements

• Familiarity with United States Government/USAID regulations and administrative procedures in the implementation of donor assisted projects.

• Proven record of aligning diverse, multi-level teams with project mission and vision. Track record of strong commitment to sharing knowledge, documenting experiences, supporting creative initiatives, and sharing credit.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior-level colleagues, particularly interacting productively, proactively, and comfortably with government agencies, NGOs, private sector groups, USAID, CAs, and donor organizations.

• Demonstrated strategic agility, diplomacy, conflict management, team building, written and oral communication, and negotiation skills.

• Fluency in English.

COMPETENCIES:

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required. Proficiency in one local language strongly preferred. Ability to deliver presentations at high level meetings. Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to interact professionally with and manage culturally diverse staff.