Project Director – PROPEL PHE

The USAID-funded population health and environment (PROPEL-PHE) project is expected to improve the enabling environment for equitable and sustainable health services, supplies and delivery systems. The Project Director has overall responsibility for leading and managing the project to increase country commitment to FP/RH through policies and regulations that expand the resource envelope for voluntary FP/RH services, supplies, and delivery systems. S/he is accountable for all aspects of the project’s effective management, including financial and budgetary oversight, timely implementation of activities, and stakeholder relationship management.

The Project Director prominently positions Pathfinder International as a leader in the field of FP/RH and as a successful partner in the development and cost-effective implementation of USAID-funded programs. S/he is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with USAID, Government agencies, and other RH/FP programs operating globally. The Project Director will engage the private sector, including NGOs and CSOs, and other local actors (including youth and women’s groups) at the country level for local intelligence and expertise. The Project Director oversees the day-to-day work and is responsible for the effective use and deployment of staff and financial resources to achieve project targets. S/he is accountable for all aspects of the project’s effective management, including financial and budgetary oversight, timely implementation of activities, and stakeholder relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and update the project strategic plan, ensuring that programmatic directions are technically sound, evidence-based and consistent with international priorities.
• Ensure that project performance objectives and mandated deliverables such as technical activities, annual work plans and programmatic/financial/technical reports are carried out in a timely fashion and meet the highest quality standards.
• Lead a periodic implementation review process to monitor progress and to identify specific actions that may be needed to achieve expected results.
• In collaboration with project staff, establish and maintain the ongoing administrative and financial operations of project offices, ensuring compliance with Pathfinder International’s policy and USAID contract provisions.
• Ensure that appropriate security guidelines and procedures are established, maintained, updated regularly and adhered to by the staff in all project offices.
• Work with Pathfinder International Headquarters to develop policies and procedures that improve efficiency and quality.
• Select, hire, and supervise staff and subcontractors; assign roles and responsibilities, manage performance.
• Develop, monitor and revise budget pipeline and conduct monthly reviews to ensure accountability of all project activities as well as the accurate and timely reporting of finance deliverables.
• Manage funds and approve expenditures in accordance with Pathfinder International and USAID procedures, cost principles, and regulations.
• In coordination with Pathfinder International Contracts Officer, contract with and manage local individuals/organizations for identified tasks according to USAID and Pathfinder International procedures. Negotiate consultancy agreements and develop capacity of local partners in mandated program areas.
• Cultivate and strengthen positive, productive relationships with USAID, partners, Ministry of Health and other governmental agencies ensuring that Pathfinder International is consistently viewed as an effective implementing partner in meeting and achieving project targets.
• Manage and coordinate activities of subcontractors and partners to create synergy and ensure that project responsibilities are carried out in accordance with donor regulations.
• Document project achievements for communications materials such as the annual reports, brochures, and website updates.
• Assist Development teams in planning for and developing proposal submissions for field support.
• Perform other tasks to ensure effective implementation of the project as required.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating development and intervention activities, preferably with USAID, WHO, or other donor organizations working in the health sector
• Advanced degree in Public Health, Public Policy or other related discipline
• Experience managing senior functional and technical experts to deliver complex programmes
• In-depth knowledge of public and/or private health systems, decentralization of services, and the latest developments in the field of FP/RH.
• Over 8 years’ experience managing USAID-funded activities.
• Demonstrated management skills working with complex programs involving short deadlines, multiple tasks, intense pressure to perform, and coordination with multiple partners.
• Thorough understanding of and ability to analyze financial documents, projections, expenditures, and accruals.
• Excellent diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Demonstrated capabilities in institutional capacity building, and high-level strategic visioning and leadership.
• Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relations with senior Government personnel, international organizations, NGO partners, host country governments, and U. S. Government Agencies.
• Excellent knowledge of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of working globally and a thorough understanding of applicable US Government regulations and administrative procedures.
• Strong presentation skills including the ability to present results and products to USAID and other key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience managing Policy, advocacy, financing, and governance projects, especially in the health sector
• Experience in FP integration with MNCH, nutrition and HIV/AIDS is highly desirable.c

Other Information:

• Ability to travel to project sites (up to 35%)
• Uses cellular and desk phone; laptop or desktop computer
• Position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Please Note: This position is contingent upon project award and funding.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• At least 35% International travel

Application procedure /How to apply:

• Interested applicants are requested to include the contact details for at least 3 references in their resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Pathfinder International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Safeguarding and Protection

Pathfinder is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve and our staff. We have zero tolerance for any type of behavior that inflicts harm on children, young people, adults, our staff, and partners including sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation. We do everything possible to ensure that we recruit only those who are suitable to work with for us and expect that everyone we hire will abide by our safeguarding and related policies and will report any suspected or known violations. This job is subject to a range of vetting checks as legally permitted in the country where they are being hired. By applying, the job applicant acknowledges they understand our intent to verify suitability to work with us.