Technical Advisor, Infectious Diseases

Project HOPE is an international NGO of more than 900 engaged employees and hundreds of volunteers who work in more than 25 countries, responding to the world’s most pressing global health challenges. Throughout our 60-year legacy, Project HOPE has treated millions of patients and provided more than $3 billion worth of medicines to local health care organizations around the world. We have helped build hundreds of health programs from the ground up and responded to humanitarian crises worldwide.​

Code of Conduct

It is our shared responsibility and obligation to treat each other with respect, take affirmative steps to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse and Trafficking in Persons, and to disclose all potential and actual violations of our Code of Conduct, which may include Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption, Discrimination or Harassment. Together we can reinforce a culture of respect, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position functions as the leading technical role for the Infectious Diseases portfolio, especially HIV and TB, and contributes to leadership, strategic direction, and technical guidance throughout the institution. The Technical Advisor will improve the quality and expand the scope of Project HOPE’s Infectious Diseases portfolio of prevention, treatment, and care, with a primary focus in HIV/AIDS and TB. Acts as Project HOPE’s most senior technical expert in the area of Infectious Diseases by providing thought leadership to internal and external stakeholders and acts in a global advisory role to PH staff. The initial focus of this position will be to strengthen and expand Project HOPE’s leadership role as a TB organization worldwide and business development in HIV, with increasing emphasis on other Infectious Diseases as opportunities allow. Provides technical assistance to on-going programs and provides advice regarding program design and program content for new Infectious Diseases initiatives.

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Location: Washington, DC USA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or Windhoek, Namibia (Hybrid Remote)

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PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning

• In coordination with the Deputy/Chief of Health, Business Development teams, Regional Directors, and regional and other technical staff, contributes to (or leads, as appropriate) the development and implementation of strategic plans for HIV/AIDS, TB and other Infectious Disease programming and expansion of the Infectious Disease portfolio.
• In collaboration with relevant staff, develop yearly operational plans for HIV/AIDS, TB, and Infectious Diseases programming to achieve strategic objectives that include concrete action steps and building Project HOPE capacity.

New Program Development

• Technically lead business and program development for Project HOPE’s Infectious Disease portfolio including delivering on a business development target shared with the Deputy/Chief of Health, Business Development team, and Regional Directors.
• Develop partnerships with international, regional, and host country institutions in order that Project HOPE may contribute most effectively and collaboratively to the prevention and treatment of Infectious Diseases.
• Contributes (or leads, as appropriate) to the development of evidence-based programs designed for impact. Is responsible for overall technical quality for Infectious Disease program design with appropriate outcomes, objectives, interventions, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) indicators.
• Leads as appropriate or contributes to the development of proposals and concept papers. Helps to write and review technical sections and accompanying narratives.
• Supports the MEL Director in the development of M&E sections of Infectious Disease proposals.
• Contribute to the creation of strategy documents and communication materials that highlight Project HOPE’s Infectious Disease program accomplishments and capacity.

Program Implementation & Operation

• Provides technical leadership and backstopping to HIV/AIDS, TB, and other Infectious Disease projects as part of Project HOPE’s integration strategy; makes recommendations for improvements in program delivery and outcomes; and follows-up with regional and country staff to implement recommendations. Backstopping will take place both from Project HOPE Headquarters (HQ) and through in-country visits.
• Responsible for developing program technical content and ensuring utilization of up-to-date quality technical materials and guidelines that meet international standards. Assesses existing projects without Infectious Disease activities and provides recommendations for including Infectious Disease components if appropriate.
• Serves as the primary contact for field staff on assigned Infectious Disease projects, communicating frequently with field-based program staff, and addressing operational challenges. Apprise Regional Directors and related departments on matters of concern. Contributes to relationships with donors and partners.
• Monitors Infectious Disease programs to ensure quality and technical soundness by reviewing information, reports, and data. Assesses quality through regular exchanges and communication with program teams. Collaborates with technical and M&E teams to monitor achievement of program and subproject objectives, indicators, and data collection. Makes on-site visits as appropriate.
• Prepares project results in an appropriate format in collaboration with field team and the MERL Director. Presents project results for/with field teams within PH and externally as appropriate.
• Designs/reviews/approves operational research studies that document PH program outcomes and best practices. Documents the results of those studies and identifies and follows up on opportunities to share PH program results in the broader Infectious Disease and development communities.
• Ensures that Project HOPE programs meet best practices and donor program standards.
• Supports other Global Health activities as directed by senior management within Global Health.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Works with the MERL Director to ensure that Project HOPE has strong M&E systems at the HQ, regional, and country level. Helps provide technical assistance on M&E to programs.
• Provides technical support to ensure program reports and indicator data are entered into Global Health’s information management systems (DHIS 2) and is kept up to date for assigned programs. Supports program team’s effective utilization of DHIS 2, including conducting training, setting up indicators, reviewing data, and program reporting.
• Works with program teams to complete quarterly reports to donors and for Project HOPE. Participates in quarterly portfolio review meetings for Infectious Disease programs.
• Works with the MERL Director to conduct data quality audits during field visits.
• Provides technical assistance to program teams on presentations and the use of data and results.

Knowledge Exchange

• Stays appraised of current technical developments and innovations for Infectious Diseases and other related technical areas.
• Ensures that program staff remains current in their technical knowledge by reviewing and disseminating new technical development, materials, guidelines, and technical reports. Mentors Program Managers and Program Officers working on Infectious Disease programs. Conducts training with staff as appropriate.
• Working in collaboration with technical, program, and regional staff develops strategies and contributes to the development and dissemination of technical products such as abstracts, articles, technical briefs, conference presentations, and strategy papers.
• Assists field programs to link with contractors, consultants, funders, local and international PVOs/NGOs, and relevant organizations to form partnerships and increase learning, thereby enhancing the quality and scope of their activities.
• Contributes to sharing of “lessons learned” from other relevant programs carried out by Project HOPE and programs implemented by other organizations.
• Collaborate with peer organizations and technical associations in support of strategic priorities.
• Represents Project HOPE’s program activities to external parties, such as donors, cooperating agencies, and other interested parties; and attend appropriate meetings and conferences as directed by senior management within Global Health.
• Other duties as assigned.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• MPH or Master’s degree in directly relevant area required, MD strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years’ experience in international infectious disease programs, including direct implementation of PEPFAR and BMGF funded Infectious Disease projects, with demonstrated experience as a resource for program monitoring in Infectious Diseases while focusing on community level programs where beneficiaries are linked to available health services and health education.
• Experience in the area of behavior change leading to improved health outcomes in one of our key practice areas is expected. Familiarity with additional practice areas (RMNCH, Disaster Response, or NCDs) is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation of Infectious Disease programs in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions.
• Experience in the design, evaluation, and technical oversight of Infectious Disease programs in developing countries.
• Experience supporting multi-country Infectious Disease portfolios.
• Interest and ability to engage in new business development initiatives to start and expand PH Infectious Disease programs.
• At least two years living and working in an international setting (developing country preferred) or equivalent international experience. Experience in Africa preferred.
• Fluency in English and excellent writing skills. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with country and HQ office staff to ensure quality and productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to work with PEPFAR, USAID, and CDC programs as well as other donors.
• Demonstrated communication skills, both verbal and written. Writing skills should include proposal and grant writing, memorandum of understandings and teaming agreements, routine program status documents, and activity reports.
• Strong financial management skills and capabilities; strong analytical skills.
• Proficiency with computers both in word processing and spreadsheet programs, with presentation and report writing capability. Familiarity with statistical software is a plus.
• Able to manage multiple priorities, function as team/project leader, and work with minimal supervision and direction.
• Able to think creatively and critically about programs and activities, to challenge the status quo, and to promote continuous improvement.
• Identifies with Project HOPE mission, vision, and core values.
• Willingness to travel internationally 25% of the time.

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• Ability to work from a Project Hope office as needed.

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be mobile in an office environment and able to use standard office equipment.
• Must be able to communicate in verbal and written form and must be able to travel internationally.
• Project HOPE employees may be required to travel or work in countries where working conditions are classified as “hardship.”

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Work environment:

• Typical office environment with exposure to a minimal noise level.
• Emergency deployments may be in resource-deprived environments with austere living conditions.
• Travel for extended periods may be by air and/or other modes of transportation.
• While international travel is not a regular part of every job, programmatic needs may require it intermittently.
• Project HOPE employees may be required to travel or work in countries where working conditions are classified as “hardship

Due to the substantial number of inquiries, we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be considered. No phone calls please.

However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise.

Thank you for your interest in Project HOPE.