Country Representative, Somaliland

Job Description

Population Services International (PSI) is the world’s leading non-profit social marketing organization, with a mission to measurably improve the health of poor and vulnerable people in the developing world by influencing their behavior, principally through social marketing of family planning and health products and services, and health communications. PSI has programs in more than 60 countries and works in malaria, HIV, reproductive health, child survival, and tuberculosis. PSI’s core values are a belief in markets and market mechanisms to contribute to sustained improvements in the lives of the poor; results and a strong focus on measurement; speed and efficiency with a predisposition to action and an aversion to bureaucracy; decentralization and empowering our staff at the local level; and a long term commitment to the people we serve. For more information, please visit

The East Africa Region seeks candidates to lead one of PSI’s newest platforms in Somaliland. The platform was established in 2006, with current annual revenue of $6 million and a staff of 43 motivated employees. Projects are currently focused in the areas of Reproductive Health and Child Survival. The platform was recently awarded a 3-year comprehensive Health Systems Strengthening AG from DFID with PSI as the lead agency in a consortium of five international NGOs. The award provides funding to expand PSI’s current portfolio of health products as well as to establish a social franchising network. The successful candidate will benefit from the excellent relationships and reputation already established with local and international stakeholders. The post is ideal for a talented, energetic manager with the desire and leadership skills to further strengthen and expand the platform.

The position is based in Hargeisa, Somaliland, a peaceful region with its own government and seeking full independence from Somalia. It is largely a secure and pleasant region far from the de-stabilized parts of the East and South, although security issues and threats are taken seriously. It is welcoming to foreigners, with a thriving private sector. This position reports to the East Africa Regional Director. Ideal start date is March 1, 2011.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Country Representative will be responsible for the overall development, management (financial, administrative, and programmatic), and representation of PSI’s activities in that country. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Strategic planning
• Program development, including further innovation within existing program areas and expansion into new health areas
• External relations with donor, government, NGO, and commercial entities
• In-country personnel recruitment, training, and supervision
• Development and implementation of marketing and communication campaigns and other social marketing activities
• Tracking and maintaining distribution systems and sales figures
• Creation and monitoring of marketing and annual work plans
• Supervision of research activities
• Oversight of internal controls and accountability mechanisms
• Financial and other reporting as required by donors and PSI/Washington
• Development and enforcement of field office administrative policies
• Overall institutional development
• Leadership of all fundraising activity for the platform

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Significant general management and leadership experience in the commercial, public or development sectors
• At least two years work experience in a developing country
• Knowledge of international development and health issues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated capacity to represent PSI effectively among a variety of audiences
• Relevant post-graduate degree (MBA, MIA, MPH, etc.) or equivalent experience

Please apply online at . No calls or emails please.

PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals

regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.