Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Rwanda Health Systems Strengthening Activity

Job Description

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party for an expected 5-year, up to $25 million, health systems strengthening (HSS) project in Rwanda. The purpose of this USAID-funded THRIVE Health System Strengthening Next (HSS Next) activity is to improve the resilience of the Rwandan health system and optimize resources to sustain quality services and equitable health outcomes for all Rwandans. The specific objectives of the HSS Next Activity include (1) Health financing optimized to enable equitable access to high quality health services without financial hardship; (2) Leadership, management, and governance (LMG) strengthened at all levels to improve quality and efficiency; and (3) Health workforce management strengthened to improve quality of health services.

This position is subject to project award and funding.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will be responsible for all HSS Next program activities and technical direction, ensuring that staffing is aligned with HSS Next vision, goals, and plans to achieve the expected program results. With guidance and support of the Chief of Party (COP), the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will coordinate the provision of technical services, harmonize efforts and maximize synergy and integration between project program areas (health financing, leadership/management/governance, human resources management and quality improvement). The DCOP will set a positive tone for the entire project and inspire staff to apply results-based approaches for timely delivery of services to the clients we serve including but not limited to timely producing high-quality documentation of project’s successes and lessons learned for local and international audiences, as well as quarterly reports.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY

• Provide technical leadership and managerial oversight for the project and ensure the efficient implementation of project activities and the timely reporting of those activities to regional and country specific donors, and MSH headquarters.

• Coordinate project liaison and collaboration with partners, donors, clients and stakeholders, including MSH headquarters. Maintain a partnership between the project and the donor that engenders trust and respect and builds confidence in MSH’s ability to get the job done.

• Work in close collaboration with the project leadership team to ensure coordinated and effective operational support for the project and for MSH within the various countries and the region.

• Serve as a member of the Rwanda Project Leadership Team.

• With the F&A Director, adapt and implement management systems with standard operating procedures to administer all activities funded by the agreement.

• Promote a team approach that emphasizes high level performance, creative approaches, the achievement of personal and project goals and a collegial approach that is focused on assisting one another to succeed for project staff in Rwanda, as well as the support team members in the Home Office.

• Ensure effective coordination is established and maintained with the relevant MSH country Operational Support Team (OST).

• When appropriate, act in place of the COP.

• Advise the COP in alignment of human resources with project work plans and emerging SOW from the donors, MSH and partners including on external sourcing of human resources and consultants.

• Set direction and coordinate annual workplan development, implementation, and review, and ensure alignment with regional frameworks and strategies, national and donor strategies in each country – including USAID strategies. The DCOP will identify opportunities for integrated planning and implementation creating synergies between various program areas.

• Guide and coach project staff in leveraging project, non-project and community resources through the establishment and maintenance of partnerships and networks.

• Direct efforts to write concept notes and new programs to address emerging health and programming challenges identified by donors, host countries or through the work we do.

• Contribute to a knowledge management system where the donor vision and government values permeate through our clients to reach beneficiary communities, and the learning from grassroots and countries is documented and shared to influence new programming at national and regional levels.

QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree at the Master’s level or above in social science, public health, or other appropriate area is required.

• 8+ years of experience in the implementation and management of international development projects, specifically, with combined experience in two or more technical areas such as healthcare financing, LMG, human resource management, quality improvement, digital health, and/or RMNCAH.

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

• Demonstrated experience in program management and administration, and contract compliance. Experience with USG projects is strongly preferred.

• At least 5 years of supervisory experience. Must have a proven track record of building teams and fostering collaboration in order to achieve goals, meet milestones, and produce high quality written qualitative, quantitative, and narrative deliverables. Familiarity with USG regulations and administrative procedures in the implementation of donor assisted projects.

• Track record of strong commitment to sharing knowledge, documenting experiences, supporting creative initiatives, and sharing credit.

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

• Fluency in English is required, French or Kinyarwanda language skills would be an advantage.

About the Organization

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a global health nonprofit that makes foundational changes to health systems to protect people from diseases and improve their health. MSH collaborates with local partners, from the Ministry to the community, to strengthen and complement existing health systems. Since 1971, MSH has worked in more than 150 countries to help ensure sustainable, resilient, and equitable access to quality health care around the globe.