Job Description
Description
The Head of Programs will be responsible for defining the strategy and development of the organization. He/she will ensure that the strategic orientations are in line with the management methods and resources.
The manager will also be in charge of detecting new opportunities to increase the organization’s portfolio by ensuring coherence and synergy between different programs and projects.
The Strategy and Development Manger will coordinate all of the organization’s projects/programs, providing strategic direction to program management teams, and ensuring that program results are in line with signed donor agreements.
He/she will work with program manager(s) to provide strategic direction and thought leadership in the strategic design and implementation of programs.
He/she will also ensure optimal internal and external institutional communication in order to make Askaan Santé’s contribution to strengthening health systems in the West African sub-region and improving the well-being of the population more visible to donors and the general public.
Job Summary/Responsibilities
- Develop strategic direction for the organization in accordance with the vision and direction of the executive board;
- Translate the organization’s strategic development plan into actionable operational plans;
- Ensure coherence between organizational vision, strategic direction, and human, material and financial resources;
- Lead organizational development of the entire institution;
- Unite employees around project/program and organizational development objectives;
- Develop and ensure the implementation of a resource mobilization strategy;
- Identify and capture opportunities for organizational development;
- Ensure efficient organizational communication with the objective of strengthening the image of Askaan Santé with donors and the general public;
- Provide strategic direction to all programs in the organization’s portfolio;
- Support program managers and the entire team in the design, development, planning, implementation and evaluation of interventions across various programs and projects;
- Provide guidance in the design of detailed thematic strategies and plans, terms of reference (TORs), tools, guides, and standard operating procedures necessary for program success;
- Provide guidance to program managers to ensure successful delivery of technical assistance to government health teams by ensuring that program implementation and work plans are completed as planned, targets and technical requirements are met, and deliverables are completed in accordance with donor/donor agreements and program objectives;
- Facilitate knowledge management and information flow for program planning, design and implementation;
- Participate in program team brainstorming and problem-solving meetings to provide constructive feedback to the entire team;
- Support program managers in setting program objectives, defining targets, establishing and achieving operational milestones on time, and periodically measuring program performance;
- Determine strategic orientations, objectives to achieve, and interventions to be implemented, after analysis and evaluation of the various market/project components;
- Lead, coordinate and control, with team members, the design and implementation of activities necessary for the development of the services offered by Askaan
- Perform any other duties assigned by the Executive Director as required.
Working Arrangements
The Head of Programs works closely with Program Managers and the Grant & Finance Manager, under the direction of the Executive Director. He/she will work full time and will be based at Askaan Santé headquarters (Dakar) with the possibility of occasional travel to program implementation areas.
Training & experience
- Hold at least a Master’s degree in public health, health program management, Doctor of Medicine or other equivalent degree
- At least 10 years of experience in public health program management
- Demonstrated experience in implementing project and program management techniques and methodologies to improve health outcomes
- At least 5 years of experience working with international NGOs or consulting firms working in the health space in Africa
- Experience in training and capacity building of staff
Specific Skills
- In-depth knowledge of the health systems of French-speaking West African countries;
- Understanding public health challenges in developing countries;
- Excellent analytical skills (including a high level of numeracy) and strategic design
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex data in a compelling and accessible manner to a variety of audiences;
- Persuasion and ability to negotiate at a high level with different organizations;
- Autonomy and initiative (ability to make decisions independently, when necessary, on difficult issues, working under tight and often changing deadlines) ;
- Creativity and flair for innovation;
- Proven managerial skills with strong leadership and teamwork abilities;
- Ability to anticipate and preempt factors that might influence success in any environment and to propose strategic solutions;
- Ability to communicate in order to unite team members and stakeholders around projects and global organizational objectives;
- Ability to convince and create support;
- Strong knowledge and skills in organizational and project management techniques;
- Strong ability to negotiate and influence stakeholders;
- Strong command of written and spoken English language.
About the Organization
ASKAAN SANTÉ is an organization based in Senegal, with the main objective of contributing to the empowerment of communities to be the agents of their own development and well-being. Our motto is “to address issues holistically and solve complex health problems through innovative and inclusive gender-sensitive approaches.”
Our vision is to have:
- An Africa where people fully enjoy their health and well-being
- An Africa where all health actors work effectively in synergy and harmony with the populations
