Project Director Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention (MMDP) for Blinding Trachoma and Lymphatic Filariasis

Job Description

Background

HKI has established itself as a leader in integrated Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) control efforts at the national, regional and global levels and has strong NTD expertise throughout the organization. The overarching approach guiding HKI’s integrated NTD programs involves both preventive chemotherapy at national scale and morbidity management efforts to mitigate the disability and disfigurement caused by hydrocele, lymphedema and trichiasis.

HKI will be leading the implementation of Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention for Blinding Trachoma and Lymphatic Filariasis (MMPD) activities, under a five year, $35 million Cooperative Agreement with USAID. This activity will provide USAID, the Bureau for Global Health (GH), and the NTD Program with assistance to strengthen MMDP components within national NTD plans and achieve elimination goals for trachoma and lymphatic filariasis (LF), and will assist countries in planning, implementing, and monitoring the scale‐up of high‐quality treatment and care services for affected individuals.

The goal of USAID’s NTD MMDP project is to alleviate suffering among people with lymphedema, hydrocele, and trichiasis to improve their quality of life. The project will contribute to USAID’s overall goal of reducing the prevalence of seven NTDs by 50 percent among 70 percent of the affected population, and eliminating LF and blinding trachoma globally by 2020.

Over the five years, the Project aims to make a significant impact on the capacity of countries to enhance MMDP efforts by supporting a stronger human resource pool, aiding access to trainings and internationally recognized best practices, and strengthening of data capture and monitoring and evaluation systems. The project will support the development of country-owned strategic plans that focus on increased quality and quantity of surgery and service provision, and support delivery of surgery and lymphedema management. A cornerstone of the project will also be the documentation of best practices and providing global leadership to the MMDP community.

HKI is seeking a dynamic and seasoned Project Director to lead this multi-country, five year project.

Scope of the Position

Working closely with the Technical Director and the MMDP program, finance, and grants and contracts team, the Project Director will provide direction and vision to all planning, design, implementation, and reporting efforts. S/he will serve as the main collaborator with partners and sub-grantees, promoting standardization and harmonization in approaches and best practices across countries. His/her knowledge of USAID rules and regulations will ensure Project compliance in procurement, financial management, and program delivery. S/he will sit on the project’s Technical Advisory Board, as well as chair the Project’s Senior Management Team.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direction, leadership, and vision to the Project, ensuring that the planning, quality, impact, scale and cost-effectiveness of all programming and monitoring & evaluation efforts meet the highest international standards. Work with other MMDP/NTD experts to further develop and refine these standards, ensuring harmonization across countries.
• Collaborate with other experts within HKI working on the control of NTDs to enhance impact, reach and cost-effectiveness and ensure consistency in best practices across all of HKI’s MMDP efforts.
• Serve as the key liaison between the Project and USAID, initiating regular meetings with the USAID Project staff.
• Ensure overall project compliance with and adherence to USAID rules and regulations and grant conditions.
• Provide leadership in the development and finalization of all deliverables, including project budgets, work plans, financial and program reports, and monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Ensure documentation and dissemination of results and program impact.
• Ensure that the Project is appropriately represented at key international NTD events through his/her own participation and/or through other MMDP/NTD experts to systematically increase the Project’s visibility.
• Manage project staff both in the US and in Africa.
• Chair and lead routine Project Management Team meetings; promote active participation in Technical Advisory Board meetings.
• Provide leadership in collaboration efforts with partners, sub-grantees, and Ministry of Health staff.
• Work closely with HQ program, grants & contracts, and finance staff, regional directors, regional program and finance staff, country office program and finance staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a master’s degree in public health, tropical medicine, epidemiology, health management, or related field; MD or PhD preferred; plus
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience working on international projects related to infectious diseases, at least 3 out of the 10 years of experience must be with NTDs; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience successfully leading international development projects similar in scope and complexity; including significant experience working with USAID and knowledge of relevant rules and regulations;
• Demonstrated management, leadership, decision making, and interpersonal skills;
• Full professional proficiency in English with excellent oral and written communications skills. French strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with senior government personnel, international organizations, NGO partners, host country governments, and US government agencies; and·
• Knowledge and experience in diverse African settings.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to HKI.Recruitment@hki.org noting the job title in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

About the Organization

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI) is dedicated to saving the sight and lives of the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia, as well as in the United States. Renowned for its reliability, efficiency and high level of technical expertise, HKI promotes the development of sustainable, large-scale programs that deliver effective preventative and curative services for nutrition, eye health and neglected tropical diseases. The hallmark of the organization’s work is its proven success in developing, testing and scaling-up health interventions, and integrating them within government and community structures to support and build local capacity and sustainable solutions.