Project Director - PROPEL PHE

Job Description

Pathfinder is currently seeking a Project Director to lead an anticipated multi-country project headquartered in Washington, DC. The USAID-funded population, health and environment (PROPEL-PHE) project is expected to improve the enabling environment for equitable and sustainable health services, supplies and delivery systems. The Project Director has overall responsibility for leading and managing the project to increase country commitment to FP/RH through policies and regulations that expand the resource envelope for voluntary FP/RH services, supplies, and delivery systems. S/he is accountable for all aspects of the project’s effective management, including financial and budgetary oversight, timely implementation of activities, and stakeholder relationship management.

The Project Director prominently positions Pathfinder International as a leader in the field of FP/RH and as a successful partner in the development and cost-effective implementation of USAID-funded programs. S/he is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with USAID, Government agencies, and other RH/FP programs operating globally. The Project Director will engage the private sector, including NGOs and CSOs, and other local actors (including youth and women’s groups) at the country level for local intelligence and expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and update the project’s strategic plan, ensuring that programmatic directions are technically sound, evidence-based and consistent with international priorities.
• Ensure that project performance objectives and mandated deliverables such as technical activities, annual work plans and programmatic/financial/technical reports are carried out in a timely fashion and meet the highest quality standards.
• Lead a periodic implementation review process to monitor progress and to identify specific actions that may be needed to achieve expected results.
• In collaboration with project staff, establish and maintain the ongoing administrative and financial operations of project offices, ensuring compliance with Pathfinder International’s policy and USAID contract provisions.
• Ensure that appropriate security guidelines and procedures are established, maintained, updated regularly and adhered to by the staff in all project offices.
• Work with Pathfinder International Headquarters to develop policies and procedures that improve efficiency and quality.
• Select, hire, and supervise staff and subcontractors; assign roles and responsibilities, manage performance.
• Develop, monitor and revise budget pipeline and conduct monthly reviews to ensure accountability of all project activities as well as the accurate and timely reporting of finance deliverables.
• Manage funds and approve expenditures in accordance with Pathfinder International and USAID procedures, cost principles, and regulations.
• In coordination with Pathfinder International Contracts Officer, contract with and manage local individuals/organizations for identified tasks according to USAID and Pathfinder International procedures. Negotiate consultancy agreements and develop capacity of local partners in mandated program areas.
• Cultivate and strengthen positive, productive relationships with USAID, partners, Ministry of Health and other governmental agencies ensuring that Pathfinder International is consistently viewed as an effective implementing partner in meeting and achieving project targets.
• Manage and coordinate activities of subcontractors and partners to create synergy and ensure that project responsibilities are carried out in accordance with donor regulations.
• Document project achievements for communications materials such as the annual reports, brochures, and website updates.
• Assist Development teams in planning for and developing proposal submissions for field support.
• Perform other tasks to ensure effective implementation of the project as required.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating development and intervention activities, preferably with USAID, WHO, or other donor organizations working in the health sector
• Advanced degree in Public Health, Public Policy or other related discipline
• Experience managing senior functional and technical experts to deliver complex programmes
• In-depth knowledge of public and/or private health systems, decentralization of services, and the latest developments in the field of FP/RH.
• Over 8 years’ experience managing USAID-funded activities.
• Demonstrated management skills working with complex programs involving short deadlines, multiple tasks, intense pressure to perform, and coordination with multiple partners.
• Thorough understanding of and ability to analyze financial documents, projections, expenditures, and accruals.
• Excellent diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Demonstrated capabilities in institutional capacity building, and high-level strategic visioning and leadership.
• Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relations with senior Government personnel, international organizations, NGO partners, host country governments, and U. S. Government Agencies.
• Excellent knowledge of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of working globally and a thorough understanding of applicable US Government regulations and administrative procedures.
• Strong presentation skills including the ability to present results and products to USAID and other key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience managing Policy, advocacy, financing, and governance projects, especially in the health sector
• Experience in FP integration with MNCH, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS .

About the Organization

Pathfinder International is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. As a global health organization with locally led, community-driven programs, we support women to make their own reproductive health decisions. We work with local partners to advance contraceptive services, comprehensive abortion care, and young people’s sexual and reproductive rights in communities around the world—including those affected by poverty, conflict, climate change, and natural disasters. Taken together, our programs enable millions of people to choose their own paths forward.