The NTD team is evolving our strategy to increase our focus on supporting sustainable approaches to improve implementation of NTD programs and assisting countries in taking full advantage of the extraordinary opportunity of the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases (i.e. a collaboration to support the WHO Roadmap in its aim to reach 2020 control, elimination and eradication targets for 10 specific NTDs). As we begin to develop a revised, cross-cutting strategy to identify how best to be more effective in accessing and delivering the donations of medicines committed in order to accelerate impact particularly for the five PC-NTDs (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, schistosomiasis, and the soil-transmitted helminths), we find ourselves seeking a Senior Program Officer (SPO) to lead our efforts in defining, shaping, and executing on this strategy.
Working in close collaboration with the Director and the NTD team, the SPO will be responsible for refining and executing on a strategy to enable countries to improve implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) programs for the five PC-NTDs. In addition, the SPO will be responsible for developing and managing one or more portfolio(s) of grants and contracts in support of this strategy. This position requires high-level grant-making and management skills as well as expertise in program and project monitoring and evaluation. As a key advisor on one or more strategic initiatives, s/he will contribute to the continued development of the team’s vision, while partnering closely with team leadership to set the overall strategy and goals for the team.
The SPO will be expected to:
- Act as an expert resource within and for the NTD program.
- Lead the NTD’s strategic initiative aimed at improving the implementation and delivery of MDA for the PC-NTDs particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Work in close collaboration with internal and external partners to design, negotiate, execute, and manage a complex portfolio of investments including performance-based grants and contracts against specific and measurable strategic goals related to improving delivery and implementation of MDA programs in-country.
- Review letters of inquiry and grant proposals and provide clear, concise and insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding. S/he will also serve in a technical advisory role bringing project management and in-country expertise to other grants in the team’s overall portfolio.
- Work with national and state/local governments, private companies and NGO service providers in our priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa to co-create catalytic investments aligned with the NTD team’s strategy and goals.
- Consult with grantees and partners in public and private sectors to maximize the impact of projects and investments and to ensure optimal learning. This may include: site visits, providing operational guidance, working with companies, and convening meetings of key stakeholders.
- Contribute to the evolution of the NTD program’s vision, strategic objectives, priorities, processes, organizational structure, etc,; including integration and coordination with the overall NTD strategy.
- Directly or indirectly lead a team to develop, manage and implement initiative strategies.
- Contribute to the design of new initiative, cross-program, or cross-foundation strategies, collaborations and/or implementation plans to ensure long-term sustainability and increased impact.
- Collaborate with foundation colleagues in related program areas to take advantage of cross-sector grant making opportunities.
- Represent the foundation to key program-related external constituencies, as appropriate, on committees related to area of expertise and responsibilities of the position.
Core Knowledge and Skills
We are looking for people who enjoy the challenge of working on complex projects and collaboratively creating solutions that have the potential for transformational change. We seek a global leader with deep knowledge of NTDs; preferably with experience in public health and familiarity with the development and deployment of various products/interventions to achieve impact on the burden of infectious diseases.
Education and Experience
The ideal candidate should have:
- Successfully worked in developing countries for a period of time; gaining an appreciation for the complexities of implementing and managing field-based programs. Preference for experience in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
- Experience working with governments (e.g. African governments) as well as with regional, multi-country institutions such as WHO.
- In depth knowledge of at least one of the PCT NTDs; preference for familiarity with all. The diseases include trachoma, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.
- Proven ability to lead and influence others in a constructive manner and to build and sustain collaborative relationships.
- Experience as technical resource to teams and leadership on impact, cost effectiveness and decision analysis.
- Experience in strategic planning and strategy implementation.
- Program and/or project management experience; from work plan development to implementation.
- Strong competence working within a highly matrix environment where impact is achieved through collaboration with diverse colleagues/teams as well as externally within a network of grantees and partners.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a wide variety of partners (e.g. government, development, etc.) from a diverse range of geographies and cultures.
- Ability to work in a complex team environment delivering on multiple outcomes; “leading from behind”.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively synthesize information to reach diverse audiences and build consensus.
- Knowledge methods of impact evaluation, operational research and modeling.
- Strong quantitative analytical skills.
- Advanced degree with 10 plus years of experience; or equivalent experience.
- Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. Anticipate initial travel needs, especially to Africa, during the first 12 to 18 months of employment.