USAID Advancing Nutrition is USAID’s flagship nutrition program, led by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), and a diverse consortium of experienced partners including Helen Keller International (HKI), National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (CLUSA), Save the Children (SC), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Results for Development (R4D), The Manoff Group (TMG), The African Nutrition Leadership Programme at North-West University, South Africa (ANLP), Cornell University, and the University of California-Davis. Launched in September 2018, USAID Advancing Nutrition provides technical support to and implementation of interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. Our multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement, and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, changing behaviors and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.
The Regional Director works across USAID Advancing Nutrition to ensure effective management and technical support for assigned USAID Advancing Nutrition country programs. S/he will work in collaboration with home office-based technical Directors to provide day-to-day oversight and managerial support to assigned country programs. The Regional Director will provide direct technical guidance and support to country programs in close collaboration with technical advisors, operations staff, and knowledge management staff. The Regional Director supervises Chiefs of Party, as well as regionally based Program Officers and/or Program Coordinators.
The Regional Director is a member of the Program Management Team, which meets regularly to inform the direction of the project. The Regional Director will report to the Director of Program Integration and is based in Africa.
This position is advertised through the following USAID Advancing Nutrition partners; Save the Children, Helen Keller International, NCBA-CLUSA, and JSI Research & Training. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to their preferred organization/s for consideration.
Management, Implementation and Technical Excellence (50% Level of Effort)
- Lead the management of day-to-day interactions with the country teams to ensure that program implementation is aligned with project expectations and approved work plans.
- Oversee the timely development, submission and approval of annual country work plans and budgets in assigned USAID Advancing Nutrition country programs.
- Direct project country staff, in collaboration with global technical advisors, in providing nutrition technical assistance to USAID Missions and their partners, including host country governments, NGOs, and other institutions.
- Oversee the development, accuracy, and submission of progress reports (quarterly, semiannual, annual and end-of-project) and other deliverables in USAID Advancing Nutrition
- Monitor financial management and administration of country programs to ensure the effective, efficient, and compliant operations of country programs.
- Oversee and/or support the country Chiefs of Party to oversee HR-related processes at country level, ensuring the quality, integrity, and retention of USAID Advancing Nutrition country-based staff.
- In close collaboration with the Chiefs of Party and the Director of Program Integration, develop and nurture relationships with USAID at the country level, and represent country program related issues with USAID and at regional conferences, as delegated.
- Perform other duties as determined by the Director of Program Integration.
Strategic Direction and Planning (30% Level of Effort)
- Contribute to the development of global strategic direction for USAID Advancing Nutrition country related work, and ensure sound strategic and work planning processes consistent with global priorities and direction at country level.
- Maintain open communications with the Director of Program Integration, keeping him appraised of complex and/or sensitive issues and work closely with the country program team to troubleshoot these and identify the appropriate course of action.
- Facilitate the coordination and/or support for country Chiefs of Party to coordinate technical assistance at country level to ensure timely, efficient delivery on all USAID Advancing Nutrition Ensure global engagement is consistent with country-level commitments and capacities.
- Support the Director of Program Integration and Chiefs of Party to identify and pursue new programming opportunities. Develop concept notes and scope of work as needed.
Learning, sharing and documentation (20% Level of Effort)
- Ensure proper brand identification at country level, and work with the Knowledge Management team to increase visibility of USAID Advancing Nutrition country work and success stories at both local and global levels.
- Develop communication mechanisms and protocols to ensure effective, efficient communication between USAID Advancing Nutrition teams at global and country level, and ensure broad sharing of country level plans and performance.
- Foster cross-country and global/country learning and exchange in collaboration with the Director of Program Integration by identifying best practices, and opportunities to enhance programs through lessons learned and innovations.
- Education: Understanding of nutrition programs essential; understanding of engagement with food security, livelihoods, and public health programs a plus.
- Experience:
- 7-10 years of related work experience in country program management, including experience working in a developing country environment; and 7-10 years of related work experience in nutrition programming.
- Proven track record that demonstrates leadership skills, project management, budget and resource management experience, and client relationship management capability.
- Strong knowledge and previous experience managing USAID project or funding.
- Strong technical knowledge of nutrition is essential
- Computer Skills: Advanced level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Travel Availability: Ability and willingness to travel internationally up to 40% time, as necessary.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian or other major foreign language a plus.
- Technical knowledge of maternal and child health, food security, livelihoods, early childhood development, and water, sanitation, and hygiene is desirable.
- Demonstrated program management competency and effective communication skills in working with both USAID and host country clients.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent written and oral communications and negotiating skills.
- Experience working across multiple sub agreements and partners; ability to work well with people at all levels and across functional areas. Team player who seeks and can build consensus.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously and work in a complex environment with teams whose members are physically located in different time zones and geographic areas around the world.
- Strong initiative and self-motivation required, with a commitment to teamwork and effectiveness within a nonhierarchical, participatory, matrix management environment.
- Sense of humor!
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities as well as language learning opportunities