Executive Director, Global Health Programs

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The US Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) is staffed and aided by the Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) to employ specialized HIV/AIDS technical support in Tanzania. Efforts executed under this program focus primarily on HIV prevention, care, and treatment with funding from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Smaller efforts include active epidemiology studies for potential malaria therapeutic studies under Department of Army research dollars.

With headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, MHRP and HJF work together to support programs in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Thailand.  The Global Health Program in Tanzania works with non-government entities (NGO), Community-Based Organizations (CBO), and Faith-Based Organizations (FBO)

with the purpose of creating a lasting health change in Tanzania.  Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enables us to have a lasting impact on the communities.

The PEPFAR program in Tanzania covers five regions in Southern Highlands Zone with a catchment population of over of six million people.  The large portfolio includes over 400 medical facilities and 40 NGO/CBO/FBO spanning facility-based services and community interventions ensuring a continuum of care throughout the zone. Services provided by local partners span the gamut of behavioral prevention to Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART). This position will be based in Mbeya, Tanzania with travel to Dar es Salaam, as required.   

The Executive Director provides leadership and direction to ensure the strategic, programmatic, technical, and financial integrity of the program and is responsible for achieving the planned results set out for the program. The incumbent will work to support the program across Tanzania in the day-to-day oversight of diverse activities and personnel executing and supporting public health and research programs.  Activities will include but are not limited to, senior review and approval, where appropriate, of procurement and contracting activities and documents; coordinating and responding to requests from senior management and designated program and funding authorities (i.e. MHRP, HJF HQ, Embassy team etc.), engaging with local and international partners. The Executive Director is the primary point of contact with the WRAIR US Government (USG) team based in Dar es Salaam, serves as the HJF in-country lead for PEPFAR and, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)  for malaria activities. Additionally, the Executive Director maintains routine communication with local government counterparts, and partner institutions, and is responsible for overall program management and guidance to team members.

Responsibilities:

Vision, Strategy and Relationship Management

• Continuously drives strategic direction and planning process for the program in country in coordination with US-based HJF and WRAIR personnel and WRAIR staff located at the Embassy in Dar es Salaam
• Represents the program in all matters pertaining to implementation before the United Republic of Tanzania (URT), WRAIR, USAID, and other partners, including interactions with the most senior levels representatives of these institutions
• Fosters and cultivates high-value relationships with all relevant the Ministries (Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Office of the Prime Minister, National Institute of Medical Research, etc.) at all levels
• Develops and maintains strategic relationships and alliances with the other USG partners and funders, including private sector partnerships
• Strongly advocates on behalf of the program with the URT and other national/international partners
• Increase positive visibility of the program through effective representation at high-level visits with USAID, US CDC, PEPFAR, and the Ministry of Health
• Champions the work planning process; ensures that programmatic plans are in-line with overall strategic goals and that administrative/operational work plans can effectively support those activities
• Serves as the senior level position overseeing all HJF/HJFMRI activities supporting the WRAIR care and treatment and malaria programs in Tanzania
• Develops and maintains a broad, consistent and constructive engagement with MHRP headquarters and HJF HQ to foster a sense of shared community, mutual trust, and transparency
• Engages in frequent, routine communication with HJF-HQ and WRAIR HQ so all are aware of both progress and potential issues.
nafasi za kazi

Project Management / Implementation / Technical

• Works with administrative, technical and programmatic leads to ensure effective implementation and coordination of program activities and monitor progress toward the achievement of the project-specific program goals and objectives
• Ensures that technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to WRAIR/ US Dep. of Army and HJF policies and procedures
• Ensures the human, material, structural and financial resources are appropriate for the program’s success
• Responsible and accountable for the financial performance of the site to include high quality and on-time delivery of interim and final budgets;
• Presents progress, achievements, and lessons learned to key stakeholders, including funder, government, and other implementing partners
• Ensures timely and accurate reporting of program activities and results to HJF HQ, WRAIR, and USG in-country contacts
• Oversees implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities and assures the quality of technical interventions at national and provincial level
• Assure the sustainability of interventions, particularly in the area of capacity building
• Proactively identified and resolves potential problems and solicits assistance and input as needed to ensure that the project's performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements
• Provides collaborative assistance and mentoring to other program personnel and research scientists that require the incumbent's expertise.
• Maintains a safe work environment with appropriate training of other personnel. 
• Supports a productive team environment.
• Completes other projects as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience of successfully managing relationships with governments, donors, and other partners in a complex political environment
• Knowledge of infectious diseases and/or public/global health both with international development with a focus on health preferred
• Experience with PEPFAR highly desirable
• Outstanding leadership skills with a proven track record of building, directing, motivating, and managing teams composed of technical experts, program managers, and administrative staff
• Strong communication skills; a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts: large and small groups, verbal, written and interpersonal skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English required; fluency in Kiswahili a plus
• Excellent strategic agility, diplomatic, advocacy, and conflict management skills.
• Program management experience in international settings
• Knowledge of applicable USG procurement and contracting policies a plus
• Ability to independently troubleshoot tasks and challenges
• Work as a leader and part of a team in a remote setting

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Advanced degree: Masters (MPH, MHA, etc.) with Doctorate (DrPH, or Ph.D, or MD) in public health or relevant field.

Minimum Experience:  Minimum 7-10 years of senior level experience in program development, implementation, and management of health programs; research or medical programs experience a plus.

Physical Capabilities: Incumbent will be expected to relocate to Mbeya, Tanzania, and travel to Dar es Salaam as well as Bethesda, Maryland (USA) as necessary to perform job duties.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Director, Global Health Program, HJF, in the US as well as in conjunction with the Tanzania WRAIR Country Director, the senior USG DoD personnel in the country.

Work Environment:  May require working evenings and weekends, as necessary.

HJF is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.