To lead the development and implementation of the Organisation’s safer surgery and anaesthesia work across the West and Francophone Africa region. Working as part of the program team, and closely with clinical advisors and partners, the Head of Programs, West, and Francophone Africa provides operational and strategic leadership for program and partnership development, design, and implementation. The role is responsible for the management of all programs, including program staff and budgets, within the region – currently in Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, and Madagascar.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Operational oversight

• Responsible for oversight of human resources based in the region, including setting, and communicating security management measures and policies; ensuring the highest standards of financial management in collaboration with the Organisation’s global finance team; and ensuring compliance with national laws, protocols, global policies, and other requirements.
• Escalating issues or concerns around HR, finance, and security where relevant.

2. Development of partnerships and programs in West and Francophone Africa.

• Developing and strengthening collaborative relationships with external parties, including key strategic partners, sub-contractors, consultants, relevant professional societies, and Ministries of Health; turning partnerships and opportunities into concrete action and deliverables.
• Responsible for developing and implementing multi-year strategic plans for program delivery within the region, and responsible for the achievement of objectives set out therein.
• Leading the identification and development of new partnerships, programs, and innovations in response to needs expressed by partners in the region.
• Ensuring high quality reporting to funders according to agreed timelines and formats.
• In collaboration with fundraising staff, identify funding opportunities and develop high quality funding proposals for external donors.

Representing the Organisation’s at regional and national conferences, meetings and other events as required and organizing representation by other team members where appropriate to build the organization’s profile and network

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE / ABILITIES

Person Specification Essential

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of health systems and their challenges in West and Francophone Africa.
• Significant experience of developing and designing projects in the context of global health, using evidence and creativity to inform project design and decision-making.
• Significant (5+ years) experience and proven ability to manage multiple projects, programs, and teams to a high standard, working with a broad range of team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to represent the organization at a high level, build relationships and networks globally, and work collaboratively with partners.
• Proven success in identifying and developing new partnerships and capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple work streams, and to work independently and proactively.
• Ability to solve problems and address challenges constructively.
• Experience designing budgets, managing, and monitoring expenditure; proven ability to manage large budgets ($500,000 plus).
• Excellent written and spoken French and English.

Desirable

• Postgraduate degree in public health or related medical field.
• Knowledge of hospital and surgical systems in West and Francophone Africa.
• Clinical experience.
• Project management qualifications.
• Understanding of research methodologies.
• Additional language skills (particularly Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic).
• Experience coaching/training.