Background:
Following Liberia’s long civil war that left its health care service delivery system fragmented, severely damaged, and heavily dependent on international donors and NGOs, Liberia has been transitioning from an emergency relief model of health service delivery to a functioning, decentralized health system. While there is still a long way to go, Liberia’s 15 counties have begun operational management of health services with direction and support from the central Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW). The cornerstone of this decentralized primary care approach is the basic package of health services (BPHS). Rebuilding Basic Health Services (RBHS) is a five-year program to support Liberia’s goal, outlined in its National Health Policy and Plan, of increasing access to basic health services and strengthening the decentralized management of the health system.
RBHS collaborates closely with the efforts of the MOHSW to support service delivery outcomes with a focus on the following emphasis: improve access to primary health care, including maternal and child health, family planning and reproductive health, HIV & AIDS prevention and care, malaria prevention and treatment, and clean water and sanitation. RBHS will also assist in strengthening MOHSW health systems capacity and support the improvement of medical education and training.
This position will oversee the implementation RBHS to strengthen health services at 23 health clinics and health centers in Grand Cape Mount (22) and Montserrado (1) counties and foster behavior change at the community level for improved health outcomes. The Project Director will be expected to spend at least 70% of time in Grand Cape Mount County providing direct support to project staff and coordinating project activities with the Grand Cape Mount County Health Team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Provide overall leadership, supervision and coordination in planning, implementation and evaluation of all project activities
• Coordinate Project activities with Project partners, monitor their performance and provide oversight and assistance as needed
• With Country Director, manage relationship with and provide capacity building for Project partners
• Provide general program and technical direction, and ensure compliance with USAID standards and JSI reporting requirements
• Oversee planning, program monitoring and evaluation, and management to ensure informed decision-making, timely implementation of program activities, and achievement of contracted targets with JSI
• Supervise, motivate and guide RHBS program staff
• Analyze and trouble-shoot any challenges to program implementation and resolve any human resources issues that arise
• Oversee the financial/management aspects of the project including monitoring expenditures and budget variances
• Work closely with the Country Director, HQ Health technical unit, and HQ Africa Program management to ensure achievement of project targets, program quality, budget management, and timely reporting
• Provide regular communication with RBHS/JSI regarding the progress and results of BPHS Delivery, Financial Verifications and monthly statistics
• Ensure project reports are submitted on-time, are accurate, and meet all reporting requirements and standards
• Collaborate with the MoHSW and other departments and RBHS/JSI for the implementation of all activities of the Project
• Attend Partners meetings of RBHS/JSI project staff quarterly
• Participate regularly in Medical Teams International Liberia program coordination meetings
QUALIFICATIONS
• Commitment to Medical Teams International mission statement
• Minimum Master’s degree in Public Health, preferably with medical degree
• Minimum 5 years international experience managing health programs, preferably in post-conflict environments
• Experience in overseas programs at the Manager level relating to basic primary health care; maternal, neonatal, and child health; family planning, reproductive health and gender-based violence; malaria; HIV/AIDS, and water and sanitation.
• Strong experience in behavior change and community mobilization strategies
• Experience with innovative strategies for financing health activities
• Proven track record of effective program management, project planning, budget management and organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent decision making skills
• Ability to relate to and motivate local staff effectively
• Strong writing and reporting skills.
• West Africa experience highly desirable.
• Fluent in English language, written and spoken
Please submit all CV/Resumes and questions to gkezele@medicalteams.org
