Pact is an international nonprofit that works in nearly 40 countries building solutions for human development that are evidence-based, data-driven and owned by the communities we serve. Founded in 1971, Pact works with partners to build resilience, improve accountability, and strengthen knowledge and skills for sustainable social impact.
Department Program Operations (PrOps) - Pact exists to help create a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership of their future. The Program Operations teams contribute to realizing this by: ensuring effective project management through supporting project startups, implementation, reporting and financial management as well as closeouts; portfolio coordination: providing a coordinating role across departments in DC that support country offices and programs; working with country teams to develop, refine and pursue their strategies by leveraging technical knowledge (our own and others) and supporting business development as needed; knowledge sharing and learning: enhancing communication between country offices and DC-based teams to ensure better understanding of the diverse operating environments and program approaches.
Position Overview
Pact seeks an experienced Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)/Technical Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Local Health Systems Solutions (LHESS) Activity, which is expected to be released in 2023. The purpose of this activity is to support Liberia’s MoH in strengthening critical components of the health system to improve access and affordability, thus increasing patient outcomes at all levels and focuses on three core objectives:
- Obj 1 - Strengthened Decentralization Structures at national and subnational level to drive health system performance.
- Obj 2 - Strengthened systems for delivery of quality health services; and
- Obj 3 - Increased financial protection through reduced out-of-pocket spending on health care.
This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2024-2029). The DCOP will directly assists the Chief of Party by providing health system strenghtening technical and strategic leadership and oversight of project implementation and management. This position is contingent upon award.
Key Responsibilities
The DCOP/Technical Director will work closely with the Chief of Party to provide technical leadership and expert advice on strategies and interventions to strengthen public health capacity at all levels across government, civil society, and community partners to effectively strengthen access to health services for vulnerable populations.
The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are listed below:
- S/he will be fully conversant on global, regional and local best practices and evidence-based approaches in HSS and public health to develop and/or adapt for the Liberian context.
- S/he will lead and facilitate the integration of public health programming across results areas, while ensuring quality, responsiveness, and relevance of technical assistance and capacity building.
- S/he will coordinate development, implementation, monitoring and reporting on all project work plans.
- S/he will supervise program monitoring, evaluating, and reporting activities, ensuring that all project deliverables are met and delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
- In coordination with the COP, s/he will serve as a Pact liaison to USAID and national and local partners, including government officials, civil society. and community leaders, particularly on technical matters.
- S/he will coordinate with appropriate stakeholders in all aspects of project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
- S/he will supervise key technical staff directly Under the guidance of the COP, ensure high-quality technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the program's strategic objectives and adhering to expected technical quality and reporting requirements.
- S/he will assist with all programmatic aspects, ensuring that objectives are met on time and within budget.
- S/he will ensure rapid startup; day-to-day implementation of activities; and working with the COP, oversee the oversee and coordinate tech outputs/activities, as well as sub-grantees, sub-contractors, and consultants.
- S/he is responsible for training and mentoring and training staff on on G2G regs and how to support technically; train staff on branded QI/QA approach that will be used (need to check if MOH has approved one during capture).
- S/he will be the primary point of contact with USAID in absence of the COP with regard to day-to-day implementation and management matters related to the agreement.
- Provide training and mentoring to partners to strengthen capacity for technical service delivery and compliance with donor rules and regulations.
- Under the guidance of the COP, , an effective leadership team, and an organizational culture where Pact's values are practiced.
- Deliver technical presentations on program achievements to implementing partners, civil society organizations, government officials, donor, and other organizations.
- Support with other tasks, as assigned by the COP.
Basic Requirements
- Master's degree with nine (9) years work experience or bachelor's degree with at least eleven (11+) years work experience. Professional degree from an accredited university in public health, social or behavioral sciences, or a relevant field strongly preferred.
- At least five (5+) years management experience, prefereably as a DCOP, Technical Director, or in a comparable senior-level leadership position on international donor projects.
- Five-seven (5-7) years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to direct implementation of public health, health systems and/or health policy programming.
- Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
- Possess qualities of subject matter expertise in health quality improvement/quality assurance, particularly for RMNCH and malaria projects.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners with conflict sensitivity.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including local organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and funders.
- Demonstrated skills in problem solving, negotiating, decision-making, and consensus building.
- Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Liberia.
- Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading) required.
- Ability to travel within Liberia and occasionally internationally.
Broad understanding of public health, health systems, and health policy and practice in Liberia.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements and/or knowledge of USAID rules, regulations, and policies.
- Demonstrated experience working with marginalized or underrepresented populations in the West Africa or similar contexts.
- Liberian nationals, particularly female candidates, are strongly encouraged to apply.