Back Deputy Country Director, Lao PDR

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.org

CHAI seeks a dynamic, driven individual with broad experience in program and operations management to join the leadership team of CHAI’s office in Lao PDR. CHAI’s office in Lao, established in 2014, has grown rapidly since its inception, and has become an established office with more than 40 staff, capable of managing multiple projects and steady growth. The Deputy Country Director will share strategic and operational responsibilities with the Country Director and the leadership team, holding responsibility for ensuring the effective operations of the 40-plus person team, shaping the future direction of CHAI’s support to and partnership with the government of Lao PDR, as well as direct management of one or more of the program teams.

The position will be based in Vientiane, Laos, with limited domestic and international travel (10-15%).

Responsibilities:

The DCD is a senior leader of the CHAI-Laos team, responsible for overseeing the effective execution of multiple programmatic strategies and ensuring CHAI provides high-quality support to the Ministry of Health. The role requires strong managerial, communication, and organizational skills. Responsiblities cover both internal and external areas, including management of one or more technical teams along with office operations.

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Ensuring the development and execution of a compelling strategy for maximizing CHAI’s impact and support to the Ministry of Health, including clear operational plans that align with government priorities and are coordinated with relevant stakeholders
• Supporting the development of new program areas, including proposal development, engagement with internal and external stakeholders, and donor engagement
• Ensuring successful transition of completed programs with an emphasis on the long-term sustainability of investments

Program Oversight and Mentorship

• Provide direct oversight of one or more program teams; provide support and guidance to program managers and junior staff on strategy and project deliverables
• Mentor program managers and senior technical staff as they take on managerial responsibilities
• Develop and ensure execution of program budgets and performance indicators in collaboration with program staff and the country director
• Work with program teams to shape new work areas, including project scoping, proposal writing and fundraising

Operations Management

• Strengthen and formalize systems and processes for budgeting, financial tracking, and donor and government reporting

• Support the operations team to implement and strengthen the internal management of daily operations and ensure alignment with CHAI global policy and practice including:

  • Human Resource processes and systems including recruiting, onboarding, benefits management
  • Financial management practices including monthly cash flow and financial reporting
  • Safety and security policies and ensure consistent implementation across program teams and project locations

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Represent CHAI in public forums, including the development of presentations and materials for external audiences
• Ensure coordination and communication internally across teams, within country, across countries and globally
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders in government, international partners, donors and NGOs

Other activities and responsibilities, as needed.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience in private or public sector enterprise, with increasing levels of responsibility and leadership
• Experience conceiving, planning and executing complex programs or projects with verifiable results
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex processes with multiple influencers, as well as negotiate and achieve consensus
• Demonstrated proficiency working on highly complex problems without extensive structural or operational support
• Proven ability to inspire, mentor and lead teams for consistently high performance
• Strong analytical skills and insight
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills

Advantages:

• Knowledge of Lao or Thai language
• Experience living and working with Asian or low/middle income governments and institutions