Job Summary:

The Papua New Guinea Project Director leads and directs implementation of the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection (STRIDES) Activity in Papua New Guinea to enhance global health priorities in-country with the general objectives to strengthen capacity across laboratory and surveillance systems to prevent, detect, and rapidly and effectively respond to emerging infectious diseases and other public health threats. They will fulfill the diverse managerial requirements of the Activity and have technical and management responsibility for all activities, personnel, and budget/spending. The Papua New Guinea Project Director, STRIDES, serves as the Activity’s primary liaison with posts in country, local government, and other global health security implementing partners working in-country, in addition to overseeing STRIDES subcontractors operating in-country. The Papua New Guinea Project Director, STRIDES, will lead the development and implementation of annual work plans, monitoring and evaluation activities, technical and financial reporting, and other administrative elements of the Activity.

Accountabilities:

  • Plans, directs, and coordinates implementation of Activity to ensure that goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed timeframes and funding parameters.
  • Establishes work plans, teams, and SOPs to meet Activity goals and ensure compliance with policies.
  • Directly manages technical, financial, and operational staff responsible for all aspects of the STRIDES Activity in Papua New Guinea.
  • Responsible for creating, promoting, and maintaining safe and equitable work environments for all personnel, including a harassment- and violence-free work culture, and systems for safeguarding Activity participants.
  • Manages in-country relationships with national, regional, and local government counterparts and multisectoral partners to fulfill national global health security objectives and targets and operationalize implementing activities.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and collaboration for the team and in-country partners, including Department of State, implementation partners, government partners, and other key partners.
  • Leads in-country team and liaises with Activity leadership at the global level to define, develop, implement, monitor and adjust technical work plans, budgets, presentations, and reports.
  • Ensures on-time delivery of high-quality deliverables and reports.
  • Provides guidance and training to managers and staff to achieve Activity goals.
  • Responsible for onboarding of Activity staff, ensuring their familiarity with organizational and Activity values, quality standards, policies and procedures and their individual responsibilities in upholding them.
  • Supports performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.

    Applied Knowledge & Skills:

    • Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts, and practices with project management, process development, and execution. Familiarity with international Global Health Security frameworks and initiatives, particularly in relation to Department of State’s Programs and priorities, is highly preferred.
    • Excellent and demonstrated project management skills, including leadership to develop annual work plans and deliverables to State while overseeing the Activity’s monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure achievement of Activity goals and objectives.
    • Articulate, professional, and diplomatic with the ability to communicate using a clear and positive manner with clients and staff.
    • Strong influencing, negotiation, and collaboration skills; Prior experience developing partnerships and managing relationships with State, host country government, key partners, and other implementing partners in country is highly preferred.
    • Demonstrated leadership skills in managing staff within a matrixed organization. Prior experience working in an international non-governmental organization (INGO) is a plus.
    • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to plan, organize, and manage resources for the successful completion of the Activity.

      Problem Solving & Impact:

      • Deploys sound decision-making skills and proactive problem-solving when encountering highly complex, varied problems to mitigate risks and promote effective and continuous Activity implementation.
      • Exercises judgment to meet business strategies and develops objectives that align with donor and Activity goals.
      • Quickly identifies and notifies management of potential issues during implementation.
      • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

        Supervision Given/Received:

        • Sets goals and budgets and leads the in-country team to achieve strategic goals.
        • Leads coordination of resources for Activity implementation, addresses/resolves Activity issues.
        • Reports to the Health Programs Program Manager

          Education:

          • Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in public health or other health- related fields related to the functions of the position;
          • Master’s degree or its international equivalent preferred.
          • Project management certification preferred.

            Experience:

            • Typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience with project management principles and practices, including 5+ years of managing staff.
            • Proficient with applicable Department of State or other USG donor rules, regulations, and policies
            • Demonstrated knowledge and experience working on the management and implementation of human or animal health projects and interventions for infectious diseases
            • Knowledge and experience working on Global Health Security projects or activities preferred; experience working across multiple sectors (One Health) desirable
            • Demonstrated experience in developing and mentoring staff and building the capacity of local teams and partners.
            • Demonstrated experience in managing complex, multidisciplinary projects and/or activities.
            • Proficiency in the English language is required
            • Fluency in Tok Pisin language is required
            • Experience operating in insecure environments.
            • Experience working in an NGO is preferred
            • Experience working in a Government Human, Animal, or Environmental Health Ministry/Agency is desirable.

              Typical Physical Demands:

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