Program Manager (International Trachoma Initiative) ~ Paradaise Today

Program Manager (International Trachoma Initiative)

BACKGROUND:

The International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) facilitates access to Pfizer, Inc's Zithromax® donation as part of implementing the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy to eliminate blinding trachoma as a public health problem by 2020 (GET2020). ITI works closely with Ministry of Health officials of countries where trachoma is endemic to develop and carry out cogent plans for SAFE strategy implementation and to ensure in-country capacity for forecasting, receiving, and distributing Zithromax® to target populations. ITI also collaborates extensively with international and national NGOs in the sectors of eye health care, water and sanitation, and neglected tropical diseases for integrated support to SAFE strategy implementation. To achieve global trachoma elimination, and guided by the global roadmap 2020 INSight, ITI and its partners will need to undertake a significant scale-up of the program over the next three to five years.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Manager is responsible for providing technical leadership to program staff, including Senior Program Associates (SPAs) and the Assistant Program Coordinator. The Program Manager is responsible for monitoring and evaluating all contracted services and grants related to TEC-approved Zithromax® donations. The Program Manager will also fulfill the job responsibilities of the SPA for assigned countries that participate in the ITI program.

Fulfill the primary responsibilities of Senior Program Associate (SPA) for assigned participating countries, including but not limited to:
Providing technical support to Ministries of Health and national programs for:
preparing their annual applications, ensuring they comply with the donation criteria
developing and carrying out cogent plans for SAFE implementation, including development of activity plans (including Trachoma Action Plans), timelines, and budgets as needed
scale-up of the drug donation to new countries, including preparation of multi-year national plans, applications for Zithromax®, and situational analyses
Act as team lead and liaison between SPAs and senior ITI management, coordinating the work of the program team to fulfill requests of senior management and acting as a conduit of information.
Keep senior ITI management (Director, Regional Director, and Deputy Director) apprised of overall program status, challenges confronted, and strategies being used to address challenges.
In collaboration with the Deputy Director, provide technical support and guidance to the ITI SPAs and Assistant Program Coordinator.
Coordinate closely with ITI's Data Manager to ensure that the database is complete, accurate, and updated in a timely manner, to ensure the timely production of database-generated reports, and to provide input to reports developed by ITI.
Ensure the timely and high quality development of the Annual Progress Report, the Long-term Forecast for Zithromax® donation needs, and the annual update on progress against performance metrics to be submitted to Pfizer, Inc.
Oversee the planning for the Trachoma Expert Committee (TEC) meetings.
Work closely with the ITI Supply Chain Manager to ensure the timely and effective coordination of efforts between Senior Program Associates and Logistics Coordinators.
Monitor, evaluate, and report on the compliance and performance of all contracted services and grants to partners associated with the planning for and distribution of TEC-approved Zithromax® donations.
Work closely with countries receiving the Zithromax® donation to help identify needs and opportunities for funding, operational research, communications, and advocacy that would contribute to enhanced in-country capabilities for the delivery and management of the donation.
Develop and strengthen partner relationships, including active participation in working groups of the International Coalition for Trachoma Control (ICTC).
Represent ITI at meetings and workshops through active participation, undertaking domestic and international travel.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform other ITI program-related duties as required.
Participate fully as a member of the Task Force for Global Health by contributing to, assisting and participating in projects, activities, and initiatives as requested.

TRAVEL:Domestic and international travel required (25-30%)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in a field related to the program(s) and 5 years of program related experience, OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in a field related to the program (e.g., MSc, MPH, MBA)
At least 6 years program-related experience, preferably in a low income country
At least 3 years' experience managing human resources, budgets, and partnership relations
Demonstrated experience implementing a neglected tropical disease program
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
Proven ability to analyze information and data and generate cogent and concise progress and performance reports
High attention to detail and quality
Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
Excellent verbal communications skills with proven ability to guide and support others in understanding and adhering to job-critical processes, policies, and procedures
Ability to multi-task, work independently, and take initiative
Demonstrated strong strategic and analytical capabilities
Demonstrated ability to effectively work within and manage teams
Professional written and oral proficiency in at least one of the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Spanish
Ability to undertake considerable international travel (25-30%)