Project Director

MSH seeks a Project Director for an anticipated procurement to strengthen the capacity of the Government of Kenya (GoK) to manage a high performing, sustainable, public-health-oriented laboratory service system. The goal of the project is to improve Kenya’s capacity in stewardship, technical guidance, and oversight to implement country-owned and-led quality integrated laboratory services. As such, s/he provides strategic and technical leadership and managerial oversight for the Project. S/he is the official representative of MSH for the project and maintains all communication with appropriate CDC officials, project partners and local stakeholders, and other MSH managed projects in Kenya to ensure adequate coordination of laboratory technical assistance. The Project Director is fully responsible and accountable for the development, execution and management of the project, including (1) vision and technical strategy, (2) project and financial management, (3) documentation, communication and reporting of project activities, (4) client(s), partners and stakeholder(s) relationships, and (5) coordination and synergy with other MSH Projects and collaboration with the MSH Country Representative and Country Operations Country Management Unit (COMU). S/he ensures project activities and results are responsive to the goals and objectives of both CDC and PEPFAR and that they comply with the policies of the GoK. S/he bears primary responsibility for all administrative requirements to fulfill the performance objectives and other requirements specified in the project cooperative agreement.Provide overall direction for all technical and managerial activities under the project as mandated by CDC. Function as the primary liaison between CDC and MSH on all technical and financial matters related to the project.Provide leadership in establishing effective technical assistance, collaboration and communication with GoK departments and other stakeholders responsible for the implementation and/or support of laboratory services.Provide strategic and technical leadership in the development and implementation of capacity building strategies needed to strengthen the delivery of laboratory services in Kenya that are locally appropriate and sustainable.Adapt, implement, and oversee an annual project management cycle which formulates the annual continuing application, comprehensive work plans, budgets and reports in accordance with the Cooperative Agreement, CDC annual planning cycle, assures control of expenditures and timely disbursement of funds. Assure integration of technical activities with each other, and with the overall operational strategy of the project.Work with the MSH financial support team to implement a Financial Pipeline Tracking System for effective budget monitoring and cost control, based on sound financial and accounting principles, MSH Standard Operating Procedures and MSH and CDC financial reporting requirements.With the MSH financial support team, develop and adapt (as needed) a project financial plan in line with the CDC Cooperative Agreement budget and received obligations, technical strategy, work plan and reporting requirements.Ensure implementation of the Project Cooperative Agreement in compliance of the agreement clauses, MSH and CDC policies, regulations and Standard Operating Procedures.Maintain effective communications with the designated MSH contracts officer, finance operations staff, COMU, other MSH management support staff both in the US and in the CDC-Kenya office to ensure responsiveness in project operational and financial matters.Oversee and support the implementation of MSH project management systems and assure project compliance with MSH policies and procedures in the process of implementation, documentation, reporting, monitoring and evaluation, and results management.As a member of the Kenya Leadership Team (KLT) attend KLT meetings with other project directors in the MSH-Kenya office to support the implementation of the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS); cooperate and collaborate with the COMU Director and other relevant COMU staff in Kenya to ensure timely fulfillment of the administrative requirements and CDC-specific operational and financial regulations for this project.Assure reciprocal flow of technical exchange and knowledge transfer between the project and other MSH projects and programs engaged in laboratory systems strengthening, both in Kenya and elsewhere.Assure the integration, consistency, and high quality of the direct and subcontracted work under the project. Maintain productive programmatic communication and a strong working relationship with MSH’s sub-contractor(s) on this project, to ensure timely and quality achievement of expected deliverables.Together with MSH CPM senior managers and appropriate staff, maintain good working relationships with all partners and subcontractors to assure that the project receives the full benefit from their specific areas of expertise.Ensure project staffing, structure and reporting relationships are aligned with project needs, local context and available resources.Manage project staff as per MSH values, policies and guidelines, and implement an effective performance-management program focusing on results and individual accountability, including regular check-ins, annual appraisals, supportive supervision, rewards, training, coaching and career development support.With support of supervisor, develop technical assistance plan and budget in line with CDC requirements.Ensure appropriate and timely documentation and dissemination of key results and deliverables for maximum project impact and business strategies using a variety of communication strategies and media.Any other duties as assigned.Master’s Degree or higher, in International Public Health, Biomedical Science or equivalent related field.At least ten (10) years’ experience in management positions, implementing programs of similar size and scope in international health.At least 5 years management experience on USG or other donor-funded programs supporting strengthening of national laboratory systems in developing countries, preferably with experience in Kenya and/or Africa.Strong knowledge and technical skills in the following key areas: laboratory leadership, management and governance; development and implementation of national laboratory policies, strategic plans, standards, guidelines, standard operating procedures and capacity building materials; laboratory information systems; laboratory equipment and supply management; quality systems and accreditation; infrastructure development; networking and referral systems; and biosafety.Familiarity with USG regulations and administrative procedures in the implementation of donor-assisted projects. Working knowledge of and experience with CDC project management is preferred; demonstrated leadership skills in working and collaborating with PEPFAR, other donors, host country institutions, and international organizations.Strong strategic vision, management, and leadership qualities.Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior-level colleagues, government agencies, NGOs, other USG-funded cooperating agencies and donor organizations. Ability to work with diverse groups and partners to successfully bring groups together to achieve project goals.Experience advising on the development, modification, and/or implementation of regulatory and policy frameworks in developing country context to facilitate changes in policies and regulations.Strong understanding of the need for laboratory capacity building and readiness to recommend and follow through on solutions.At least five years relevant supervisory experience of professional (technical) staffExcellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communication skillsDemonstrated excellent English (both written and oral) with the ability to conduct business in English. Fluency in Swahili is preferred.Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.