JOB TITLE: Health Unit Manager
BACKGROUND
The CRS Zambia country program was established in 2000, and administers a varied and diversified portfolio of food security, economic growth and livelihoods, health systems strengthening, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) research and HIV and AIDS programs. CRS works primarily through local church partners, but also counts hospices, hospitals and community-based organizations among its partners. The country program now implements a number of large and consortium-managed projects in all areas of the country, implemented by over 40 local partner organizations and 80 CRS staff members. Primary funding sources include USAID, Health and Human Services (HHS)/Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Global Fund and a number of private foundations.
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for coordinating the country program’s health activities under CRS’ global Health Signature Program Areas. This position is responsible for overseeing a team of project managers who are, in turn, responsible for the successful implementation of all Health-focused projects within the Zambia Country Program. S/he sources business or donor funding for the Health Unit for Country Program growth. S/he will develop concept papers which are utilised to develop project proposals to source funding. The Health Unit Manager will establish internal and external linkages for relationship building and networking purposes. S/he ensures ongoing coordination with the Chiefs of Party for other Health activities within the country program.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management
- Oversee, coordinate and supervise the projects within the Health Unit.
- Ensure that all activities are coordinated in a manner that enables efficient and effective execution of tasks/plans while respecting CRS and Donor policies.
- Coordinate staff working in the sector to develop team work plans and collaborate on project implementation.
- Learn from one another and work towards a common goal.
- Supervise the Project Managers as per CRS’ performance management and Talent Excellence tools.
Program Quality
- Work with Project Managers to ensure that there is a comprehensive implementation plan for each project in line with donor requirements, CRS’ Health Signature Program Area, using CRS program quality tools.
- Ensure that every project is supported by a Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) which details the implementation framework.
- Review Project Managers DIP to ensure that they align to donor needs and expectations.
- Ensure that projects are staying on target with regard to project DIPs, budgets, approved proposals and agreements with donor and sub recipients.
- Keep abreast of promising approaches in the sector (whether in Zambia or globally), lead initiatives to pilot new approaches.
- Liaise with CRS technical counterparts and advisors in the regional office, headquarters and in other country programs on the promising approaches.
- Work with Project Managers and the MEAL Team to document and disseminate success stories, case studies, promising practices and lessons learned.
- Support staff to use data collected in the MEAL systems to inform program decision-making and ensure that research and learning initiatives are well coordinated.
- Build from previous research conducted, addressing any identified gaps and contributing to the country learning agenda.
- Review staff trip plans and field reports and use this information to track progress and identify opportunities to strengthen programming.
Program Growth and Networking
- Develop growth strategies for the unit in close collaboration with the Regional Technical Advisor for Health and the Business Development Specialist.
- Network and develop relationships with potential partners and pursue cross-sector engagement opportunities with possible private sector partners and government.
- Nurture and maintain current relationships with partners and strengthen partnerships with various Government ministries and departments.
- Coordinate research partnerships for growth and development.
- Ensure that partners are getting the support that they need to implement quality programs.
- Ensure representation of CRS with key stakeholders and help to position CRS as a go-to organization for Health programming.
- Identify new opportunities for growth in the health sector, and take the lead on donor engagement when appropriate.
- Contribute to the development of new proposals, lead proposal development teams or serve as the lead writer when opportunities are being pursued.
- Serve as the technical lead/advisor for proposals as they relate to the Health sector.
- Meet with implementing partners to ensure effective collaboration, advancement of program activities, identifying capacity building needs and seeking ways to improve the working relationships.
- Liaise with current and potential donors, providing updates on current programs and seeking opportunities for increased collaboration.
Resource Management and Compliance
- Analytically review and approve requests and support team members to address any identified administration gaps and/or capacity building needs for staff and partners.
- Ensure that Project Managers are effectively implementing budget management tools to forecast spending, approve/track expenses, analyze financial reports, and prepare partner advances.
- Hold staff accountable for managing their budgets properly and tracking requirements listed in project agreements with donors and sub recipients, initiating modifications when needed.
- Provide capacity building support as needed and promote a solution-focused approach to addressing budget management issues as they arise.
- Ensure that Project Managers are in compliance with CRS policies and donor regulations in the area of resource management.
- Review technical reports, financial reports and invoices prior to submission to donors, to ensure compliance to donor regulations and that reports demonstrate CRS’ high quality programming.
Representation
Internally, Iiaise with unit project managers and other programming staff. Externally, liaise with CRS, Partners including Zambia Association of Sisterhoods, Catholic Residential Facilities, Churches Health Association of Zambia and Expanded Church Response, as well as CRS regional and headquarters teams and donors
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in Public Health, social work, international development or related studies
- Minimum 8 years relevant experience, with at least 4-5 of those years working for an international development organization
- Demonstrated supervisory and team management experience.
- Experience in staff development and partner capacity building preferred.
- Budget management experience.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Capacity to work closely, understand and support local church partners.
- Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
- Excellent training and facilitation skills and a basic understanding of adult learning principles.
- Strong capacity in project design, project management and Monitoring & Evaluation.
- Familiarity with policies, procedures and priorities of USAID and UN agencies
- Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft Office).
REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
- Sets clear goals and manages toward them.
- Collaborates effectively with staff and stakeholders.
- Manages financial resources with integrity.
- Applies program quality standards to project design and organizational learning.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates can send their cover letter and resume, including contact information of three traceable references by close of business on Monday, 20 July 2015, to crszambiajobs@gmail.com. Applications should clearly state the position applied for in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
