Chief of Party, HSSP Zambia - (0630)

Abt Associates Inc._Zambia based
Deadline: June 30, 2007

The Health Services and Systems Program (HSSP), operational since August 2004, works in numerous technical areas to achieve its goal of improving the health status of Zambians by expanding access to and improving the quality of reproductive health, child health, and HIV/AIDS services, and by strengthening the systems underlying the Zambian health sector. The primary mission of the project is to improve coverage and quality of services delivered to patients at the district level and below.

To achieve its objectives, the HSSP mandate encompasses numerous technical areas: EPI, IMCI, nutrition, FP/RH, malaria/IRS, health financing, HMIS, SWAp management, performance improvement, health services policy and planning, human resources, HIV/AIDS, the Rural Retention Scheme; the Clinical Care Specialist Program, and research activities.

HSSP is nearing the midpoint of its 6-year project life, with a staff of 41, and activities in all nine provinces and numerous districts. The project operates under a revised Scope of Work dating from July 2006. A team structure and delegated management responsibilities are in place to insure efficiency. Recent scale up in nation-wide programming includes Indoor Residual Spraying for malaria prevention, implementing the Rural Retention scheme, and assuring the effective use of clinical care specialists for capacity building and quality of care.

Abt Associates is trying to fill this position for August 2007.

NEED:

• Masters Degree (minimum), or a PhD (preferred) in Public Health, Health Administration, Medicine, or other relevant health specialization.
• 15+ years of relevant international health experience with a Masters Degree, or 10-15 years with a PhD.
• Experience in the geographic/cultural region of the project is preferred.
• At least 5 years of senior project management experience in large international health projects/programs.
• Demonstrated leadership in management skills and ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with USAID, ministry officials, and other development partners.
• Experience developing and communicating a project vision, aligning key stakeholders around the vision, and assuring the vision is translated into an efficiently implemented program.

JD:

The Chief of Party has primary responsibility for the strategic direction, and technical leadership to produce HSSP project results, as well as overall management of the operational, financial and administrative aspects of the project. The COP works to assure that the full potential of the contract is realized through the promotion of high quality work and internal control.

• Represents Abt Associates and the project to the USAID Mission, the host country government and other key stakeholders.
• Carries full authority and accountability for project decisions, as delegated by the IHD project team, under the supervision of the Portfolio Manager and oversight of the Practice Manager.
• Sets and pursues a results-oriented program strategy in coordination with the team and in consultation with USAID, other partners and stakeholders.
• Conceptualizes and designs project elements as required for restructuring or expansion of existing programs.
• Ensures that staff, team members and consultants understand their roles and responsibilities and comply with contract requirements, USAID and Abt policies and procedures.
• Oversees development and timely implementation of monitoring plans for all project activities and ensures that data required for USAID performance benchmarks and results frameworks are produced.
• Oversees the design and operation of management systems and operating procedures for the implementation of project activities.
• Oversees routine staff meetings and formal quarterly reviews of progress, performance, and financial status of all work.
• Oversees effective utilization of short-term technical assistance.
• Leads, monitors and guides the teams/team leaders carrying out the work; assigns and delegates responsibilities as appropriate.
• Leads recruitment of local staff; conducts or participates in performance evaluations of senior technical staff.
• Supervises institutional subagreements with assistance from the Abt Senior Mangement Team.
• Assumes responsibility for the technical quality of all HSSP activities and products.
• Leads the project annual work planning, and ensures that quality operational plans, budgets, and reports are submitted as per contract agreements.
• Provides regular status and progress reports to USAID and Abt Associates.
• Coordinates with the Portfolio Manager and Contract Administrator to assure that all managerial and administrative matters are communicated and that actions comply with the provisions of the contract and with USAID.
• Ensures that project budget projections, expenditure, tracking and reporting are in accordance with USAID requirements, procedures and practices.
• Develops documentation processes and capabilities to ensure documentation and dissemination of HSSP results/activities.
• Develops relationships and works closely with the Ministry of Health at all levels, and maintains communication with development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

To apply for this unique opportunity, please e-mail cover letter and updated CV to: COPRecruit@abtassoc.com