AKROS Currently Recruiting In Zambia – September 2017

The DFID SAFE strategy is a three (3) year program being implemented by Sightsavers Zambia with support from Akros. The program works with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Local Government and Housing (MLGH) to eliminate blinding trachoma in Zambia by 2020. As a subcontractor to Sightsavers Zambia, Akros will provide technical and programmatic support to improve the collection, analysis and use of data in the MLGH WASH MIS to support face washing and environmental cleanliness; strengthen community surveillance platforms for water and sanitation (WASH); lead social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) to promote sanitation; and contribute to applied research activities.

Under the oversight of Akros’ senior managers, the DFID SAFE – Sightsavers Zambia Program Manager will assist in the planning, coordination, development and implementation of Akros’ work within the program. This position will report to Portfolio Lead.

This position is geared to grow quickly and, if successful in this position, the selected candidate will receive hiring preference as Akros expands its global reach within the trachoma elimination sphere.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and monitor Akros staff contributing to Sightsavers activities; detail responsibility and clear strategies for each officer to achieve contractual requirements and program objectives.
• Ensure project activities are sufficient to achieve proposed outcomes; develop and validate alternate strategies if not.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders, including DFID and Sightsavers Zambia staff members, key actors within provincial and central level MOH and MLGH offices, and Akros staff members contributing to the project.
• Proactively monitor and collaborate with The Manoff Group to implement a comprehensive SBCC program.
• Conduct routine field-visits with Surveillance Officers to monitor implementation efforts; provide field-based mentoring to harmonize Akros’ supervision approach.
• Monitor data to quickly identify data quality and implementation issues; backstop field staff to resolve issues and revise programmatic approaches to meet goals.
• Liaise with Sightsavers Zambia staff members to coordinate activities, trainings and supervision efforts across provinces.
• Assist with indicator development, research framework and impact assessments as necessary.
• Appropriately escalate issues that require attention from Akros senior management in a timely manner.
• Ensure good coordination between Sightsavers efforts and other implementation efforts within the Akros community surveillance portfolio.
• Ensure program efforts are aligned to approved budgets.
• Manage advance requests and ensure all expenditures are in line with set budgets. Accurately forecast expenditures.
• Produce routine client reports and contribute to work planning and other DFID contract deliverables.
• Assist Portfolio Lead with the expansion of the project into at least one (1) additional country. This may include, but will not be limited to, preparation of presentation materials, presenting, and business development research.
• Closely manage sub-contracts to achieve deliverables.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (required) or Masters degree (preferred) in relevant field
• 5+ years experience managing small to medium-sized teams in developing countries
• Ability to lead in a multicultural environment and motivate other staff to excel
• Self-starter who will thrive through exemplifying ownership and initiative
• Able to provide examples of previous successes in monitoring and evaluation
• Excellent technical writing skills
• Excellent quantitative and critical thinking skills
• Excellent skills in Excel, Word, Powerpoint
• Candidate should be highly productive and internally motivated
• Candidate should work well against complex and challenging delivery schedules
• Candidate should be culturally adaptable and sensitive
• Experience in health informatics a plus
• Must have experience managing sub-contracts

Location, Term and Travel

This position is based in Lusaka, Zambia, and preference is given to local nationals. The position starts immediately and ends March 2018. Extensions may be available contingent upon performance and donor funding. This position will require roughly 60-75% travel within Zambia.

Application Instructions

Applications are due no later than Friday 15 September 2017. Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis and are encouraged to apply early. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV with at least three (3) references to [email protected] with “Application: DFID/SAFE Program Manager” as the email’s subject line. Please do not submit any other documents apart from what is requested.