Chief of Party - Kenya HSS at Abt Associates

Job Description

Abt Associates is recruiting qualified candidates for a Chief of Party position for an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity in Kenya, the Health Systems Strengthening Activity. The five-year activity will focus on strengthening health leadership and governance and strengthening health systems for quality and equitable service delivery.

Under the supervision of the U.S.-based Portfolio Manager, the Chief of Party provides leadership, management, and strategic direction for the project, and is accountable for the successful implementation of all its aspects. This position is responsible for guiding senior technical staff and for ensuring the responsiveness and quality of work along with efficient use of resources and achievement of results. The Chief of Party has the final authority within the project team for decisions related to technical, management, resource allocation, and personnel issues.

The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is contingent upon award to Abt Associates.

Responsibilities

• Represents Abt Associates and the project to the respective USAID Mission, the host country government, and other key stakeholders.
• Carries full authority and accountability for project decisions, as delegated by the U.S.-based Portfolio Manager.
• Sets and pursues a results-oriented program strategy in coordination with the project team and in consultation with USAID, other partners, and stakeholders.
• 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.
• Lead, monitor and guide the teams/team leaders carrying out the work; assigns and delegates responsibilities as appropriate.
• Supervises institutional sub-agreements/contracts with assistance from the Abt Senior Management Team.
• Assumes responsibility for the technical quality of all project 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 actions comply with the provisions of the contract and with USAID.
• Oversee the establishment and management of an effective M&E system for the project including the development of appropriate evaluation questions and selection of suitable design.

Qualification Requirements Include The Following

• Master’s Degree (minimum), or a Doctorate Degree (desirable) in Public Health, Medicine, or related field.
• 10 years (minimum) of relevant international health experience with a master’s degree, or 8 years (minimum) with a Doctorate.
• At least five years managing complex projects in the areas of health systems strengthening (human resources for health, financing, governance, supply chain and health commodity management, data for decision-making), , in Kenya and/or East Africa.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with USAID, ministry officials, and other development partners.
• Demonstrated experience supporting Ministry of Health in the delivery of quality health services and strengthening the health system in Kenya and/or East Africa.
• Experience assessing, selecting, and managing sub-grantees highly preferred.
• Experience developing and communicating a project vision, aligning key stakeholders around the vision, and assuring the vision is translated into an efficiently implemented program.
• Familiarity with US Government regulations (e.g., Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Foreign Assistance Act).
• Demonstrated strong written and oral presentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership of large and diverse teams.
• Demonstrated excellent management skills and ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.
• Fluency in English.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree + Fifteen years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + Twelve years of relevant experience, or PhD + Ten years of relevant experience

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.