Chief Of Party – USAID , HERO at Kenyatta University

About Kenyatta University USAID, HERO Project:

USAID Health Equity and Resource Optimization (USAID HERO) is a three-year Project (March 2023-March 2026), implemented by Kenyatta University (KU) and her partners. USAID HERO works to improve evidence generation, health financing and social protection systems for better health outcomes. The project is being implemented in 10 counties: Kwale, Kilifi, Taita-Taveta, Kajiado, Meru, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo. The project is aligned with the government's priority of Universal Health Care (UHC).

The project is working with national and county governments and other key stakeholders in health to achieve its mandate. The overarching goal of the USAID HERO mechanism is to improve equity, quality, and resource optimization through a strong, well-functioning health system that achieves better health outcomes for Kenyans. To achieve this goal, the Mechanism is focussing on the following three sub-purpose (SP) areas:

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for leading all technical, financial, administrative and reporting aspects of the program and will coordinate closely with USAID in developing, implementing, and revising the Activity’s overall field strategy. The COP will be the principal link between USAID, key government, Kenyatta University, consortium partner(s) and other project stakeholders and provide overall strategic and technical guidance to sub recipients.

The COP will provide comprehensive expert technical oversight and guidance in all aspects of the project, including monitoring and evaluation, and reporting to USAID.

This is a full-time position and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya for the full life of project.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:    

Donor relations and grants management

• Serve as principal liaison with USAID, government counterparts, donors, local partners, and community stakeholders, and build effective relationships with all key stakeholders.
• Lead and support technical specialists in the development of strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, other USAID-funded projects, civil society actors, and the private sector
• Manage performance, relationships and communications with Sub-contracts and Sub grants.

Programmatic leadership

• Develop strategic objectives and work plans on domestic resource mobilization, social protection and data analytics
• Develop systems to ensure project compliance with USAID rules and regulations
• Manage the project’s implementation, including overall responsibility for personnel and efficient budgeting and financial management
• Guide and oversee all aspects of the technical and operational project management of USAID- HERO
• Lead the overall planning, coordination and technical direction of activities, including strategic planning, work plan and budget development with selected county government stakeholders.
• Oversee the results reporting to monitor the project’s performance, including preparing quarterly, annual and other ad hoc reporting to USAID

General Management

• Assume responsibility for overall USAID contract management ensuring quality control and timeliness of deliverables.
• Represent USAID-HERO in regional, national forums and international forums as the case may apply
• Oversee the operational and human resources aspects of the project.
• Guide and support staff in their development, planning succession, and taking prompt action to address issues of underperformance and any other issues impacting on their professional conduct or implementing their duties and responsibilities.
• Be accountable for management and monitoring of assigned budget in the capacity of a budget holder’ authorize expenses, monitor spending and ensure the effective compliance of grant management
• To undertake field visit to the counties where the project is based for effective management and oversight.

Representation and coordination within the organization and other stakeholders:

• Lead institutional engagement and coordination, collaboration and consultation with diverse stakeholders in the region, including government, donors, private sector entities, financial institutions and implementing agencies.
• Engage with key government agencies and other stakeholders in particular to support the implementation of USAID Project in Kenya.
• Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the health systems issues in Kenya including national policy development, key players in government
• Improved Domestic resource mobilization (DRM) for Sustainable Financing of Essential Health Services;
• Improved Financial Protection and Social Inclusion Systems for Health;
• Improved Availability and Use of Quality Evidence to Inform Policy, Planning, and Implementation of Health Services

It is with this background that Kenyatta University led Consortium seeks to recruit an experienced Chief of Party who will be responsible for leading all the technical, financial, administrative and reporting aspects of the Project.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Minimum of 12 years in a senior role leading and managing complex development programs and multi-disciplinary teams, preferably as a Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party for a USAID-funded project.
• A master’s degree in public health, Health Economics, Public Policy and Management,  Management, or Social sciences from a recognized University or a related field.
• A strong health background and experience implementing health projects is required.
• Expertise in health care financing, public health and data analytics is preferred.
• Ten (10) years of experience building partnerships with local government, donors, multilateral organizations, academia, private sector, local community organizations, policy think tanks and research organizations.
• Proven track record managing multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural development programs and teams, engaging effectively with stakeholders, fostering collaborative learning and adaptive management, and understanding and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.
• Strong familiarity with building capacity and commitment for public health, social protection and data analytics.
• Strong network of government, NGO and civil society, donor and private sector.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Excellent skills in leadership and managing teams.
• Skills in project management and administration.
• Excellent Financial  management skills
• Proven ability in developing and maintaining close relationships with multi-level stakeholders and partners.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills;
• Strong team player, with the ability to work in a collaborative and consultative manner
• Skills in networking, coordination and collaboration with diverse  stakeholders

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.