Principal Investigator at FHI360 NGO

Reports to: Country Director

Program: Implementation of Sustainable Laboratory Quality Systems for HIV/TB

Epidemic Control in the Republic of Kenya under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS

Relief (PEPFAR)

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Principal Investigator for an anticipated multiyear project to provide technical assistance (TA) to the Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH) Division of National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), and relevant county Health departments to strengthen HIV/TB laboratory systems and the provision of safe and adequate blood supplies to over 3,000 public health facilities offering antiretroviral therapy (ART) services and the HIV/TB national referral laboratories.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of the final applicant is subject to donor approval

Job Summary

The Principal Investigator provides strategic, managerial, financial, technical leadership and oversight for the project. S/he is the official representative of FHI 360 from the project and maintains all communication with appropriate donor officials, project partners, and local stakeholders to ensure adequate coordination of laboratory technical assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with partners and stakeholders in Kenya
• Oversee the management, finance, contracts and grants, security, legal, and human resources that support the project.
• Manage sub-contracted organizations and review their programmatic and financial reports
• Ensure that project management is compliant with FHI 360 and CDC policies and procedures. Interact with other sectors and relevant departments to integrate and manage work plans, budgets, and multi-sector interventions.
• Implements evidence-based interventions in one or more multi-sector areas, as well as new technologies and practices.
• Provide technical direction and external engagement of the project.
• Coordinates a matrix management approach to capacity building, support, and oversight of technical and functional staff and ensure their training on operational procedures to achieve the project strategic goals.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, staff development and capacity building experience. Ability to motivate, influence and collaborate with others.
• Ability to coordinate efforts, and communicate program progress with FHI 360 networks (head quarters and regional offices) to advance the project
• Provides operational support to the project regional/countries team, skills, and resources to ensure the quality of the project deliverables.
• Develop and monitor workplans, reports and budget to achieve project and goals.
• Establish, serve and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders on project matters.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD with over 7 years’ experience or Masters’ degree with over 9 years’ experience or Bachelors’ degree in international public health, biomedical science or equivalent related field with over 11 years’ experience in management positions, implementing programs of similar size and scope in international health.
• Management experience on USG or other donor funded programs supporting strengthening of national laboratory systems in developing countries, preferably with experience in Africa.
• Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain relationships with project staff, donors, sub-contractors and other partners.
• Ability to identify problems, design interventions and oversee their implementation
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Kenyan government laboratory facilities, health care system and structures including familiarity with MOH policies, program priorities and regulations is required
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different levels of the GOK, and the role of units within each level, in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project strategy and implementation plans.
• Skill in project programming, policies, and plans, and in developing strategies for implementation, is desired
• Skilled in managing grants (PEPFAR) and a proven track record of managing large budgets
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Travel Requirements

Minimum of 25 % international travel and 45% within Kenya.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.