Head of Programs

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Our Client  seeks a Public Health specialist who is experienced in the design and implementation of HIV/AIDS, Sexual and Reproductive Health and other public health services to enhance our track record of excellence and leadership in public health programming. The Head of Programs leads technical program design and implementation (with a focus on integrated service delivery) and oversees a diverse team responsible for the day-to-day implementation of key projects. S/he contributes to S-N strengthening and staff professional development and may be pitched as key personnel on current or future projects, depending on donor demands. The ideal candidate will also be experienced in working with the South African Department of Health structures as well as local and international funders such as PEPFAR, the Global Fund, DFID, the BMGF and many others. The Head of Programs will be part of S-N’s senior team, reporting directly to the COO, and will work individually and as part of a multi-disciplinary team with partners and key stakeholders at a senior level both strategically and operationally. This position is based in Johannesburg, Centurion.

This position requires the ability to motivate teams and think outside the box to integrate and maintain S-N’s technology based competitive advantage. The ability to conceptualiaze, develop and implement client centered programming is an absolute requirement.

Candidate must have a strong balance of skills including: experience in comprehensive HIV programming as well as sexual and reproductive health, proven ability to effectively lead multidisciplinary staff, academic productivity, and high level administrative skills such as clinical quality improvement (CQI) management, grant/report writing, and budget management. Proven ability to effectively communicate with providers, government partners, community organisations, youth and family populations is also required.

Duties and Key Responsibilities:

Goals and Strategy

• Promote strong technical implementation and program management
• Facilitate a culture of using routine evidence for timely programmatic decision-making
• Develop strategic plans based on what funders, government and S-N requires
• Write operational protocols for new programmes or extensions of the current ones
• Monitor and evaluate progress toward goals/targets/outcomes
• Initiate development of new programmes and innovations in ongoing programmes
• Develop and ensure that effective and efficient systems and process are in place to support delivery of high quality care and prevention services
• Ensure all reporting obligations are met
• Disseminate program evaluation and/or research findings and communicate all findings to key stakeholders (i.e., government or funders)

Technical Guidance

• Provide guidance to all programmes including the development and management of operational procedures
• Contribute to research programmes and activities related to programme areas
• Ensure the quality and effectiveness of all programmes

Quality and Governance

• Practice within the scope of professional discipline and range of activities
• Promote and embed a culture of innovation, clinical best practice, quality improvement and measurable outcomes

Relationship Management

• Internal – Manage inter-departmental synergies
• External – Build and maintain relationships with funders, government, partners, etc.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships at all levels

General Personality Traits

• Strategic thinker
• Exceptional leadership qualities
• Strong ethics
• Strong energy level and dedication

Qualifications and Experience

• 7+ years practical public health and/or clinical work experience in the areas of HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health technical program design and implementation. MPH or related qualification a must, MD preferred.
• Minimum 5 years staff management experience and a demonstrated affinity for working through others and strengthening the capacity of teams to assume higher levels of responsibility over time.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing/implementing integrated HIV/SRH/Behavioural clinical service delivery programs.

• Demonstrated experience working on donor funded programs and familiarity with other international donors such as USAID, CDC, and the Global Fund
• Research experience in public health services, preferably in HIV and/or SRH
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to convey information to various audiences, including a range of cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to garner trust among project team and stakeholders