Country Lead

Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) will be working as part of a consortium of organizations on a program to provide targeted support and sustainably build the leadership and management capacity of EPI team/managers, strengthen EPI coordination fora and overall EPI program at national and sub-national levels through the strategic use of data across 8 countries.

Description and Objectives
The Country Lead will provide technical and operational leadership for the execution of the assigned EPI program within their country or region. This will involve day-to-day management of all program workflows and provision of direct oversight to Field Associates executing assigned program activities. S/he will bear ultimate responsibility for all team deliverables and lead program-related interactions with primary clients as well as other relevant stakeholders. The Country Lead will also be responsible for providing program status updates and supporting the Program Engagement Manager for country financial and non-financial planning.

Technical Responsibilities – Program Leadership
a. Program implementation

• Lead immunization system diagnostic within the country or region;
• Lead day-to-day execution of EPI program activities and manage workflows of assigned project teams;
• Monitor EPI program workstreams; identify risks, troubleshoot implementation process challenges, identify and implement creative solutions and escalate challenges where necessary;
• Gather and analyze information, formulate and test hypotheses, and develop and communicate recommendations;
• Lead client management discussions and team implementation of recommendations;
• Ensure close collaboration and coordination with cooperating partners to guarantee smooth implementation of activities and achievement of outcomes;
• Lead routine technical problem-solving sessions with the primary client and relevant stakeholders to brainstorm implementation challenges and align on decisions to guide the path forward;
• Serve as the primary contact point for regional program officers and other stakeholders.

b. Program monitoring and reporting

• Regularly monitor and review program activities to ensure quality, accountability, and contractual compliance with agreed deliverables and performance indicators as per the scope of work;
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly/quarterly technical and financial reports (the latter will be in collaboration with the designated Finance Officer);
• Participate in structured mid-term and end-term program evaluations;
• Coordinate routine cleanup and archiving of all program documentation.

c. Program staff development and team building

• Strengthen immunization coordination committees through the strategic use of data;
• Build the capacity of immunization program managers;
• Participate in the assessment of candidates to affirm suitability for program roles;
• Contribute to program onboarding briefing with the program team at the beginning of a new program (or new staff upon joining an existing program) to communicate the program expectations, staff roles, deliverables and performance indicators;
• Support individual team members to identify and document learning goals at the beginning of the program (or new staff upon joining an existing program), and facilitate feedback sessions to track their progress;
• Facilitate periodic (at least monthly) individual performance reviews and provide feedback to field associates on their strengths and re-direction needs as applied to program activities and deliverables;
• Handle all team management issues, including but not limited to team communication, data storage, sharing modalities, team workstations, facilities, other logistics, team bonding activities, etc.
• Participate as required in the comprehensive in-house professional development program that includes periodic training needs assessment; new staff onboarding and orientation; in-class training sessions; staff mentoring program;
• Anticipate and communicate project staffing requirements, planning staff placements to satisfy both employee professional development needs and project needs;
• Request ICT infrastructure and support services required for the effective execution of program activities.

Required competencies
a. Core requirements

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking and thought leadership abilities;
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels in an organization;
• Reliable people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Strong logical reasoning and creative thinking skills;
• Results-oriented performer experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

b. Education and Experience
Academic training: Minimum of Masters’ degree in International Development, Policy and Strategy Development,
Medicine, Public Health, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Health Management or a similarly relevant field;

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience implementing development programs; past
effective leadership experience. In strategy, systems strengthening in a major consulting firm is a plus.