Democratic Republic of the Congo: Chief of Party, DRC Bednet Distribution Project

Overview

MSH seeks candidates for the position of Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated 5-year, DRC Bednet Distribution Project, projected to be awarded on or by March 31, 2020. The COP will lead a project, supporting USAID/DRC and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) to assist the DRC National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) to distribute insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) via mass campaigns and through schools in target provinces.

Although significant effort and progress in reducing the effect and impact of malaria in DRC in the last decade have been made, including significant reduction in under-five mortality, much work remains as high prevalence affects most of the country, and access to and use of prevention measures such as ITNs is below targets.

The successful candidate will work closely with USAID/DRC and the PMI/DRC team as well as with the NMCP of DRC to lead implementation of this project, respond to technical assistance needs including province-specific implementation as well as national technical leadership and advocacy. The COP will work closely with the MSH headquarters team, particularly the Senior Supply Chain Management Advisor and the Senior Principal Technical Advisor-Malaria, to ensure efficient project implementation while maintaining the highest level of technical excellence.

*This position is contingent upon project award and funding*

Specific Responsibilities

1. Lead management and implementation of the DRC Bednet Distribution Project including supervising staff, overseeing and managing project finances, ensuring development and roll out of work plans, preparation and submission of reports as well as constant and highly professional collaboration with USAID, PMI and host-country officials including the NMCP and provincial and health zone-level officials.
2. Provide technical assistance to the NMCP regarding planning and distribution of ITNs.
3. Responsible for technical quality and operational efficiencies of the project
4. Identify and prioritize key technical and programmatic bottlenecks at the provincial level that require an evidence‐based response.
5. Provide technical assistance, as needed, to support implementation of project interventions including warehousing, logistics, tracking, communication and management.
6. Provide leadership and guidance to the community of national malaria partners and relevant national working groups that support the NMCP and the National Malaria Control Strategy.
7. Help identify common gaps in the technical areas and/or policies related to ITN distribution and use that require a changed or improved response as well as improved collaboration.
8. When and where possible, leverage MSH’s extensive experience and technical expertise in supply chain management, systems strengthening and capacity building to improve activity and project outcomes.
9. Safeguard MSH’s reputation by ensuring that financial, contractual, technical, and political integrity is maintained and strengthened.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Master’s degree in Public Health or related area, or MD or PhD in a health field.
2. Minimum of 10 years of successful experience as senior-level expert or previous COP in malaria, supply chain management or health projects, funded by USAID or by other international donors.
3. Good knowledge of or working experience with PMI.
4. Proven experience providing technical assistance on ITN distribution.
5. Experience providing technical leadership in malaria or public health.
6. Successful experience in engaging representatives of the host country NMCP, civil society organizations, international development organizations and NGOs to support project implementation and/or to provide national leadership on policies.
7. Demonstrated experience in managing staff and large project budgets.
8. Successful experience in sharing knowledge, documenting experience, preparing reports, supporting global initiatives, and sharing credit. Demonstrated strategic agility, diplomacy, conflict management, team building, written and oral communication in English and French, and negotiation skills.
9. Preferably with experience leading large and complex international health programs in Africa
10. Previous experience working in DRC a plus.
11. Ability to work in DRC and travel abroad (US or Europe), as needed.

Apply Here