Head of Department of Primary and Community Health – Ivory Coast

Programs – Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable and dynamic. The Programs team helps achieve this goal by connecting program management, technical support and business development, enabling Pact to execute its global strategy. We ensure program quality through continuous learning, monitoring and evaluation, and provide organizational and industry thought leadership by leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multidisciplinary skills, expertise and experience. The Programs team influences progressive change through the development and implementation of global and regional strategies and business plans, supports the advancement of innovative solutions, pursues new business opportunities and promotes effective internal and external engagement to maximize Pact’s impact worldwide. In all aspects of its role, the Programs department upholds and promotes a culture of inclusion, accountability and respect.

Position overview

Pact is seeking a highly experienced Chief of Party (COP) for the planned five-year USAID-funded activity to strengthen primary and community health care in Côte d’Ivoire. This activity is designed to support an integrated package of health services and health promotion including (but not limited to) MCH, FP, malaria and global health security at facility and community levels in selected districts.

Please note that this position is contingent upon the award of funding and that exact job requirements and responsibilities are subject to change as required by USAID. This position is expected to be based in Abidjan and will involve frequent travel to regional and/or district offices.

Main responsibilities

The COP is responsible for the technical leadership and general administration and operations of the Pact activity and office in Côte d’Ivoire. The COP oversees high-quality project implementation with a focus on achieving project objectives and USAID development goals. The COP provides leadership in coordinating all activities of all relevant parties, including USAID, government, local organizations, key stakeholders, and implementing partners. The COP also oversees all project staff and consortium partners in results-oriented planning, leadership, and coordination of project activities. In addition, the COP serves as Pact’s Country Manager in Côte d’Ivoire and is the primary contact for all organizational matters related to Pact’s office in Côte d’Ivoire. He or she liaises with Pact’s office in Côte d’Ivoire, the Africa Regional Office, and other country office teams.

The specific tasks of the successful candidate are listed below:

• Ensure high quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support based on the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual work plans.
• Ensure that the project meets the stated objectives, outcomes, benchmarks and reporting requirements and is consistent with national primary and community health care strategies and policies.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the USAID Agreement Officer (AOR) representative on project technical, management, and performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with USAID rules/regulations and Pact processes.
• Supervise the Deputy Party Chief/Technical Director, Senior Finance Manager, Senior MERL Manager and other persons as required.
• Lead coordination between USAID and key stakeholders, including partners, government stakeholders, civil society, and other USAID projects.
• Promote the use of recognized evidence-based tools and promising innovations in the delivery of integrated health services and strengthen the capacity of facility- and community-based providers.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities between project partners and ensure successful integration of activities.
• Work closely with Pact Africa Regional Director and Finance team and Pact DC team to ensure that all project activities comply with USG rules and regulations and Pact policies, procedures and best practices.
• Oversee project planning (i.e., developing work plans and project budgets), monitoring and reporting (i.e., review and approve regular budgets, technical and financial reports) to the highest standards and award requirements.
• Monitor the project budget and work closely with Activity and Pact DC finance leadership to achieve expected results and ensure cost-effective use of donor and Pact resources.
• Lead a team of flexible and adaptable staff and oversee evidence-based adjustments to programming for greater impact.
• Supervise project staff in assisting partners in establishing reporting and tracking systems to deliver critical information in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure that the program meets programmatic and financial objectives and produces accurate forecasts.
• Represent the project at conferences, working groups and meetings to support USAID and Pact thought leadership in primary and community health care.
• Ensure that Pact’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire comply with local laws and regulations and that Pact’s good reputation is maintained.
• Represent Pact’s values ​​and strategic priorities and disseminate them among other employees.

basic requirements

• Master’s degree with eleven (11) years of professional experience or Bachelor’s degree with at least (13+) years of professional experience. University degree in public health or relevant field strongly desired.
• At least six (6+) years of management experience, preferably as a COP or in a comparable management position in donor-funded health projects, preferably for USAID programs.
• At least ten (10) years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with proven experience in primary and community health, health systems and health policy.
• Proven flexibility, adaptability and the ability to work and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Experience working with and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements.
• Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Proven experience in successfully building and effectively leading a diverse team of conflict-sensitive employees and partners.
• Proven ability to work in complex environments and with and across diverse stakeholders, including local organizations, government institutions, private sector companies, and U.S. government agencies.
• Proven problem-solving and consensus-building skills.
• Fluent in English and French (oral, written and reading).
• Experience in the development and implementation of national health policy.
• Willingness to travel within Ivory Coast and occasionally internationally.

Preferred qualifications

• Proven experience in managing highly adaptive programs and applying systems-based approaches and/or the principles of thinking and working in policy (TWP).
• Knowledge of the political, social and economic context of Côte d’Ivoire.
• Comprehensive understanding of primary and community health care, health systems, and health policies and practices in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience in managing integrated health and malaria projects for mothers, newborns and children.
• Ivory Coast nationals, especially women, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship, genetic information, enrollment, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit-related factors.
At Pact, we recognize your importance, provide you with opportunities and support your overall well-being. Our comprehensive benefits offering can include health insurance, retirement plans (8.8% to 13% depending on seniority) and savings plans, paid vacation, disability and life insurance programs, learning and development opportunities, wellness programs, and other optional benefit options.
Given the ongoing impact of COVID-19 around the world, we are taking steps to protect the health and well-being of our colleagues and ensure the safety of the communities in which we operate. Pact strives for a COVID-19-free environment and prefers that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status is required for employment at Pact. Additional health and safety requirements may apply to unvaccinated employees, including any federal, state and/or client-side restrictions.