FHI 360 seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Project Director for an upcoming USAID-funded global project, Operational Research in Neglected Tropical Diseases (ENDOR). Through ENDOR, USAID aims to work in a collaborative, country-centered approach to conducting operational research, working closely with countries, researchers, and WHO to evaluate new diagnostics, inform best practices and policy change through evidence from OR studies, and employ innovative solutions to improve as well as sustain NTD health services for affected populations. **Availability of position is contingent upon funding and approval of key personnel by donor.

The Project Director leads the project and is responsible for achieving the project’s vision and strategy, directing the project technical team, and managing critical relationships with national and international partners and other key stakeholders. The Project Director has overall programmatic and fiscal responsibility for the project, including achieving project results, effectively communicating accomplishments, making financial reports, and ensuring compliance with all US government and the organization’s regulations. The Project Director will be a recognized leader in NTDs with operational research/implementation science expertise and deep experience leading USAID research activities. The Project Director:

• Directs and leads the planning and execution of quantitative and qualitative research projects.
• Plans and directs schedules and monitors budget/spending.
• Ensures consistent practices throughout all phases of the project life cycle.
• Drives the development and manages the execution of high quality, integrated cross-functional plans for projects.
• Applies project management best practices in the development, initiation, planning, execution, control and closing of projects.
• Provides clear direction on research requirements to meet expectations of external customers and business stakeholders.
• Oversees project performance, risk management, administration, financial management and issue resolution for functional group.
• Selects, develops and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.
• Develops systems for effective and efficient completion of project or departmental goals.

Accountabilities:

• Develop and execute overall project strategy and work plan and achievement of project results.
• Directs and leads implementation of research projects thru approved work plans, budgets and ensures compliance with organizational procedures and policies.
• Provides guidance to managers and staff to achieve project goals.
• Direct and monitor implementation of activities within the work plan, ensuring that activities are performed to a high professional standard, effectively implemented and fulfill donor and the organization’s requirements.
• Maintain critical relationships with USAID/Washington and USAID Missions, national and international partners, and other key stakeholders through frequent consultation.
• Liaise with donor personnel, including the AOR, and ensure the timely and complete submission of all performance reports and responses to donor requests for performance, success stories, and financial information for the program.
• Ensure that all program deliverables are met in a high quality and timely fashion.
• Ensure and oversee a clear technical strategy for the project and guarantee that technical excellence permeates all project activities.
• Provide managerial oversight to ensure compliance with all donor- related, organization’s, and program-specific policies and regulations.
• Supervise and mentor all senior management staff.
• Provide oversight for the project’s financial management systems and ensure that they are in line with the organization’s policies and procedures and donor rules and regulations.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partners to support project implementation.
• Ensure effective communication across the entire project with team and relevant stakeholders. This includes (1) providing regular briefings and updates to relevant parties (e.g., supervisors) (2) facilitating regular team meetings to share information across project components and (3) contribute to positive and smoothly functioning relationships with external partners, including international partners and national implementing partners.
• Participate in international research networks, meetings, and select technical working groups as appropriate to represent the project and ensure collaboration with relevant technical work.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong expertise in NTD technical and programmatic areas.
• Excellent understanding of the process and goals of operational research/implementation science.
• Strong research methodology, monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Recent experience disseminating evidence and collaborating with implementation partners to inform evidence-based programming and policies.
• Demonstrated understanding of evidence-based program scale-up.
• Excellent leadership and adaptive management skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders.
• Proven track record of project management, cost containment, and client satisfaction.
• Knowledge of non-profit funding streams, including government and philanthropic.
• Strong time-management, multi- tasking and organizational skills.
• Strong negotiator and collaborator who strengthens business relationships.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to plan, organize, and manage resources for successful completion of projects.
• Excellent and demonstrated public relations, policy development, project management and diplomacy skills required.
• Ability to build positive local working relationships with local communities, district government officials, international normative bodies in country (WHO, UN, etc.), and where appropriate, donor representatives.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills to plan, organize, and manage resources for successful completion of program/project goals.
• Ability to motivate, influences, and collaborate with others.
• Excellent quantitative, qualitative and analytical skills needed to develop new concepts and approaches for solutions.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Decisions and actions have a significant impact on management and division operations.
• Problems encountered are complex, highly varied and often non- recurring.
• Excellent strategic and operational decision-maker that interprets business strategies and develops objectives to align with organization goals.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Sets goals and budgets for department and leads company projects that have significant financial implications.
• Leads coordination of resources for ongoing projects across business groups and addresses/resolves program issues.
• Typically reports to a Division Director.

Education: **

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent • Education, Health, Biostatistics, Behavioral, Life Science, Social Sciences or Related Field.
• PhD, DrPH preferred.

Experience: **

• Minimum of 12+ years of experience in research and evaluation implementation, analysis, and project management.
• Recognized technical skills in applied research and NTD programming as illustrated by publication record.
• Demonstrated donor management skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of USAID policies and programs
• Demonstrated strategic planning, team leadership and capacity building experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects that are strategic in nature and national/international in scope.
• Excellent management, communication, and organization skills are required.
• Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English; fluency in French is a plus.
• Prior experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• 10%-15%

Position Location:

• US remote.

The expected hiring salary range for this role is listed below. FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget.

Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 12% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.

Hiring Salary Range: $157,000- $206,000

This job posting 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 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, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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