Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals. Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!

Reports to: Program Director West & Central Africa

Summary/Objective:

Devise, plan, and implement local strategies to achieve the mission and goals of Smile Train in terms of high-quality and safe cleft lip and palate care through effective management of programs and partnerships in Francophone West Africa 1. Be the 'face' of Smile Train in the region. Act when and where necessary to ensure the best interests of the organization and our programs. Prepare and monitor the budget. Be responsible for ensuring full compliance with Smile Train’s Safety & Quality Protocol and organizational Guidelines.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an annual budget and long-term and short-term action plans to reach as many cleft-affected children as possible with cleft treatment, as quickly as possible, in the most cost-effective manner, whilst maintaining high standards of safety and quality. Submit the budget for regional review and once finalized, implement the same in the best possible manner.
• Within the framework of the approved budget, draw up operational plans with measurable targets, specific checkpoints, and clear financial commitments.
• Manage and support existing treatment partners and grant recipients for their administrative needs to ensure that programs are aligned with the overall goals, mission, priorities, and policies of the organization.

• Receive, review, and analyze all grant requests from local stakeholders, most typically local partner hospitals, and carry out ‘due diligence’ to either reject or approve those that fall within the agreed financial authority and plans, sharing with headquarters when additional approvals are required.

• Build and nurture strategic linkages with suitable external partners, e.g., local Corporates, medical educational institutions etc. that can function as ‘force 1multipliers’ to bolster our business plans.
• Work closely with existing and new treatment partners to accelerate the number of sponsored cleft surgeries whilst maintaining the safety or quality standards mandated by the Medical Advisory Board.
• Ensure all operations are legally and financially transparent and in compliance with all local laws and laws of the U.S. that apply to local business practices.
• Be the local representative and spokesperson for Smile Train, and the ‘eyes and ears’ in the region. Speak up, when and where necessary, about the organization’s aims, values, and practices; keep track of cleft-related issues and developments and share this feedback internally and with partners.

• Lead efforts to share Smile Train’s global messaging locally and help to build the brand and awareness of Smile Train programs in Francophone West Africa 1.

• Capture and share stories, images, and videos that help to tell Smile Train’s story and that could be used across the organization to further Smile Train’s mission.

• Maintain communication with existing partner hospitals and work together to ensure success of current and future programs.

• Continually seek out new Smile Train partners that can contribute to the furtherance of the organization’s goals and elicit their support.

• Liaise with the local governmental, non-governmental and voluntary agencies in to leverage their resources for significantly expanding The Smile Train programs.

• Implement national and global initiatives of the organization within the assigned area.

• Build and nurture the ‘Smile Train’ brand, developing an image of a focused, committed, ethical and caring organization upholding and furthering ‘best practices’ in cleft care. To this end, develop and maintain effective communications with all key external constituencies, e.g., medical professionals, social and voluntary organizations, government functionaries, the media, and patients/guardians.
• Keep the Program Director West and Central Africa continually informed through periodic reports on major developments, key issues, and progress against agreed targets.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Travel: Significant travel is expected, approximately 70%.

Required education and experience:

• Sound professional qualifications - including a degree in Medicine, Public Health, Social sciences, International Relations, Law, or Accounting.

Preferred education and experience:

• 3-5 years related work experience in a management position in a large multinational or national for-profit or not-for-profit organization with significant project management experience.

Additional eligibility qualifications:

• MBA from a reputable Business School will be an added advantage.

Required skills:

• Computer Literacy: Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and ability to navigate databases and datasets.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Public speaking ability. Must be bilingual, written, and oral (English and French) very essential.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work with a global team, exhibiting cultural sensitivity. Thorough familiarity with the cultures of West Africa.
• Strong time management skills, and capacity to work independently with minimal or no supervision.
• Ability to travel, work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Detail oriented, adaptable, organized, and able to successfully manage multiple projects and tasks.
• High levels of energy and commitment to excellence.

Application information:

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, a writing sample (an existing example of your writing – no need to create something new), and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.