TITLE: Program Director, Colombia
DEPARTMENT: Global Programs
LOCATION: Colombia
REPORTS TO: Directly reports to: Country Director
Matrix reporting with HQ Global Programs
ABOUT AMERICARES
Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that supports people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Each year, Americares reaches more than 90 countries and all 50 U.S. states with over $600 million in innovative health programs and quality medical aid.
Our programs help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase access to critical medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand clinical services; and prevent disease and promote good health in vulnerable communities.
Americares Emergency Programs leverage our logistics capabilities, health and medical expertise, global partner network and supply of donated medicine to respond to emergencies, help communities recover from disasters, reduce disaster risk and improve health outcomes. Americares responds to an average of 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year. Our Emergency Programs interventions include, but are not limited to, the following: medications and medical supplies, mobile medical units, rehabilitations and restoration of health facilities and mental health and psychosocial support services.
POSITION SUMMARY
The current situation in Venezuelan continues to deteriorate. Due to multiple factors – loss of income, insecurity and violence, lack of access to food, healthcare, and other essential services – Venezuelans are departing Venezuela for neighboring countries throughout the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. Colombia remains the principal host country of Venezuelan migrants and refugees, with more than 1.7 million, nearly 40%, of the 4.6 million scattered across the region. The number of Venezuelans and Colombian returnees in Colombia is expected to exceed 2 million and 975,000 respectively by end of 2021. Another 1.8 million Venezuelans are expected to engage in pendular movements, crossing temporarily and repeatedly to access resources and services in the next year. Many migrants and refugees are arriving with real needs and limited means, which is hindering their ability to access essential services. These difficulties are magnified within the health sector, where public facilities are simply unable to handle the increase in demand.
Americares is seeking a Program Director to lead the implementation of the current USAID/BHA-funded program to respond to Venezuela Regional Crisis in Colombia that includes the operation of 10 primary care health centers across the Country. The Program Director will be based in Bogotá, Colombia with frequent travel throughout the country, as necessary. The Program Director will report directly to the Country Director and with matrix reporting to HQ Global Programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Lead the USAID/BHA-funded health-sector program to respond to Venezuela Regional Crisis in Colombia and play a key role in informing the strategic direction of the response
-Oversee Bogota-based Technical Unit and program staff and field-level teams working in eight departments across Colombia to ensure:
-Field locations are adequately resourced and supported
-Teams are trained on program scope and objectives, as well as all necessarily technical issues
-Field locations are well integrated in broader local, national and regional response to Venezuela Regional Crisis response
-All program deliverables are met in a timely manner
-Oversee primary health care centers in 10 remote locations, their staff, and activities.
-Anticipate/respond to any needs or issues that may impact programmatic deliverables and/or operational infrastructure, suggesting appropriate solutions/mitigation measures
-Identify and promote opportunities for the sharing of information/lessons-learned between field locations
-Ensure that the Programs, Technical Unit and M&E departments operate in a manner consistent with Americares policies and procedures and in compliance with all donor rules and regulations
-Establish and maintain strong working relationships with USAID/BHA personnel, relevant UN agencies, partners, national health authorities, and relevant public health care facilities
-Support accurate and complete data collection and maintain strong internal/external communications and reporting in accordance with established HQ and donor requirements
-Support Americares communications strategy and provide content for internal and/or external distribution, as necessary/requested by HQ
-Represent Americares in coordination meetings and working groups
-Serve as Acting Country Director when the Country Director is out of office
-Serve as secondary legal representative for Americares Colombia
QUALIFICATIONS:
-Doctor of Medicine degree and Master’s degree in Public Health, Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, or related field strongly preferred
-10 years of experience managing large scale/high value public health, humanitarian assistance and/or refugee/migrant programs
-Experience managing health-sector programs required
-Experience with quality improvement is preferred
-Experience managing large teams, specifically remote management of direct reports
-Experience with award management and publicly funded programs, specifically USAID/BHA is required
-Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish
-Ability to operate independently, while also maintaining close communication with HQ, as necessary
-Ability to operate in a matrixed management setting
-Willingness and availability to live and work in Bogotá, Colombia for the duration of the contract
-Willingness to travel throughout Colombia and internationally, potentially on short notice
-Understanding of the Venezuela Regional Crisis and the current situation in Colombia
-Must have work authorization in Colombia
How to apply
Please apply on our website:
https://americares.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/1021?c=americares