Country Director At University of Maryland

About MGIC

The Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation is a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore established by UMB to carry out UMB’s programs to strengthen health systems and improve the human condition in the areas where UMB operates through MGIC. MGIC has UMB-approved affiliates, field offices, and program offices (collectively known as “country offices”) throughout sub-Saharan Africa. MGIC activities are funded generally by U.S. government entities through cooperative agreements with UMB.

Position Description:

The overall goal of this position is to develop and enhance partnerships, especially with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and national organizations including academic and research institutions. The representative will also manage and support staff; manage resources and mitigate risk; and lead program development.

Responsibilities:

Manage and develop strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Health (MOH), CDC Kenya and other organizations to pursue and advance common and complementary interest.
Develop strategic alliances with local and international organizations that leverage resources, reputation, and expertise.
Seek and pursue opportunities to raise the profile of the work of UMB.
Manage the MGIC office in Nairobi and all MGIC project staff.
Strategically recruit high potential staff that align with UMB’s core values and advance UMB’s global mission.
Support planning, implementation and monitoring activities developed by CIHEB in agreement with Kenya MOH, CDC Kenya or other institutions and donors.
Lead the University in-country efforts for business development and mobilization of new resources.
Support Kenya Diagnostic Optimization Network goals including decreasing turnaround time.
Provide expertise in the areas of Platforms for VL and EID: Conventional and POC – optimization of sample transport systems –SADCAS ASLM accreditation – SLMTA – biosafety & waste management – HIS – Health Information Systems – LIMS optimization – implementation of PEPFAR programming.
Serve as the legal representative for MGIC in Kenya.
Foster a strong ethical culture and healthy, supportive working environment for employees in Kenya and among colleagues outside the country.
Oversee financial, procurement, and administrative operations in the country office, including, but not limited to prudent fiscal management, value-for-money procurement, and use of University and MGIC resources in line with the University’s values.
Provide effective management and leadership of the Kenya office by ensuring accountability, civility, and diversity are key components of the office culture.
Ensure that all activities are undertaken in full compliance with MGIC policies and procedures, donor requirements and regulations, and applicable US and Kenya laws.
Ensure project results, impact, innovations, and lessons learned are documented and disseminated.
Ensure no Conflict of Commitment arises for which he/she or any member of the country staff engages in paid or unpaid activities that interfere with his/her primary obligations and commitments to the University.
Ensure Kenya office specific procedures for personnel, finance, administration, and security are in place and regularly updated for the current operating context.
Other duties as delegated by the appropriate Principal Investigator and the Global CIHEB Director.

Qualifications

The candidate should have at least the following:

Degree in Medicine, Public Health, Laboratory Sciences, or related fields.
At least 10 years experience managing and implementing public health programs funded byUSAID, CDC, Global Fund, etc.; experience with development and aid programs in Kenya in resource limited health care delivery or administration with significant working experience within health facilities in resource limited settings.
At least 7 years management and leadership experience.
Significant previous experience and technical knowledge of program management within the public health sector involving various agencies and partners, quality improvement, monitoring and evaluation and in particular, laboratory systems strengthening.
Demonstrable ability to interact with local authorities including MOH, PEPFAR/CDC/USAID, and other key partners.
Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of HIV/AIDS, HIS, and laboratory diagnostics.
Knowledge of Platforms for VL and EID, Conventional and POC, optimization of sample transport systems, SADCAS and ASLM accreditation requirements, SLMTA, biosafety & waste management standards, and LIMS utilization
Must have proven knowledge and prior experience of ensuring adherence to US government (USG) funding rules and regulations.
Demonstrated financial management experience, including the oversight of budgets and subcontracts, and adherence to USG procurement requirements.
Must be fluent in English

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

Team management skills and ability to work well with multidisciplinary teams.
Understanding of the challenges related to laboratory services, care, and treatment delivery in the local context.
Ability to interact proactively with health facility and capacity building team.
Self-motivated, team player with the ability to delegate.
Result driven.
Strong communications and presentation skills.
Strategic and innovative thinker.

Education