Director, OEPA At Carter Center

Background

The Carter Center’s Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) is a Regional Initiative whose objective is to assist the ministries of health to eliminate onchocerciasis (“river blindness”) in the region’s remaining endemic countries: Brazil and Venezuela. In 1993, at the beginning of the OEPA program, there were six endemic countries in the Americas, four of which have successfully eliminated the disease (Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Guatemala).

The still affected population of nearly 40,000 individuals, mainly of the Yanomami ethnic group, reside in a vast Amazon savannah and rainforest area that straddles the border between Brazil and Venezuela.

The OEPA strategy has been to provide effective ivermectin mass drug administration in treatment rounds given semiannually or quarterly.

The Director of OEPA plays a pivotal role in the management, coordination, and strategic oversight of the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA).

This role provides leadership and guidance to the OEPA regional initiative, supervises staff, engages stakeholders, provides fiscal oversight, and leads strategic planning across the two endemic and four formerly endemic countries. The Director will report to the Senior Country Representative. This position will be headquartered in Guatemala City.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Oversee and manage the overall operations of the OEPA program. In partnership with national ministries of health, ensure efficient coordination and implementation of OEPA project activities in alignment with goals, schedules and budgets.
2. Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the OEPA program, ensuring alignment with organizational strategic plans and international health standards.
3. Act as a liaison between national programs and the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) of OEPA. Receive, analyze, and disseminate reports to relevant stakeholders, including donors, NGOs, international organizations, and government officials.
4. Review National Plans and budgets. Help update regional and international policy regarding onchocerciasis elimination.
5. Submit regular institutional program reports (including monthly and annual). Maintain regular communication with the Chairperson of the PCC and subcommittees, providing periodic reports as needed.. Represent OEPA by making presentations at international meetings and workshops.
6. Identify potential donor sources and support fundraising activities for program sustainability. Assist with preparation of grant proposals and donor deliverables. Participate in high-level meetings with donors and potential donors.
7. Assist, in coordination with Atlanta office, in requests from institutional and partner communications departments. Promote information sharing and standardization related to program design, data, epidemiology, training, and systems among participating groups.
8. Approve procurement of equipment, supplies, and consultant services necessary for program operations. Make day-to-day decisions on behalf of OEPA, reporting to the Senior Country Representative.
9. Supervise OEPA team in accordance with Carter Center personnel policies. Ensure harmonious, respectful, and high-functioning team dynamic through regular team meetings and adherence to performance management procedures, including biannual discussions with direct reports.
10. Initiate and oversee activities in line with approved work plans and OEPA objectives. Maintain coordination among national programs and participating groups.
11. Promote understanding and interest in the regional program by cultivating high-level stakeholder participation in international meetings hosted, co-hosted, or otherwise supported by OEPA. Conduct advocacy with all relevant levels of government where program operates.
12. Plan, administer, and monitor relevant program budgets, including capital equipment, operations, and personnel, by reviewing prior budget expenses, regularly reviewing year-to-date expenses, investigating variances, and taking corrective action to control expenses at approved levels. Ensure rigorous financial oversight of program, as well as subgrants to national programs.
13. Maintain professional growth and self-development by identifying educational/training programs, professional organizations, activities, and resources to maintain knowledge of international trends and to promote leading-edge expertise. Encourage the same for OEPA staff.
14. Responsible for program’s compliance with all organizational policies and procedures. Develop efficient procedures for the implementation of program activities.
15. Performs other duties and related responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, public administration or a related field and ten years of related experience, which includes five years of managing international programs in Latin America, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Fluent in English and Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate of the Field Epidemiology Training Program is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing multi-stakeholder programs, with a proven track record of successful program implementation.
• Strong understanding of epidemiological issues and health systems.
• Experience working in complex global health environments.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead, manage, and motivate a diverse team, foster innovation, and drive program excellence.
• Record of working in complex environments while driving innovation and systems changes.
• Experience developing and implementing a long-term vision and supporting a strategic plan.
• Ability to manage complex budgets and utilize financial management software.

Proficiency in Portuguese is highly preferred