VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Program Manager
Program: Laboratory Systems
Job Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Type: Full-Time Paid
Start date: Immediate
Overview:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.org.
CHAI has partnered with the Government of Rwanda since 2011, supporting the Ministry of Health across several disease and health systems strengthening programs. CHAI’s Laboratory program in Rwanda commenced its support to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) through the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in late 2018. CHAI’s support to NRL focuses on laboratory systems improvement through improved access to quality diagnostic services for patients. Through this program, CHAI works with RBC and NRL to optimize the diagnostic network across the country, develop strategic documents necessary for implementation of quality management systems, market-shaping activities to ensure Rwanda has access to low price and quality testing commodities, capacity building and service decentralization to ensure access to quality diagnostic services across the country. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CHAI has intensified the support to the NRL through case finding, evidence generation, and most importantly through technical support on COVID-19 diagnostic commodity selection, price negotiation, and capacity building. CHAI continues to support the NRL to respond to the pandemic and leverage lessons learned to build resilient laboratory systems.
CHAI seeks a highly motivated action-oriented individual with strong management and interpersonal skills to lead and expand our laboratory program. He/She will support current laboratory priorities including equipment harmonization, improvement of the sample transportation to reduce results turnaround time, decentralization of NRL services at the provincial level and improvement in implementation and adoption of laboratory quality management. The goal is to improve access to reliable, quality diagnostic testing in Rwanda to improve patient care and the wellbeing of Rwandans.
We are seeking a self-driven individual with outstanding credentials, analytical ability and outstanding understanding of laboratory systems. The candidate must be adaptable and have a high level of comfort with fast-paced work. They must be self-assured, a fast learner, resilient, and a strong team player. They should have experience managing direct reports. CHAI places great value on relevant personal qualities: resourcefulness, responsibility, tenacity, independence, energy, and work ethic.
The Program Manager will report to the Senior Program Manager (SPM), Universal Health coverage. He/She will should be able to become a thought partner to RBC and the Ministry of Health. He/She will supervise the project team, will coordinate the entire program work, and ensure it complements the existing CHAI work
Responsibilities:
- Program leadership in the development and implementation of the program’s strategic initiatives while ensuring alignment with NRL and MoH’s priorities.
- Work closely with the NRL to implement the laboratory 3-years national strategic plan
- Support the NRL in service decentralization efforts and quality management system implementation in new sites
- Support the assessment of equipment optimization across the network, develop relevant recommendations and provide technical support to guide the equipment harmonization efforts
- Support the assessment and development of recommendations for sample transportation improvement
- Contribute to initiatives towards laboratory systems digitalization
- Identify and support strategic areas for future program development and the introduction of new technologies including but not limited to sequencing services.
- Support the monitoring and evaluation of activities by reviewing work plans and relevant reports
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners, and ensure communication and alignment of activities across government and other partners to ensure coordination and successful execution of the laboratory program.
- Active participation in laboratory technical working groups and other stakeholder meetings
- Manage the laboratory program budget and liase with CHAI internal and donor teams to meet all donor requirements.
- Perform any other work-related duties as assigned by the SPM
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree, preferably in public health, medical laboratory sciences or other related fields
- 7-10 years’ professional work experience and at least 5 years experience working at high-level health management positions
- Familiarity with global health issues and experience working in management consulting, business strategy groups, or similar fast-paced results-oriented environments
- Experience managing and developing program plans and budgets
- Ability to navigate government processes with multiple stakeholders
- Previous experience in project management and working/advising high-level health managers
- Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships
Required skills:
- Ability to evaluate systems holistically and advise on effectiveness of program, systems, or procedures
- Ability to identify key gaps and recommend practical, realistic interventions for operational improvement
- Highly entrepreneurial with strong self-motivation
- Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills with creative thinking capabilities
- Ability to work independently on complex projects and proactively manage projects with minimal supervision
- Ability to multi-task and to be effective in high-pressure situations
- Practical project management experience
- High level of confidentiality and knowledge of research ethics
Application procedure:
Interested candidates should send their application to https://careers-chai.icims.com/jobs/11728/program-manager%2c-laboratory-systems/job
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The deadline:21st February 2022.
