Project Director

With over 70 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Employee Contract Type:

International Assignment - Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Job Description:

Job Purpose:

World Vision is seeking a Project Director for an anticipated multi-million-dollar project titled, “Strengthening immunization program implementation in sub-national consequential geographies,” which is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The aim of this program is to provide immunization services (identify and vaccinate zero- and under-dose children, support polio eradication, measles mortality reduction and regional measles and rubella elimination, hepatitis B and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination, and other vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance); support global laboratory networks for polio and measles/rubella; support planning and implementation of supplemental immunization campaigns; and support the strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities in high priority countries.

The Project Director is responsible for providing overall strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination for project activities and staff. S/he will possess both deep applied experience in immunization, surveillance, health system strengthening, and primary health care in fragile and conflict settings. S/he will have demonstrated abilities in leadership, strategic thinking, development of effective teams, and change management. S/he must also have a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and efficiently with host country agencies, including central and local governments, development partners, civil society, and community-based organizations.

The Senior Director will provide leadership in the design and implementation of the project to ensure effective and streamlined management of program operations that are in alignment with the CDC’s goals, objectives, and requirements. The Project Director will serve as a liaison between the CDC, project personnel, consortium partners, and key stakeholders; lead communications with supported countries and develop Country Operating Plans (COP); plan annual targets; ensure appropriate use of resources with the support of the Senior Management Team (SMT); and supervise and mentor interdisciplinary teams. S/he will lead the SMT to identify areas of concern within the project and work with the program team to find viable solutions.

The position will be based in Kinshasa, DRC. Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project. Selection of the final applicant is subject to CDC approval. The project is anticipated to begin in June 2024.

Major Responsibilities:

• Keep Christ central in individual and corporate life. Actively participate in and contribute to the spiritual disciplines of the organization (Christian conduct, devotions, chapel, prayer, worship); incorporate WV Core Values into decisions within scope of role.
• Direct and oversee grant implementation, ensuring that all strategic objectives are met through proper design, staffing, implementation and quality assurance. Consistently look for more effective and efficient implementation methods and opportunities to increase impact. Provide vision and strategic technical leadership for the project.
• Serve as primary liaison to the CDC, local and national governmental authorities, local NGOs, and community organizations. Facilitate learning of best practices on program’s technical areas and other donor organizations. Liaise with local government officials, local communities, donor representatives and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership and direction, defining and implementing activities to achieve the greatest impact toward project goals and objectives. Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), including tools and templates, to guide effective, efficient, and compliant program administration.
• Research new funding opportunities and develop and write funding proposals, if second phase of the grant or cost extension is planned. Participate and conduct on-going lessons learned with key staff and partners/sub-grantees. Participate in and lead NGO – donor forum to represent WV, the project, and seek cooperation for joint advocacy opportunities.
• Supervise a team of senior level international and national staff and consultants with skills across a diverse set of technical areas. Ensure proper technical capacity of staff to manage complex donor-funded projects.
• Establish and maintain effective project reporting, evaluation, and communication systems. Submit timely accurate and professional reports that meet donor requirements.
• Manage grant/project budget within approved spending levels and ensure accurate and timely financial reports to donors and SO staff. Ensure grant/project expenses are reasonable, allocated as per assigned budget, prudent and spent in accordance with donor rules and regulations to ensure low risk audits. Escalate grant management issues early and openly; resolve grant management issues quickly and fully.

Education, Experience and Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in related field required. Master's degree or PhD preferred.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in the specified sector to include assessment, evaluation, and design of projects required.
• Experience in health program implementation in fragile/conflict settings including experience in health systems strengthening, immunization, surveillance, supply chain management, and community mobilization.
• Experience as a chief of party of senior expert advisor required. Experience overseeing of multi-country program from remote location.
• Proven ability to manage technical assistance teams.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with U.S. Government international assistance program requirements, preferably USAID, CDC, and/or other bilateral funding agencies. Experience managing subgrants and contracts under grants for complex projects.
• Proven ability to manage all aspects of grant and contract administration, and technical assistance staff with a commitment to teamwork.
• Experience overseeing multi-country program from remote location.
• Travel: Ability to travel about 30%
• Fluency in English and French required.

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local and International Applicants (IA's) Accepted