Location: Nigeria | Category: Administrative, Health, Management
HKI is seeking a Country Director in Nigeria. Helen Keller International (HKI) is a non-governmental organization whose mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged by combating the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition. We do this by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition.
HKI-Nigeria work began in 1999 with an initial focus on onchocerciasis control and, in the first year of assistance, about 1 million people were treated. Other eye health programs include trachoma control and treatment of cataract.
The HKI-Nigeria nutrition portfolio currently focuses on twice-yearly vitamin A supplementation. Current programs are funded by numerous donors, including the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Micronutrient Initiative, USAID/A2Z, Standard Chartered Bank, and Chevron Oil. HKI’s operations in Nigeria have been based in Jos (Plateau State); however, to increase interactions with the Federal Government, the ECOWAS Commission, and partners, the Country Director will be located in Abuja and we will maintain a field office in Jos. The Country Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the country strategic plan and work plans to further the overall mission and programs that address the unmet needs and conditions in Nigeria and that are in line with HKI’s overall Mission and Strategic Plan. This will be accomplished by securing funding from international and bilateral agencies, corporations, and individuals for program continuation and aggressive project expansion in nutrition and eye health.
The Country Director will oversee the day-to-day management of the Nigeria country offices and programs and will ensure a high standard and quality of grant management, implementation, reporting, and fiscal and human resource planning. The Country Director will work in close cooperation with the Government, NGO partners, and donor and UN agencies, as well as national technical advisory groups pertinent to HKI project activities. Frequent travel to Jos and other field sites will be necessary.
The Country Director will manage a current staff of 11 and it is expected that there will be major increases in staffing as new programs are developed. The Country Director reports to the Deputy Regional Director for West-Africa and collaborates closely with the HKI Africa Regional Office and Headquarters finance, program, and development staff. The position requires substantial travel within country and some travel in the Africa region and internationally. As with all Africa Region staff, the Country Director may be called upon to provide assistance to other country offices as needed.
REQUIREMENTS:
The ideal candidate will have at least a Master’s Degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Agriculture, Development, Management, or a related field and at least 7 years demonstrated field leadership experience in program development, implementation and evaluation (including strong background in management of large-scale public health programs.) Experience in or willingness to learn about eye health programs, in particular onchocerciasis and trachoma, is necessary.
The candidates skill set will include the demonstrated ability to manage a professional team in a multi-cultural environment, including the grant management successful financial, human resource and administrative management of complex, multi-donor programs with multiple sub-offices; mobilize funds through donor cultivation and grants writing; undertake high-level representation and advocacy; build capacity of local Governmental and non-governmental counterparts; analyze and interpret data; develop and create budgets and monitor financial status; and design and implement workshops, seminars, surveys, monitoring systems and evaluations. Experience in managing USAID-funded projects and familiarity with USAID policies and regulations will be an advantage.
The candidate will be fluent in English and have excellent oral and written language skills, will be able to quickly synthesize complex technical and programmatic issues into concise communications, and at a minimum, will have computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel), EPI-INFO and Internet use. Given the nature of the position, a premium will be placed on interpersonal skills.
To Apply: The initial contract is for two years with possibility of renewal depending on funding. Interested persons should submit: (1) cover letter, (2) current curriculum vitae in English, (3) a short writing sample (2-3 pages) in English to Ms. Marianne Flach, Deputy Regional Director, at mflach@hki.org, with a copy to Human Resources at hkihr@hki.org. Please note CD Nigeria in the subject line.
Posted on July 25th, 2008 | Filed under: Administrative, Health, Management