BMGF Project Director – Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center for Communication Programs

 Main Purpose of Job

Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) implements multiple projects focusing on promoting priority health behaviors on malaria; RMNCH; Nutrition; FP; and Zoonotic diseases risk communication. CCP has recently obtained grant from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to undertake implementation research to achieve: to generate cost-effective, scalable and sustainable strategies, to increase uptake and adherence to IFA/MMS among pregnant women aged 15-49 years and adolescent girls aged 10-19 years in rural areas and to generate implementation evidence on how to deliver those strategies at scale in Ethiopia including SBC approach. The project will be implemented in eight selected woredas of Amhara and SNNP regions for three years.

The BMGF Project Director main objective is to lead the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation research project with optimal use of project staff and other resources.

Major Responsibilities

•  Provide overall leadership in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project
• Support the design and implementation of innovative SBC approaches, strategies and activities including Human Centered Design (HCD).
• Provide guidance to the research team to generate implementation evidence on cost effective, scalable and sustainable strategies
• Provide direction to the program to develop local capacity to sustain health programs in the long term.
• Ensure project goals and activities are aligned with FMOH priorities, guidelines and standards
• Develop periodic work plans, budget strategy documents, progress reports, and other documents; and monitor smooth and timely implementation after approval
• Coordinate, manage and oversee the proper implementation of program activities in line with donor requirements
• Actively contribute to the project’s technical direction by developing strategies and partnerships to increase program coverage, visibility, and resource availability.
• Ensure execution of all activities to achieve the defined scope and schedule within the approved budget (financial and people), and in coordination with other planned and in-progress work efforts
• Participate in global and national nutrition networks, including BMGF’s Learning Collaborative, to represent the project’s nutrition’s work and advocate for increased commitments.
• Communicate regularly with CoP & Country Representative to discuss activity planning and implementation
• Participate in program design and development of implementation activities (strategic planning, program presentation and advocacy meetings) as appropriate
• Strengthen partnership with government organization and stakeholders for collaborative and cooperative execution of the program
• Serve as key liaison with the donor and partners.
• Represent the project in working groups with government partners, non- government partners when relevant
• Organize and facilitate trainings and workshops to develop SBC communication strategies and designing messages and materials;
• Help build positive relations within the team and external parties
• Support the project M&E teams in ensuring that robust monitoring systems are in place and reviews are undertaken periodically
• Supervise SBC Specialists, KM and Research Officers to facilitate timely and effective implementation of the project activities as well as professional growth and development.
• Field travel to project sites is essential
• Other duties, as assigned by the supervisor

Reports To: Director of Research Monitoring and Evaluation

Location of position: Addis Ababa with frequent field trip to project

Required no. 1 (one)

Duration of Employment: 1 year with possible extension

Knowledge, skills experience required

• MD/MPH/MSc in nutrition/ or other related field with solid eight years of NGO experience in multi-sector project management especially in the Health sectors,
• Experience in relevant field, implementation research, supporting project teams on the project technical needs (design, implementation, M&E)
• Demonstrable experience of working and developing key project management tools including work plans, budgets, HR and M&E plans.
• Demonstrable ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, tasks efficiently in a high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Speaking and writing fluency in English is required
• Excellent documentation skills in English required
• Excellent time management skills, resourcefulness, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work with a diverse team that includes program, administrative and research staff
• Ability to mentor research team members
• Preparation of local IRB application and coordination with regional IRB agencies
• Skills in data quality assurance for both surveys and monitoring activities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages including PowerPoint, Word, Excel
• Excellent representation, presentation and communication skills.
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment; building relationships internally and externally

Additional Skills/Experience preferred

• Knowledge of open source data platforms
• Knowledge of nutrition or related technical area
• Experience with human-centered design
• Digitally savvy with mobile and tablets for real time monitoring