Deputy Project Director – University of Gondar Vacancy Announcement

Project Overview

As part of the national Capacity Building and Mentorship Project (CBMP), University of Gondar-Center of Digital Health and Implementation Sciences is leading the implementation of the CBMP program in collaboration with Addis Ababa University, Jimma University, Hawassa University, Haramaya University, Mekele University and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in providing technical assistance to regional health bureaus to realize the information revolution agenda of the country.

The aim of the project is to strengthen the digital health, data quality and information use culture towards attaining one of the HSTP agenda; Information revolution in 100 woredas in the country.

The specific objectives of the project include:

• Improving data quality and transformation of health information at subnational level
• Improving the culture of data use for informed decision-making.
• Transforming digital health and HIS at Health facilities
• Improving the capacity of RHB and Zonal HDs on data analytics and evidence generation
• Expediting the digitization process through engagement and partnership with local Universities
• Build implementation science research capacity at universities and policy makers

Position Summary

The center for Digital Health and Implementation Sciences (CDHI) is a dynamic and multi-disciplinary center of Excellence of the University of Gondar dedicated to advancing the future of healthcare in Africa through cutting-edge research, education, and innovation in digital health. Our vision is to revolutionize healthcare by harnessing the power of digital technologies and data-driven solutions using embedded implementation science approach with decision makers and frontline health workers. We believe that through research, Innovation and collaboration, we can overcome healthcare challenges and empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives.

CDHI is seeking a Deputy Project Director (DPD) to serve in the leadership team to the Capacity Building and Mentorship program (CBMP+) project. The CBMP+ is a national program that supports ministry of health and regional health bureaus to strengthen the health information system and the overall health system. The project will focus on building long-term, sustainable health system at subnational level through a targeted and tailored interventions involving national, regional, and local HIS actors. The activity will likely provide technical assistance on digital health systems, embedded implementation researches and data analytics, and triangulation to generate evidence and inform policy.

The DPD will support the project director in overall strategic focus and management effectiveness of the projects. The DPD will oversee the technical, operational and program management support for the program and support the Project Director in project management, management of staff, and stakeholder engagement, and ensure program performance through monitoring of activity progress, financial status, and contract compliance. The deputy director will be responsible for ensuring capacity sharing between global and local consortium partners to achieve project milestones in a compliant manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The deputy director will support the Project Director in providing strategic and technical leadership and direction, defining and implementing activities to achieve the greatest impact toward project goals and objectives; serve as acting director position in the Director’s absence.
• Closely monitor the implementation of project activities against approved work plans and budgets and ensure timely completion of results and achievement of objectives.
•  Ensure project delivery meets all standard operational policies and procedures.
•  Oversee project management of the project in full compliance with funders’ regulations, terms, and conditions.
• Closely monitor the implementation of project activities against approved work plans and budgets and ensure timely completion of results and achievement of objectives.
• Oversee project management of multi-million-dollar project in full compliance with US Government regulations, terms, and conditions.
• Assist Project Director in maintaining active and cooperative relationships with all key stakeholders, including government officials, universities, partners, and other implementing agencies.
• Work closely with project staff and partners to identify, document and disseminate best practices.
• Support data analysis and data use to promote evidence-based planning and provide timely feedback in relation to project targets, work plan activities and objectives, and address gaps.
• Conduct other activities as assigned by the Program Director.
• Represent the project in meetings and forums on behalf of the senior project director.
• Oversee CBMP universities during CBMP program implementations.
• Oversee the publication and dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, best practices, lessons learned and other program results to program partners, donors, ministry of health, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide high quality and timely submission of all required project reports, including documentation of success stories, analysis of data for indicator calculation, summary of learning agenda findings.

Number Of Post: 1

Contract: Full time for 1 year with possible extension based on performance

Job Requirements

Education:

• Minimum of master’s degree or equivalent professional experience required in Public Health, Epidemiology, monitoring & evaluation, health service management, or related field.

Experience

• A minimum of 6 years of proven work experience of leading and managing similar projects; significant experience working in the health system and health information system is highly desirable.
• The applicant must have served as Capacity Building and Mentorship Program (CBMP) director or deputy director position at one of the six CBMP universities to ensure he or she will be able to help all the 6 universities in their respective regional activities.
• Demonstrated strong management, coordination, teamwork and planning skills with proven ability to function effectively with the government, partners and other stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating with ministry of health, regional health bureaus and/or partners and implementation of programs, researches and other health system related works
• Demonstrated leadership and experience to build and maintain productive working relationships with MOH, institutional partners and stakeholders and international agencies.
• Experience developing and implementing implementation science, surveillance and research agendas
• Experience managing similar projects in highly dynamic development environments.
• Proven leadership qualities and management skills that demonstrate a depth and breadth of technical expertise relative to the Activity.
• Excellent interpersonal, cultural skills and flexibility to adapt to changing requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally, as needed.
• Strong English communication skills (both written and spoken);

How to Apply

Application should be submitted with a short CV (maximum length 4 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 1 page) through cdhi@uog.edu.et . The covering letter should describe how you meet the requirements for the position and why you want the job. Application dead line: within 5 days after the 1st date of the announcement.

Only Shortlisted Candidates Will Be Contacted.

Gender Equality: CDHI is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We have also a vibrant team with different opportunities for growth with short term and long-term educational opportunities. We also offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including professional growth, parental leave, and other supportive working environments.