Project Director

The Reaching Impact Saturation and Epidemic Control (RISE) program is saving lives and improving health by controlling the HIV pandemic and strengthening global health security to limit the spread of deadly disease outbreaks. RISE uses evidence-based practices from over 20 years of PEPFAR implementation to address critical HIV priorities along with global health security (GHS), maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCH-N), tuberculosis (TB), Malaria, data systems, supply chain and commodity management, and other cross-cutting areas.

In Burundi, Jhpiego is recruiting for an anticipated new project supporting Burundi’s lifesaving MNCH-N services.  

The Project Director will provide overall leadership, management, and strategic direction for the anticipated RISE Burundi Maternal, Newborn, Child Health, and Nutrition (MNCH-N) project, ensuring the achievement of project goals and objectives including within RISE-supported geographies in Burundi. This role will be responsible for technical leadership, administrative oversight, and financial management, serving as the primary point of contact with the donor, the Ministry of Health (MOH), and other key stakeholders. The MNCH-N Project Director will ensure harmonization and close coordination with RISE-Burundi HIV programming, ensuring joint planning and implementation for efficiencies and coordinated services.

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for all project activities, aligning with the overall goal of reducing maternal, newborn, and child morbidity and mortality and improving nutrition outcomes among project-supported populations. 
• Ensure timely and high-quality project implementation across all objectives, with a strong focus on strengthening lifesaving MNCH-N services to improve MNCH-N health outcomes 
• Manage project finances, human resources, and operations in compliance with the donor regulations and organizational policies
• Ensure compliance with the terms of the award
• Ensure seamless collaboration and joint implementation with the RISE-Burundi HIV project, harmonizing project plans and identifying programmatic, staffing, and other cost efficiencies, and representing the project in a coordinated fashion with key stakeholders
• In cooperation with the RISE-Burundi HIV project, cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the donor, government counterparts, and local partners, facilitating effective collaboration, joint planning and implementation  
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities, ensuring data-driven adaptation and continuous quality improvement, especially concerning project interventions in conflict-affected areas. 
• Provide regular updates to Jhpiego core technical teams on technical implementation of activities
• Represent the project at national and international forums, advocating for MNCH-N priorities in Burundi, with particular emphasis on lifesaving services provided by the project
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of technical and program staff, fostering a resilient and adaptable team capable of operating in complex and rapidly changing environments. 
• Oversee the quality, preparation, and timely submission of project reports to donor.

All staff members of Jhpiego, regardless of the level of responsibilities are expected to:

• Model organizational vision and values
• Participate in the business development process.
• Contribute to the knowledge sharing and transfer process
• Make responsible decisions that result in both time and cost containment and clear accountability.

• Advanced degree (MD, MPH, PhD) in Public Health, Medicine, Nutrition, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 9 years of progressively responsible technical experience in large-scale international health programs, with a significant focus on MNCH, Nutrition. 
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in Burundi or other resource constrained settings is highly preferred, ideally in Burundi or similar low-resource, complex environments. 
• Proven track record of designing, implementing, and monitoring integrated public health interventions
• Extensive experience in technical leadership, program integration, technology use and on the job training for health programs in challenging operational environments. 
• Familiarity with different donor policies, procedures, and reporting requirements is a distinct advantage. 

Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of the continuum of MNCH care, including antenatal, delivery, postnatal, newborn care, IMNCI, and immunization
• Expertise in nutrition programming, including SAM treatment, IYCF, and micronutrient supplementation
• Strong understanding of essential health system functions including Health Information Systems (HIS) and quality improvement
• Expertise in surveillance and response strategies specifically related to maintaining and protecting MNCH-N services and vulnerable populations

Core Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strong systems thinking approach, especially for navigating complex operational challenges in crisis settings. 
• Proven ability to manage complex technical challenges and foster innovation. 
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and facilitation skills are important, including the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in sensitive environments. 
• High level of diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and interpersonal skills, crucial for effective engagement with key stakeholders and partners
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a diverse, fast-paced team.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.