Project Manager, MOVE-IT (Monitoring of Vital Events using Information Technology), Rwanda (NEW POSITION)

Reports to: Director of Health Information Services & Research, Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwanda

Location: Rwinkwavu, Rwanda

Organizational Profile:

Partners In Health (“PIH”), co-founded by Paul Farmer and Ophelia Dahl and headquartered in Boston, MA, is an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through its service delivery, training, advocacy and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH has major programs in Haiti, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Russia, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Burundi, Kazakhstan, the Dominican Republic, and Boston, working tirelessly to lessen the joint burden of disease and poverty.

This is an exciting time for PIH as the organization is going through a period of significant growth. PIH has played a vital role in the response and reconstruction of Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, and these efforts are resulting in both a broadened scope of work and heightened visibility for the organization. As the work continues to expand, PIH seeks individuals committed to the mission and values of the organization (see PIH values) to join the team.

Position Profile:

Position Profile: Partners in Health, Rwanda is a recipient of a ‘MOVE-IT for the MDGs,’ grant, an initiative of Health Metrics Network to make the monitoring of vital events (MOVE) a priority in developing countries working to meet the Millennium Development Goals. MOVE-IT harnesses innovation and advances in information technology (IT) in a drive to record every birth, death and cause of death, reversing the global and national neglect of this issue. In Rwanda this project is a collaboration between PIH and the Rwandan Ministry of Health and involves the implementation and evaluation of the registration of vital events through community health worker’s use of mobile phone-based systems.

Overall responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Co-Principal Investigator, the Rwanda-based MOVE-IT Project Coordinator will contribute to the execution of this implementation research activity in Rwanda. The Project Coordinator will coordinate the in-country logistics of grant management, including securing Rwanda Ethics Committee approval, hiring for open positions as necessary, facilitating close communication between all stakeholders, provide input into implementation and research methodology, and ensuring grant implementation and research progress according to protocol.

Specific responsibilities:

• With input from investigators produce a detailed implementation plan and timeline.
• Work with investigators to ensure a clear and achievable evaluation plan.
• Closely monitor the implementation and evaluation components of the MOVE-IT Grant.
• Coordinate implementation activities and logistics at the local and district level, working closely with in-country Research/M&E, Health Information Systems, Community Health and District teams.
• Provide support to Director of Health Information Services & Research Director in the writing of proposals, contracts, reports, Memoranda of Understanding and all other official communications.
• Provide human resources and project activities support to the PIs and in-country team.
• Coordinate with local and international stakeholders through organizing meetings and regular follow up communications.
• Assist in tracking grant finances in collaboration with the Rwanda finance and Research teams and the Boston-based Program Manager.
• Ensure that Rwanda Ethics Committee board approvals for the grant and all related projects are completed and up-to-date, coordinating with Boston-based IRB submissions and approvals.
• Provide administrative and research support to the PIH Rwanda Director of Health Information Services & Research (MOVE-IT co-PI). Duties may include scientific and grant writing, preparation of academic presentations, data collection & basic analysis, and assistance with internal and external communications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; background/interest in public health, medical informatics, research and/or the social sciences preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research or monitoring and evaluation activities
• Demonstrated experience in project management or high level administrative support in an office setting.
• Strong writing and proofreading ability.
• Excellent communication skills, with maturity and poise to interact with executives at the highest levels of government, business, and academia.
• Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple assignments, prioritize work flow, adapt to fluctuating workload, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as to work cooperatively and professionally with a diverse team.
• Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet programs (Microsoft Office applications preferred).
• Proficiency in French is preferred.
• Interest in health and social justice.