Program Coordinator Maternal and Reproductive Health

Bloomberg Philanthropies and Foundation H&B Agerup

Maternal and Reproductive Health Program in Tanzania

August 1, 2015 – September 30, 2017 (two years)

Bloomberg Philanthropies and Foundation H&B Agerup (herein referred to as "the donors") seek an experienced Program Coordinator (PC) to be based in Kigoma, Tanzania to oversee their Maternal and Reproductive Health Program.

The PC will monitor the day-to-day execution of the program, primarily through coordination and oversight of three implementing and evaluation partners. In addition, the PC will work closely with local and regional government entities to ensure that program activities support the government's plans and that government is ultimately able to assume full ownership of the program.

Program Background and Mission:

The mission of the Maternal and Reproductive Health Program is to reduce maternal mortality in Tanzania, particularly Kigoma region, by increasing access to emergency obstetric care, family planning services, and post-abortion care.

The program started in 2006. Up until this point, it has focused on health system strengthening in maternal health through training of non-physician health providers and rehabilitating and equipping health facilities. The program has been renewed for another four years beginning May 1, 2015 and in addition to continuing the provision of high-quality maternal and reproductive health services, will incorporate demand-side interventions that encourage the uptake of maternal health services. These may include community mobilization, optimizing transport and referral of patients, and the provision of respectful, client-centered care. Rigorous evaluation and data-driven decision-making will continue to be central to the program.

Reaching the program's goals will require excellent coordination and cooperation among the implementing partners, regular and effective monitoring and evaluation, and focused management toward the goals, including necessary course corrections to ensure progress.

General Position Description:

The PC will have convening authority as needed to ensure that each partner is working effectively and cooperating effectively with others so as to maximize the impact of the project. The PC will have direct oversight of the program on the ground in Kigoma, Tanzania.The PC will support three implementing partners and government to execute a coordinated strategy, such that in four years' time, the government will have full oversight of the program.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Coordination and monitoring of implementing partners

• Coordinate and monitor the day-to-day activities of each of the three implementing partners in Kigoma in relation to the program, and ensure that deliverables, as outlined in the contractual agreement between Bloomberg Philanthropies (BP) and each partner, are met
• Convene partners regularly, assist in development of their work plans, and facilitate coordination of their activities in order to collectively advance program goals and minimize duplication
• Support partners to anticipate and resolve challenges that hinder the execution of their work-plans and the program's comprehensive strategy in Kigoma
• Support partners to routinely collect, analyze and act upon program data including facility-level and other data
• Ensure that supportive supervision conducted by the implementing partners is integrated and aligned with government processes, and that the partners are coordinating and streamlining their supervision at program-related facilities
• Lead monthly partner's teleconference calls. Prepare agenda for the calls and provide follow-up reports with action items, individuals and organizations tasked, and due dates.
• Serve as primary liaison between donor and implementing partners.

2. Coordination with and support to local government entities

• Develop a thorough understanding of existing government policies and plans for maternal and reproductive health (national, Kigoma region, Council level) in order to ensure that the program aligns with and supports government goals for maternal and reproductive health
• Develop an understanding of regional and district planning and budgeting processes, and engage in those processes to identify gaps and opportunities to advance maternal and reproductive health
• Along with implementing partners, support the government to supervise the delivery of services through strengthening supportive supervision and mentoring
• Support the government to "map" other maternal and reproductive health projects in the region and where possible, coordinate with these projects to maximize limited resources and avoid duplication
• Provide regular progress reports to appropriate government authorities as agreed with government, implementing partners and BP
• In consultation with the government and implementing partners, develop a transition plan whereby the government will fully and independently manage the program within 4 years

3. Program related documentation, communication and management

• Support partners to disseminate program "lessons learned" within Tanzania and globally to leverage the impact of the program
• Stay abreast of the scientific literature to ensure the program is evidence-based; bring that learning to the implementing partners and government partners to inform their work
• Assist with Tanzania-based contractual and administrative needs in Kigoma
• Provide and/or facilitate technical assistance to partners as needed
• Act as the primary liaison between BP New York and implementing partners for needed technical, administrative and financial information
• Serve as a point of contact for BP in Tanzania
• Provide regular reports (written and oral) to BP Program Director in New York
• Assist with planning and organizing visits of the donors to Tanzania
• Travel to New York City on an as needed basis

Required Skills and Experience:

• Preference will be given to candidates holding a Master's degree with at least 10 years of project management experience; candidates holding a Bachelor's degree with at least 15 years of senior project management experience will also be considered

• Ability to analyze data across multiple tools and databases, draw inferences and conclusions, and recommend actions based on findings

• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail, ability to meet tight deadlines, ability to manage multiple demands by establishing priorities, and ability to trouble-shoot

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Knowledge of budgeting and financial analysis

• Ability to work independently and be comfortable in remote geographical areas

• Fluency, both oral and written, in English and Swahili

• Proficient in MS Office Suite with advanced knowledge of Excel

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience in managing multi-million dollar health care projects in low resource settings

• Specific knowledge of maternal and reproductive health services

• Experience in transitioning donor funded programs to local oversight in the Tanzanian context

Reporting structure:

The PC will report to the BP Program Director in New York City

Timeframe:

Full-time from August 1, 2015 – September 30, 2017 (two years), with potential for renewal

How to apply

Qualified candidates should submit a CV and cover letter to Stanovic@theunion.org. Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified.