Programme Associate, Population Health Implementation and Training, Rwanda

Closing Date: Sunday, 26 June 2011

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:

The burden of disease, poverty and suffering weighs heavily on Sub-Saharan Africa each year. A lack of imagination, commitment of resources, and execution to reverse the ongoing crisis in Africa is one of our generation's greatest failures. Partnering with the Government of Rwanda (GOR), a consortium of institutions including Partners in Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health, have formed a Population Health Implementation and Training Partnership (PHIT) in Rwanda. This partnership, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, will enable the first rigorous evaluation of effectiveness, cost and overall impact of a comprehensive approach to deliver public health services in resource-poor districts in rural Rwanda. The partnership will strive to provide an evidence-based road map for the global health community with the goal of obtaining a higher standard in health care delivery in Africa while strengthening health systems and implementation research capacity.

Overall Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Co-Principal Investigators and the Boston-based PHIT Project Director, the Rwanda-based PHIT Program Associate will contribute to the execution of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's funded activity in Rwanda. The Program Associate will coordinate the in-country logistics of grant implementation, including securing Rwanda Ethics Committee approval for projects, hiring for open positions as necessary and facilitating close communication between all stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities:

* Closely monitor the implementation of components of the DDCF Grant.
* Coordinate implementation activities and logistics at the local and district level, working closely with in- country Research and M&E teams, district leadership, and program managers.
* Provide support to Boston- based PHIT Project 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.
* Work to integrate DDCF- funded activities into wider PIH Rwanda structure while keeping an eye on grant deliverables.
* Coordinate with local and international stakeholders through organizing meetings and regular follow up communications.
* Liaise with Boston- based PHIT administrative and research assistant and Project Director.
* Assist in tracking grant finances in collaboration with Rwanda finance team and DDCF PHIT Accountant, PIH Rwanda finance team, and Boston- based Project Director.
* 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 (and co- PI). Duties may include scientific and grant writing, preparation of academic presentations, and assistance with internal and external communications.
* Undertake other activities identified as necessary for the success of the PHIT grant.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree required; background/interest in public health, research and/or the social sciences preferred.
* Demonstrated experience providing administrative support in an office setting.
* Ability to work independently and take initiative.
* Strong writing and proofreading skills.
* Excellent communication skills, with maturity and poise to interact with executives at the highest levels of government, business, and academia.
* Strong organizational skills with great attention to detail and the ability to set priorities.
* Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and manage a variety of activities in a time- sensitive environment and to meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.
* 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 with a diverse team.
* Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet programs (Microsoft Office applications preferred).
* Excellent interpersonal skills required. Ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, clients, and consultants is a must.
* Proficiency in French is preferred.
* Demonstrated maturity and judgment.
* Interest in health and social justice.

How to Apply:

To apply, please visit our website at http://www.pih.org.