Project Director - Safestart +

PATH is seeking a qualified Project Director to lead the anticipated UNITAID-funded opportunity focused on expediting access to tools for the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and Chagas disease in endemic areas. Grounded in the vision of ‘Triple Elimination,’ this approach emphasizes the integration of interventions for HIV with services for other sexually transmitted infections, optimizing resource utilization and enhancing uptake. 

The Project Director will have the primary responsibility for the overall technical and managerial requirements of project performance. The Project Director will oversee project implementation and ensure the project meets stated goals and reporting requirements and strengthens global leadership and impact. They will also have principal responsibility for representation of the project to UNITAID.  

Please note this position is contingent upon award to PATH and approval from the donor.   

Location: The successful candidate can be based in any PATH Office in Africa, with a preference to Malawi, Nigeria, DRC, Uganda, South Africa, Senegal.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

• Provide overall leadership to the project team, technical and operational aspects of the project, including planning and implementation of the project.   

• Provide high quality strategic and technical leadership and vision to guide the development of technical and programmatic activities and project work planning.    

• Ensure that all partners involved in the project are aligned with the project's goals, objectives, and timelines. This includes establishing clear lines of communication and fostering positive working relationships with external partners to ensure effective coordination throughout the project's lifecycle.   

• Serve as the liaison with UNITAID, global and regional partners, and other donor and development agencies (e.g., WHO, Global Fund).   

• Manage effective and efficient use of project resources to achieve the desired results of the project, monitoring the workplans and budgets/finances in accordance with UNITAID and PATH policies and procedures.   

• Ensure timely and accurate financial and programmatic reporting to UNITAID as required, aligned with project objectives and in compliance with relevant SOPs and policies.   

• Plan, direct, and coordinate activities to ensure that goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters.   

• Provide guidance and coaching to project staff to achieve project goals and develop leadership capacity.   

• Establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government counterparts, public, private, and implementing partner organizations, on project matters.   

Core competencies/required skills:  

• Master’s or other advanced degree (PhD, MD) in public health or another relevant field with demonstrated experience in midwifery, obstetrics, or pediatrics.   

• At least 10 years’ experience in international health programming, including at least 5 years’ experience in senior-level management positions and experience leading large and complex projects.   

• At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience providing technical assistance and conducting work in several of the following areas: prevention, diagnostics, and treatment research of HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis, antenatal care, monitoring and evaluation, operations research, and advocacy.    

• Proven ability to network and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and to build collaborative relationships with donors, host-country governments, and local and international health and development agencies.   

• Demonstrated experience in effectively engaging partners and managing multi-partner consortia.    

• Strong project and personnel management skills.   

• Previous experience working on UNITAID programs and working knowledge of UNITAID regulations preferred.   

• Demonstrated experience successfully leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams to achieve health results in a fast-paced environment.   

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to plan, organize, and manage resources for successful completion of projects.   

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.   

• Ability to interact professionally in French preferred.   

• Available to travel nationally and internationally up to 25%.