(CLOSED) Deputy Program Manager

Abt Associates Inc.

Closing date: 21 Dec 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Nigeria

The Partnership for Transforming Health System 2 (PATHS 2), a DFID-funded program in Nigeria, aims to improve the planning, financing and delivery of sustainable and replicable pro-poor health services for common health problems, focusing on six states and the federal government. The Deputy Program Manager, based in Abuja and reporting directly to the National Program Manager (NPM), will be responsible for the management of the cross-cutting program components, and for managing the program contract with DFID, subcontracts with partners, procurement, financial management and reporting, and general administrative support of the program.

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following:
- Overseas the project day-to-day operations. This includes program planning, administrative support and budgeting and the supervision of the project’s financial operations.
- Assists the NPM, and acts on his behalf whenever necessary, with the overall project management.
- Ensures appropriate allocation of resources and the efficient utilization of these resources for the implementation of planned project activities. Overseas the assignment and utilization of short term TA and ensures effective utilization of local resources. Provides direct oversight on short-term consultancies hired under different project activities.
- Establishes and maintains a direct communication channel with PATHS2 home office team.
- Leads a timely and effective client reporting mechanism. Supervises cross-cutting program operations staff (such as Output leads, Knowledge Management, M&E) as assigned.
- Provides direct management oversight to the implementation of Outputs 4 and 5. Liaises and establishes direct functional channels with outputs 4&5 partners. Provides technical and contractual guidance on outputs 4&5 partners’ subcontracts and leads the development and review of work-orders as necessary.
- Assists the National program manager with the development, review and regular updates of project’s annual work-plans, budgets, reports and contract deliverables.
- As member of senior management team, participates in developing program vision and providing guidance on strategy and programming.
- With States Program Coordinator (SPC) and Technical Program Coordinator (TPC), insures coordination and knowledge sharing across the program, timely production of program documents, and quality assurance of activities and outputs.
- Assists NPM in establishing functional links with other State-Led Programs (SLPs) and with partner organizations.

Skills/Knowledge Required:

- Masters Degree (minimum) or a PhD (desirable) in Public Health, Health Administration, Business, Management, Public Administration or other relevant field.
- More than 15 years of relevant professional experience with a Masters Degree, or 10-15 years with a PhD, in program management, contracts management, financial management, and/or program operations.
- Seven or more years of international project management experience, of which three were desirably in West Africa (preferably in Nigeria).
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Experience with DFID is a plus.
- Experience in project implementation.
- Excellent writing, computer, management and organizational skills.
- Successful track record as financial and operations manager.
- Experience successfully managing sizable staff.
- Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills, initiative, and good judgment.
- Ability to anticipate and solve problems.
- Ability to independently plan and execute complex tasks while addressing daily management details and remaining organized and focused on long-term deadlines and strategy.

Reference Code: RW_7XYML6-48