MSH Country Reprentative in West Africa

LOCATION: A country in the West Africa region

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Country Representative represents the Office of the Chief Executive (OCE) in a given country, and as such, is the most senior in-country staff member with final authority for in-country decisions related to MSH presence, interests, or immediate and time-sensitive risks to MSH and/or its staff.

S/he is the primary contact for (non-project specific) external relations with key in-country stakeholders such as donors, government officials, clients and other partner organizations. S/he leads the development and execution of the Integrated Country Strategy and proactively coordinates MSH in-country activities. S/he promotes technical awareness, coordination, collaboration and synergy of MSH activities. The Country Representative ensures that all projects and staff in-country safeguard MSH’s financial, contractual, technical, and political integrity and reputation. The Country Representative has supervisory responsibility for the Country Operations Management Unit (COMU) Director and reports to the Office of the Chief Executive (OCE) through the Operations Office.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY:

1. Ensure that MSH activities and management operations in country are implemented as per MSH Mission, Values, policies and standards, and local laws and regulations.
2. Serve as Chair of the in‐country Leadership Team (LT), and ensure accountability and appropriate follow up actions for decisions made at the meetings.
3. Drive the development and execution of the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) and the annual country plans and ensure appropriate and coordinated support from home office.
4. Lead country-based business development and strategic communication activities (including positioning, intelligence gathering, and proposal development) that contribute to the sustainability or expansion of MSH’s programs. Act as key liaison to the Offices for Business Development and Strategic Communications.
5. Ensure equitable, effective, timely, cost-effective, and responsive and high‐quality operations and administrative support to all MSH in-country projects (prime and subs) within local laws and available resources, and in an environment with adequate internal controls, adherence to contracts regulations, MSH policies and standard operating procedures.
6. Provide support, coaching and mentoring to COMU Director and is accountable for (COMU Director) performance management (including regular check-ins, formal appraisals, supportive supervision, rewards, training, coaching and career development support).
7. Assist Project Director in-country, as needed and applicable, especially in scanning and navigating local environment and managing local relationships.
8. Facilitate/ensure timely resolution of issues, constraints, problems affecting MSH in-country performance, efficiency, and effectiveness and work environment.
9. Facilitate execution of internal/external financial, operations and program reviews or audits, with timely follow up to reviews or audits conclusions and recommendations.
10. Facilitate resolution of differences or conflicts among LT members and their staff.

KEY DISTINCTION:

In most cases, the Country Representative has responsibility for a significant project in country and represents MSH to the top external officials in country. In addition, the Country Representative represents the country to the Office of the Chief Executive.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. MPH, MBA or Master's level degree in related field.
2. Fifteen plus (15+) years of progressively responsible, related experience is required; twenty (20+) years is preferred.
3. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior-level government officials and local stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in technical content relevant to the projects in the country portfolio.
5. Demonstrated leadership and management abilities leading a diverse team of national professionals.
6. Prior experience and success in directing large international donor-funded projects. Previous operations management experience is a plus. Demonstrated strategic planning and visioning skills is required.
7. Familiarity with administrative, and operations procedures in the implementation of donor assisted projects.
8. Proven record of aligning diverse, multi-level teams with project mission and vision.
9. Track record of strong commitment to sharing knowledge, documenting experiences, supporting creative initiatives, and sharing credit.
10. Demonstrated strategic agility, diplomacy, conflict management, team building, cross cultural communication, active listening, and negotiation skills.
11. Fluency in English and French is required.

Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please submit a resume to https://jobs-msh.icims.com/jobs/6967/msh-country-reprentative/job?mode=v.... For more information about MSH, please visit our web site at www.msh.org. If you cannot apply online or have difficulty doing so, please email an explanation of your problem toiRecruiterproblem@msh.org.