Executive Summary
Thrive Networks is seeking a full-time staff member to lead the Breath of Life Program (BOL) in Benin and West Africa. The program addresses the issue of the strengthening of the continuum of care for neonates, with particular focus on intensive newborn care at the referral level. The successful candidate will be expected to open the new Thrive Networks office in Benin, recruit program staff, manage local and international partners and consultants, and implement program activities. The Program Director is also expected to manage the Regional Office of Thrive Networks in West Africa, as well as the program currently being implemented in Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso.
General Program Description.
Thrive Networks has been awarded a grant from USAID to implement a neonatal program in Benin, which started in September 2014, and it is expected to last for four years. The program is intended to improve newborn survival by strengthening the continuum of care in the country, with a particular focus on the capacity building of national and regional referral hospitals. The program will involve the donation of appropriate equipment, training of medical staff, and extensive monitoring and evaluation. In addition, Thrive Networks is currently in the process of implementing smaller, privately funded BOL projects in the West African Region (Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso).
General Terms of Reference and Tasks.
The West Africa Regional Manager, Breath of Life and Benin Country Director will be expected to perform the following tasks:
- Open the new Thrive Networks office in Cotonou, Benin.
- Register the program and the NGO with the Benin local authorities.
- Hire and manage local program staff.
- Manage the office finances in accordance with Thrive Networks' rules and regulations and national laws of both Benin and the US.
- Implement all program activities according to the program work plan.
- Manage relationship with the main donor (USAID).
- Manage international and local partners and consultants.
- Organize site visits as needed.
- Represent the organization vis-à-vis the international NGO community, international organization and local authorities.
- Participate in fundraising for the BOL program and other Thrive Networks programs.
- Act as Regional Manager for Thrive Networks in West Africa, implementing programs and fundraising for other countries in the region.
Expected qualifications.
The successful candidate is expected to possess the following minimum qualifications:
- At least five years' experience managing development programs in the field
- Medical or public health degree highly preferred
- Experience in the field of maternal and child health highly preferred
- High proficiency in spoken and written French and English
- A self-starter who is able to work independently and under pressure
- Able to manage complex programs and logistical operations, supervise local and international staff, and work in multicultural environments.
Supervision.
The West Africa Regional Manager, Breath of Life and Benin Country Director will report directly to the Breath of Life Program International Director.
Duration and timing.
This is a full-time position. The West Africa Regional Manager, Breath of Life and Benin Country Director is expected to start employment on January 1, 2015, with a one-year renewable contract (up to the end of the four-year project). The position is based in Cotonou, Benin, with frequent travel within Benin, as well as within the region and occasionally internationally. Capacity and willingness to travel is necessary, up to 25% of local travel, and 10% of international travel.
Stipend and benefits.
Monthly salary and benefits, including personal leave, will be based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
HOW TO APPLY:
Only electronic applications will be accepted. Interested applicants should send a one-page cover letter, along with a complete CV, including a list of all previous job experiences, academic credentials, and publications. Materials should be sent to the following email address:luciano.moccia@eastmeetswest.org.
Do not submit copies of degrees, publications or other materials at the time of application. Such documents will be requested if needed. Emails that include more attachments than one CV and one cover letter will be automatically disregarded.
The application deadline is November 10, 2014.
