Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP)/Technical Director at Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR)

Description and Objectives

• SCIDaR is seeking an experienced Deputy Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID Healthcare Financing and Human Resources for Health Activity in Nigeria. This activity aims to support USAID’s approaches to strengthening healthcare financing systems and improving human resources for health in Nigeria. Hiring for this position is contingent upon grant award to SCIDaR and funding availability.
• The Deputy Chief of Party will be responsible for the technical oversight of project implementation, execution of interventions and action plans, monitoring the implementation of work plans, and working with the Chief of Party to facilitate operational capacity-building initiatives. S/he will support the Chief of Party in enhancing the capacity of the Federal and State Ministry of Health (F/SMOH), e,g. N/SSHIAs, N/SPHCDAs, etc. local organizations, and communities to deliver quality healthcare services through improved financing systems and HRH.
• The role will support the Senior Management Team and assist in providing strategic and technical leadership, financial management, and administrative oversight of the Activity. This includes ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors and focusing on achieving the results defined in the project’s scope of work.

Technical responsibilities

• The Deputy Chief of Party will support the Chief of Party in leadership and execution of the overall technical direction of the project, by doing the following:
• Work closely with the Chief of Party to provide technical and managerial oversight for the project, to ensure that activity components are results-oriented, deliverables are of high quality, and reporting is relevant and timely;
• In collaboration with the Chief of Party, program leadership team and implementing partners, lead the development of, budgeting and management processes ensuring results-oriented, efficient program operations at implementation level, including processes for the periodic review of implementation across target LGAs and facilitating necessary mid-course corrections;
• Collaborate with the MERL Director to coordinate effective implementation of program activities, including the development of a dynamic learning agenda and adaptive management approach;
• In collaboration with the Chief of Party, work with the Activity’s grants, finance, administration and human resource functions to ensure systems are in place for the most effective program implementation with regards to M&E, financial management and compliance with all donor requirements;
• Support the Chief of Party in ensuring that project objectives, outcomes, and deliverables are met and that financial, operational, and USAID reporting requirements are followed;
• Support programmatic decision-making and troubleshooting implementation challenges;
• Oversee program data quality compliance, including the development of data tracking and monitoring systems;
• Support sub-grant development, including compliance with programmatic objectives and donor financial and administrative regulations;
• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate, representing the Activity to the donor, central and local government officials, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders; represent the Activity at local, regional, and international fora;
• Serve as a key point of contact for USAID/Nigeria, the Government of Nigeria, and all other stakeholders in the absence of the Chief of Party or as delegated and manage the implementation and coordination of all events, technical forums, conferences, and roundtables;
• Supervise members of the Senior Management Team as delegated by the Chief of Party;
• Act as the Chief of Party during his/her absence.

Required competencies  

• Academic training: Master’s Degree in public health, health management, medicine, or a related field. Advanced degree in public health, international development, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing large, complex USAID or other donor-funded health programs in Nigeria or a relevant context.
• At least ten years of relevant experience in global public health and development, including in senior technically relevant positions with large and complex projects.
• Experience in senior leadership roles on USAID projects.
• Technical experience in healthcare financing and human resources for health (HRH) programming with expertise in one or more of the following areas: health systems strengthening, healthcare financing, HRH development, and capacity building.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience managing, designing, and implementing similar international multi-million donor-funded programs.
• In-country experience implementing large and complex healthcare financing and HRH programs.
• Demonstrates current technical understanding of the healthcare financing and HRH evidence base.
• Experience in Northern Nigeria, particularly in FCT, Ebonyi, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Bauchi, is strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of the Nigerian healthcare system.
• Experience working with Nigeria local government officials is strongly preferred.
• Proven supervisory experience involving leadership and team building of professional and support staff; oversight and evaluation of staff performance and deliverables and contract management.
• Experience collaborating with senior policymakers, and host-country entities including central and local governments, development partners, and civil society organizations to foster innovation and locally-led public health initiatives and activities.
• Demonstrated ability to provide support to and oversight of local capacity development efforts.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience working with the private sector is a plus.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, social inclusion, and accessibility.