Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Syphilis-Free Start Program in Zambia.
• Develop and execute comprehensive program plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, donor expectations, and Ministry of Health strategy.
• Engage with high-level stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), donors, and international partners, to advocate for program support and integration.
• Supervise the Senior Associate, providing guidance, support, and performance management to ensure effective contribution to the program.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment, ensuring clear communication and effective teamwork

Technical and Laboratory Expertise:

• Provide expert guidance on clinical, diagnostic and laboratory practices, including the use of HIV/syphilis dual tests, syphilis-only tests, HIV-only tests, and benzathine penicillin.
• Strengthen laboratory systems and workflows to ensure accurate and efficient diagnostics.
• Oversee quality assurance processes in health facilities and laboratories to maintain high standards of diagnostic accuracy.
• Offer clinical guidance on the management and treatment of maternal syphilis, ensuring adherence to national and international guidelines.
• Support the implementation of effective antenatal care procedures, including routine screening and timely treatment for syphilis.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to develop and implement clinical protocols and best practices for maternal syphilis management.

Program Implementation and Management:

• Lead the execution of program activities, ensuring timely and effective delivery of services.
• Develop and refine training materials, job aids, and mentorship tools tailored to the needs of healthcare providers.
• Support the MOH in implementing a training-of-trainers cascade or alternative training strategies to enhance frontline healthcare providers’ skills.

Supply Chain and Logistics:

• Work with MOH to Improve supply chain management, forecasting, and quantification of essential commodities.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address supply chain challenges and ensure consistent availability of testing and treatment supplies.
• Develop strategies for sustainable funding and procurement of key commodities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Work with the MLE department to implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program progress and impact.
• Together with the MLE department, utilize data to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate regular communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Organize and lead quarterly strategic meetings and bi-weekly check-ins to share updates and address challenges.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with the MOH, donors, and other key stakeholders.

Financial and Risk Management:

• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.
• Identify and mitigate risks to ensure program sustainability and compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.
• Support the development of proposals and budgets for new funding opportunities.

Compliance and Ethical Standards:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
•  Uphold the highest ethical standards in all program activities, particularly concerning the safety and well-being of participants.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in public health, international development, laboratory sciences, or a related field.

• At least 6-8 years of progressive experience in program management within the health sector, with a focus on maternal and child health, HIV, or infectious diseases.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale health programs in low-resource settings.
• Extensive experience working within the Zambian health system and with international health organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of laboratory practices, including diagnostics and quality assurance.
• Advanced skills in supply chain management and health systems strengthening.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the use of health information systems.
• Working knowledge of the Ministry of Health systems, antenatal care procedures, and relevant policies.
• Expertise in clinical management of maternal syphilis and antenatal care.
• Ability to develop and implement clinical protocols and guidelines.
• Experience in providing clinical training and mentorship to healthcare providers.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and team management abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing staff
• Fluency in English, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team, handling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Commitment to Evidence Action’s mission and values, with a focus on achieving measurable impact.