Job Title: Country Lead
Management Level: Senior Associate II
Reports to: Program Engagement Manager
Direct Reports: Field Associates
Job Location: Project Office
Travel Requirements: Up to 75%
I. Introduction
The Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is an indigenous nonprofit institution dedicated to accelerating positive health, social, and economic reforms. We achieve this through high-quality program design and implementation, capacity building, implementation science research, knowledge generation, agenda-setting, and stakeholder convening across various human development sectors. Our primary focus is on benefiting disadvantaged and underserved populations. Currently, we implement transformation programs in Nigeria and are expanding our footprint to several West and Central African countries. We are building a world-class management team to sustainably achieve our strategic growth objectives.
SCIDaR is part of a consortium of organizations working on a program to provide targeted support and sustainably build the leadership and management capacity of EPI team/managers. This program aims to strengthen EPI coordination fora and overall EPI programs at national and sub-national levels through the strategic use of data across eight countries.
II. Description and Objectives
The Country Lead will provide technical and operational leadership for the execution of the assigned EPI program within their country or region. Responsibilities include the day-to-day management of all program workflows and direct oversight of Field Associates executing assigned program activities. The Country Lead is responsible for all team deliverables and leads program-related interactions with primary clients and other relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the Country Lead will provide program status updates and support the Program Engagement Manager with country financial and non-financial planning.
III. Technical Responsibilities – Program Leadership
a. Program Implementation
- Lead immunization system diagnostics within the country or region.
- Oversee the day-to-day execution of EPI program activities and manage the workflows of assigned project teams.
- Monitor EPI program workstreams, identify risks, troubleshoot implementation challenges, identify and implement creative solutions, and escalate issues as necessary.
- Gather and analyze information, formulate and test hypotheses, and develop and communicate recommendations.
- Lead client management discussions and team implementation of recommendations.
- Ensure close collaboration and coordination with cooperating partners to guarantee smooth implementation of activities and achievement of outcomes.
- Lead routine technical problem-solving sessions with the primary client and relevant stakeholders to address implementation challenges and align on decisions to guide the path forward.
- Serve as the primary contact point for regional program officers and other stakeholders.
b. Program Monitoring and Reporting
- Regularly monitor and review program activities to ensure quality, accountability, and contractual compliance with agreed deliverables and performance indicators as per the scope of work.
- Contribute to the preparation of monthly/quarterly technical and financial reports (the latter in collaboration with the designated Finance Officer).
- Participate in structured mid-term and end-term program evaluations.
- Coordinate routine cleanup and archiving of all program documentation.
c. Program Staff Development and Team Building
- Participate in the assessment of candidates to affirm suitability for program roles.
- Contribute to program onboarding briefings with the program team at the start of a new program or when new staff join an existing program to communicate expectations, roles, deliverables, and performance indicators.
- Support individual team members in identifying and documenting learning goals at the beginning of the program and facilitate feedback sessions to track their progress.
- Facilitate periodic (at least monthly) individual performance reviews and provide feedback to program analysts on their strengths and areas for improvement related to program activities and deliverables.
- Contribute to all team management issues, including communication, data storage and sharing modalities, workstations, facilities, logistics, and team bonding activities.
- Participate in the comprehensive in-house professional development program, which includes periodic training needs assessments, new staff onboarding and orientation, in-class training sessions, and a staff mentoring program.
- Support Program Managers in anticipating project staffing requirements and planning staff placements to meet both employee professional development needs and project needs.
- Request ICT infrastructure and support services required for the effective execution of program activities.
IV. Required Competencies
a. Core Requirements
- Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR.
- Demonstrated strong strategic thinking and thought leadership abilities.
- Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively with people at all levels within an organization.
- Reliable people manager, capable of managing and promoting inclusive and diverse teams.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace.
- Strong logical reasoning and creative thinking skills.
- Results-oriented performer with experience in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
b. Education and Experience
- Academic Training: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Policy and Strategy Development, Medicine, Public Health, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Health Management, or a similarly relevant field.
- Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in implementing development programs; past effective leadership experience. Experience in strategy and systems strengthening in a major consulting firm is a plus.
V. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.
