Director of Program Systems Unit Pathfinder International Watertown, United States

To be considered for this position, please apply online at: http://www.pathfinder.org/about-us/careers/employment-opportunities/

Pathfinder Overview

Pathfinder International is a global leader in sexual and reproductive health. We place reproductive health care at the center of all that we do—believing that it is not only a fundamental human right, but is critical for expanding life opportunities for women, families, communities, and nations, and paving the way for transformations in environmental stewardship, decreases in population pressures, and innovations in poverty reduction. Pathfinder provides women, men, and adolescents with a range of quality health services—from contraception and maternal care to HIV prevention and AIDS care and treatment. Pathfinder strives to strengthen access to family planning, ensure availability of safe abortion services and post-abortion care, advocate for sound reproductive health policies, and, through all of our work, improve the rights and lives of the people we serve.

Department Overview

The Technical and Program Strengthening Department (TAPS) coordinates, manages and increases visibility and funding for Pathfinder International programs. TAPS provides support to determine the strategic direction of Pathfinder programs and to ensure the alignment of programmatic and technical realities in the field with organizational strategies. The Department also ensures Pathfinder’s management systems are in place and effectively utilized to facilitate and strengthen the management of projects and programs in the field. TAPS also provides strategic leadership of all technical aspects of Pathfinder International’s programs. In close collaboration with Pathfinder’s field and Headquarters staff, TAPS conceptualizes and plans program development activities and builds on country and international best practices. Three technical and program units comprise the Department: Program Systems, Technical Services, and Research and Metrics Units.

Position Purpose

The Program Systems Unit (PSU) Director is responsible for overseeing the team that creates, improves, and maintains systems for project and program management through the following: a) maintaining a platform for the development and documentation of processes and guidance for project management that includes subaward management, workplanning, donor and counterpart relations, and compliance with donor requirements; b) developing the Program Systems Electronic Manual, an online resource that houses Pathfinder’s policies, procedures and organizational experience in implementing programs; c) organizing, maintaining, and developing Pathfinder’s performance monitoring system as an organizational tool for tracking project progress in achieving results; and d) providing support building the capacity of Pathfinder staff worldwide, in the area of operations and project management. For effective coordination and assistance, the Director of PSU works very closely with the other Units of the Department and Country Management Teams under the Country and Regional Operations Department.

Key Responsibilities

Directs and manages the Program Systems Unit, including overseeing day- to-day operations of the unit, supervising and providing guidance and support to the staff. Responsible for developing, managing, and monitoring of the Unit budget. Oversees the development, implementation and strengthening of processes to improve support to programs and subprojects including procedures to ensure program compliance with USG and other donor regulations. Supports the County Management Teams (CMTs) and field offices during project/office start-up and closing activities, ensuring systems are in place and guidance is provided. Supports the CMTs and field offices in subaward management including mechanism selection; subproject proposal review and processing; project modifications; and ensuring timely processing of subrecipient reports. Coordinates with the Vice President of Administration (VPA) in relation to field operations, including local registrations. Ensures that performance monitoring is strengthened and well adopted both at HQ and in the field programs. Provides guidance to Program Management in development and improvement of tools, including standards and procedures, for efficient and effective management. Oversees departmental capacity building efforts, including the development and provision of on-site and virtual training on program systems. Provides support to new business development efforts such as partaking in donor visits and contributing to proposal development (i.e. participating in fact-finding visits and providing technical input and guidance) as needed. Ensures high quality donor reports are developed and submitted by the field offices. Collaborates very closely with the Country Management Teams, the Technical Services Unit and the Research and Metrics Unit to ensure the quality of program management. Coordinates with other Departments related to program systems. May serve as a member the Operations Team/Expanded Leadership Team.

Basic Requirements

MBA or an MPH in related field, e.g., Public Health, Public Administration or Social Sciences. 15+ years of work experience including at least 7+ years of management experience related to systems and program management in the field of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) or international health. Proven track record or expertise in development of systems, including development and/or improvement of procedure manuals and guidelines. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Strong ability to multi-task. Windows based computer skills, particularly in word processing and spreadsheet software applications. Willingness to travel internationally up to 20% time.

Preferred Qualifications

Long-term experience living and working in a developing country desired. Fluency in French, Portuguese or Kiswahili. 5+ years’ experience in building/strengthening capacity of local organizations from public, private and NGO sectors.

Pathfinder International is proud to be an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.