UCHICAGO RESEARCH BANGLADESH (URB) COUNTRY DIRECTOR

Context:

UChicago Research Bangladesh (URB) is a research affiliate of the University of Chicago. The main objective is to improve equity in health, reduce risk and research determinants for health and its appropriate interventions. URB is conducting public health and biomedical research in Bangladesh using state-of-the-art population, clinical, and molecular laboratories. Research is primarily focused on reducing environmental risk factors causing significant public health problems that the people of Bangladesh face and translate knowledge into policy and practice.

Job Purpose:

The purpose of the position is to provide overall leadership and strategic direction to the URB country program in Bangladesh to achieve the organizational vision, mission and objectives. Reporting to the US-based CEO and Executive Administrator, the Country Director will be a thought partner to both of these individuals. The ideal candidate should be able to both think broadly and strategically about our administrative and scientific work and also be detail oriented and organized about the implementation and structures necessary to move our vision into reality. The Country Director will be charged with the day-to-day management of programming, facilities, financial accountability, grant and contract administration, human resources, information technology and reporting functions. S/he will work closely with CEO and Project Directors on all areas of scientific programming. S/he represents URB with Government, Local and international Organizations in Bangladesh. S/he will take a leading role in developing, overseeing implementation, reviewing and monitoring of the country program strategy and ensuring the same in line with HQ strategic directions and overall thematic focus. The CD is responsible for developing new operational and programming initiatives, new partnerships and maintaining existing partnerships and actively lead key phases of ongoing programs including phase out. S/he is responsible to promote fundraising initiatives ensuring the smooth running of the country program and it’s financial & grants management as well as the program’s sustainability.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION:

Provide overall leadership in the development and implementation of the URB’s Scientific Field Research and Operation Management strategy in line with URB’s Strategic Plan. Facilitate the alignment of URB’s scientific research to strategic organizational thematic priorities and accountability mechanisms provided in the URB programming framework. Provide leadership for the dissemination of URB’s values, vision and mission at the country level and lead, direct and mentor the country program and its staff in line with the organizational strategy. Keep abreast on socio-economic and political changes in the environment and undertake timely strategic review of the URB Country program Strategy ensuring continued relevance in the rapidly changing environment. Maintain close communication with the HQ on relevant factors and changes in the environment.

REPRESENTATION:

Represent URB in Bangladesh and be responsible for the management of host country relations and URB interests in dealing with government, international and local organizations, networks and media in the country Program. Significantly contribute towards consolidating and raising the profile of URB. Develop and strengthen relationships with local organization’s and networks and establish national and regional strategic relations and alliances with partners and civil society.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT:

Lead in the development of the country program providing sound methodological and technical support to ensure use of participatory methodologies, human rights and equal opportunities as per the organizational thematic alignment and programming approach. Coordinate the Country Program participatory annual planning and budgeting as per organizational guidelines. Oversee and coordinate the program portfolio to ensure the highest level of project quality and accountability, while fostering continuity through building local capacity and developing innovative program interventions. Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of continuous research and advocacy plan on issues of relevance in the country aligned with URB’s HQ programmatic and policy priorities. Provide continuous monitoring and support to field offices and existing projects, coordinate program reviews, evaluations, and follow up implementation of evaluation findings in close collaboration with the Project Directors. Coordinate the production of timely quality program reports in line with URB and donor requirements.

FUNDING AND GRANT MANAGEMENT:

Develop networks and partnerships with national/regional/international institutions in Bangladesh and lead donor collaboration, fund raising and project development within the country. Keep abreast of the trends within the donor environment within the Country and Internationally. Undertake diversified local and international fundraising initiatives to strengthen program funding and sustainability. Coordinate the production of good quality funding proposals and respond to call for proposals. Facilitate donor visits, donor meetings, round table discussions and evaluations as necessary. Ensure that effective grant management systems are in place and are consistent with the overall organization fund seeking and management policy and promote their application. Be aware of all donors conditionality in the country program and monitor adherence to donors conditionality.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

In close collaboration with the Executive Administrator, Project Manager and the URB Board of Directors CD will:

Provide oversight to all finance and administrative services of the country program. Ensure effective implementation and compliance with the overall finance & guidance manual and compliance with procedures required by local law. Oversee the development and implementation of annual country budgets. Ensure that adequate internal control mechanisms are in place. Ensure adequate mechanisms are in place for budget monitoring and review and minimize significant expenditure variances. Review accuracy of accounts and carry out periodic checks on financial matters. Monitor the timely delivery of quality accounts and comment. Oversee annual and project-specific audit processes within the country program. Ensure the preparation, accuracy and timely submission of financial reports that comply with grant or contract agreements and ensure compliance with all aspects of URB policies, donor funding and regulatory requirements. Check and verify all inventories and promote efficient management of organizational assets.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

In close collaboration with the Executive Administrator, Project Manager and the Chief Scientific Officer CD will:

Provide leadership support to country program staff and promote best practices in human resources management. Coordinate regular reviews and update of the human resources policies and procedures for the country program and ensure compliance with the overall human resources management manual and the national labor laws. Oversee adequate implementation of the performance management system including performance objectives and planning, review, appraisal and staff development. Coordinate the development of a staff development plan in line with strategic directions of URB in the country program. Oversee and monitor efficiency and fairness of recruitment processes across the country program. Provide coaching and counseling advice to staff when necessary and lead initiatives to develop staff capacity. Organize regular meetings with the senior management team and all staff for the purpose of exchanging information, coordination and learning. Ensure that the country senior management team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in decision making Information, communication and learning. Ensure that key program documents (strategy program document, projects proposals, research, reports, etc.) are internally shared with the Secretariat and agreed upon before communicating to donors and other external parties. Ensure that all communication infrastructures are set up in the program and smooth information flow is maintained. Ensure that experiences and best practices are documented and shared across the organization supervision & collaboration.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS:

S/he will work in collaboration with staff in various sections at the HQ level Chief Executive Officer/Executive Administrator, Project Manager and Finance and Grants Unit; Finance Director; Human Resources and Legal Affairs; and all other UC stakeholders.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Supervision: Works independently under the supervision of the Executive Administrator, Chief Executive Officer within approved strategy and policy guidelines. Decision Making: Has full responsibility of decisions at country level in line with approved policy Responsibility over assets: Overall responsibility for the country budget, all organizational resources and assets. Responsibility over staff: All country staff

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Education /Qualification:

Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences and/or Business Administration, or other related discipline from a leading University. Experience, knowledge or training in Public Health Research.

Relevant Work Experience:

Minimum 10 years demonstrated working experience in program development, implementation and evaluation; 5 of which should be at senior management level. Progressive experience of program management (at least 10 years) in the INGO sector in Bangladesh with a proven track record as a senior manager and leader, including experience in developing and implementing strategic plans. A strong understanding of managing similar programs operations in the developing world, preferably within the social development sector with hands-on experience in implementing scientific research programs including advocacy. Proven experience in proposal development from concept note to full proposal and experience in other innovative strategies of resource mobilization with a proven record in raising substantial research/ development funds. Knowledge and Experience managing compliance to diverse donors (CIDA, DFID, EU, USAID, ECHO, SDC etc.); Proven experience as representative of a leading organization in a country Demonstrable network of contacts and high standing in his/her profession with proven record of building and managing effective partnerships and strategic alliances. Proven experience in scientific research and advocacy. Strong People and financial management skills. Previous experience with public health research or with working in a public health research setting.

Key Skills /Knowledge/Competencies:

An understanding of and commitment to URB’s mission and values. Well established and practiced organizational and planning skills; and extensive knowledge and experience of project cycle management including using project planning and management key tools (e.g. Logical Framework analysis, Gantt chart, etc.). Strong knowledge of financial management and accounting and budget holding principles. Strong management and organizational skills, including comfort in delegating authority and responsibility. Knowledge of research techniques and methods. Excellent interpersonal & negotiation skills, including ability to effectively lead and build a team, communicate a vision, make timely and transparent decisions, solve problems and manage conflict. Demonstrated Leadership and Management skills that effectively motivate staff and support team building; demonstrated ability to manage a professional team in a multi-cultural environment; and build teams. Demonstrated ability to undertake high-level representation and advocacy. Fluency in two of URB’s working languages. Excellent communications skills, both oral and written (excellent report & proposal writing), including public speaking. Computer Literate and Proficient in Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally. Developed ability of raising the profile of an organization, strategically networking with government agencies, donors and other international agencies, and using the media as appropriate. Ability to handle a large workload, work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision Decision-making and problem solving skills. Overseas experience in similar organizations

How to apply:

All applicants must complete an application form which is attached to this posting. Please submit completed application form and CV to Gloria Balcazar at urbjobs@health.bsd.uchicago.edu.

Job posting and application form can also be found by visiting our website at http://www.urb-bd.org. To access, please click on the "Working At URB" link and then the "Job Opporunitites" link.

Deadline for completed applications is Wednesday, July 31, 2013. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must be eligible to work in Bangladesh. URB is an equal opportunity employer. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package is offered.