Malawi Full-Time
Reporting to the ICAP Country Representative and secondarily to the Deputy Director, Implementation, the Program Specialist provides project management and operational support for one or more ICAP country offices in support of donor funded program activities. The Program Specialist works with senior staff in the country program to ensure compliance with donor/sponsor requirements and to facilitate communication with donors/sponsors and ICAP-New York (NY) staff. The Program Specialist assists senior staff in the management of country office operations, including support in general financial and operational management, as well as with program planning and documentation of program achievements and reporting. The Program Specialist coordinates the interaction between the ICAP NY staff and in-country counterparts; ensures that in-country program/technical and financial/administrative staff have information required to facilitate both project-related decision-making and ICAP's ability to meet donor/sponsor requirements and expectations. The Program Specialist supports in-country staff to develop programmatic and financial reports that are of high quality and are prepared in a manner that meets donor/sponsor requirements. The Program Specialist supports in-country senior management in the development and implementation of management systems to help achieve financial, administrative, and programmatic goals.
This position is grant funded.
Note: The successful candidate will be a locally hired employee of the ICAP in Malawi office with a competitive salary and benefits package.
Major Accountabilities
- In collaboration with in-country leadership, supports and contributes in the strategic planning and work plan development and monitoring process for ICAP country programs, including participation in country program meetings and retreats
- Supports the development and implementation of management systems for country projects to achieve financial, administrative and programmatic goals and targets, including planning and monitoring program implementation and program budgets/expenditures
- Works closely with country staff and ICAP NY teams in the development of award budgets, including budget modifications
- Facilitates identification and coordination of appropriate technical inputs from ICAP NY into program planning
- Supports development and submission of required grant-related actions, including requests for prior approval for procurement of equipment, consultants and sub-agreements to ensure they meet donor and ICAP/CU requirements
- Serves as a liaison with staff from donors/sponsors regarding expenditures and grant actions when requested by Country Director or Senior Implementation Director
- Facilitates communication between NY-based ICAP leadership and counterparts in country programs via regular phone conferences and/or face-to-face meetings. Maintains regular communications with NY via e-mail or telephone to identify and discuss program issues, challenges, and solutions to the implementation of program activities
- Facilitates information flow between technical/program and finance/administrative staff in-country to ensure country operations support program and donor requirements, and are in compliance with ICAP SOP
- Coordinates the provision of technical assistance to designated country programs
- Supports and coordinates, when required, the development and presentation of high quality quarterly and annual progress and financial reports to government partners and other requesting entities
- Participates in the preparation of technical presentations, manuscripts and other communications. Addresses queries or requests for reports or information from senior management and donors/sponsors
- Supports and coordinates training programs for in-country ICAP staff on Columbia University's Policies and Procedures, ICAP Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs) and the USG/other donor- related rules and regulations
- Liaises with ICAP-NY Human Resources in support of the recruitment efforts of international hires (CU and locally hired international staff) and other senior country program staff and to address local human resources issues
- Contributes to the development and management of sub-agreement awards
- Supports new business development by assisting in the development of proposals in response to requests for applications ( RFAs)
- Performs other related duties as directed
Education
- Master's Degree in Public Health or related discipline
Experience, Skills & Minimum Required Qualifications
- Minimum three (3) years of experience working in public health program development, implementation and monitoring of international health programs, preferably in program areas directly related to HIV, malaria or tuberculosis control and prevention programs. Experience in-country positions preferred
- Direct experience in budgeting, financial management, operations and logistics associated with donor/sponsor-supported international public health programs
- Specific experience working with U.S. government ( USG)-funded public health programs supported through grants, cooperative agreements and/or contracts (e.g., CDC, USAID) and working knowledge of USG rules and regulations
- Excellent oral/written communications, interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills
- Excellent analytical and quantitative skills; interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience operating in highly complex business environments; and advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office suite
- Demonstrated experience working in a team-based environment, in exercising independent judgment and decision making and working with minimum supervision and direction within broad established guidelines
- Competency and demonstrated experience in public speaking in order to present information to audiences of all sizes representing varied levels of technical expertise
Experience, Skills & Preferred Qualifications
- Prior supervisory and/or management experience within an international assistance organization
Travel Requirements
- Requires two (2) to four (4) trips annually to ICAP NY headquarters with each trip lasting seven (7) to fourteen (14) days
- Requires periodic travel within country or the immediate region with some trips requiring overnight stays
- Frequent travel to Zimbabwe
Application Instructions
To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to: icap-jobs-malawi@columbia.edu
Please indicate 'Program Specialist – Malawi' in the subject line
Please do not attach any certificates when submitting on line. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.
Columbia University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, religion, creed, national and ethnic origin, age, citizenship, status as a perceived or actual victim of domestic violence, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran, or any other legally protected status.
