Country Director ICAP, Columbia University

About

ICAP at Columbia University
Based at Columbia University with operations in more than 30 countries, ICAP is a leader in global public health, internationally known for tackling the world’s toughest health challenges—from HIV to tuberculosis, from malaria to maternal and child health, and the growing problem of non-communicable diseases, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Through innovative research, collaborative technical assistance, and a focus on strengthening health systems, ICAP helps to create better, more accessible health services to reduce the burden of illness on people and communities. A beacon for inspiring change, ICAP disseminates knowledge and best practices to inspire better population health worldwide.

ICAP’s pioneering approach was inspired by the experience of Dr El-Sadr and her colleagues in the New York City community of Harlem, where HIV had been rapidly spreading and causing immeasurable suffering.

ICAP quickly engaged in the global HIV response, enabling the successful scale-up of HIV care and treatment in some of the most resource-challenged countries in the world. The immediate results galvanised the global health community.

Mission: ICAP transforms the health of populations through innovation, research, and global collaboration.

Vision: Healthy people, empowered communities, thriving societies.

You can find more information about ICAP on their website: icap.columbia.edu

Role purpose

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer of ICAP at Columbia University, the Country Director serves as the primary representative in Zambia and is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of ICAP’s entire program of technical assistance, research, and training. The Country Director leads the implementation and monitoring of ICAP’s portfolio of work in Zambia, oversees the technical, programmatic, and operational aspects of the country program, manages the optimal use of human, financial and physical resources, and ensures full compliance with donor regulations and requirements and University policies. As ICAP’s senior-most representative in the country, the Country Director will develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with the Government of Zambia and will effectively represent ICAP to the government, donors, CDC, PEPFAR and other implementing partners.

As Country Director, you will be responsible for:

Provides strategic leadership for the design and implementation of projects and technical assistance activities, and oversees program planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation
Drives optimal use of human, financial, and physical resources to successfully meet project milestones and technical quality standards, and to achieve project objectives, deliverables and targets in line with the expectations of ICAP and its donors and supporters.
Oversees and coordinates the successful completion of planning and budgeting requirements of the country office.
Supervises robust mechanisms and processes to monitor the implementation of projects, including progress toward achieving objectives and targets with high quality and on-time performance.
Provides effective oversight of all financial and administrative functions undertaken by the country office to provide efficient, effective and sufficient administrative support to all projects.
Ensures all activities are undertaken in full compliance with ICAP standard operating procedures, Columbia University and donor policies and regulations, and national laws and regulations.
Develops and maintains highly collaborative working relationships with representatives from the government, academic institutions, donors, and other implementing and collaborating partners.
Ensures documentation and dissemination of findings, impact, innovations, and lessons learned.
Leads in-country efforts to develop and mobilise new resources and donor commitments.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

About you – Education, Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required MBChB / MD (or international equivalent), PhD, MPH, or other relevant advanced degrees in the fields of public health or international development, strongly preferred.
Minimum eight years of experience leading large international public health programs, with at least 5 years managing public health programs in resource-limited settings
Demonstrated experience in leading HIV/AIDS program development, and monitoring in resource-limited settings
Demonstrated knowledge of technical content areas relevant to the current ICAP projects in Zambia
Proven record of leading donor-funded projects, to consistently meet objectives and targets
Demonstrated experience working on or leading health projects supported by the US Government, PEPFAR, CDC, the UN system agencies, foundations or other bilateral donors
Demonstrated knowledge of rules, regulations, and requirements of USG and other major international donors
Extensive experience and super skills in public health diplomacy, negotiations, and cross-cultural communications
Excellent oral presentation and writing skills in English
Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems, constraints and issues relevant to project implementation and performance
Proven ability to lead, manage and mentor a culturally diverse team operating in complex environments
In-depth knowledge of Zambia’s public health sector and national and provincial health systems
Demonstrated experience overseeing the design and implementation of technical assistance programs, research studies, public health evaluations, and training and education programs
Frequent domestic travel and 2-4 and international trips annually

Role Location

This role will be based in Lusaka, Zambia

Terms of Appointment

This is a full-time position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. A benefits package is also included.