Country Director Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation

About MGIC

Since the 1970’s, the University of Maryland, Baltimore has been engaged in critical global health initiatives around the world.  In September 2009, the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) was formed as a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) to help support the implementation of UMB international programs. UMB, through MGIC, currently has offices in Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia. MGIC’s administrative operations support the research and clinical programs of the School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology (IHV) and Center for International Health, Education & Biosecurity (Ciheb), and other UMB entities.

In Zambia, UMB started operations in 2004 and has implemented several programs funded under the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In Zambia Maryland Global Initiative is registered as branch under the Certificate of Compliance.

Position Description

The Country Director (CD), as the leader and official local representative for the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC)’s office in Zambia, will develop and maintain highly collaborative working relationships for the University of Maryland School of Medicine with local government representatives, local academic institutions, in-country donor representatives, and other implementing partners. As the highest ranking official on-ground, the CD will uphold and protect the University’s core values and mission. The CD will report to the CIHEB Global Director. As a member of the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine community, the CD has a clear obligation to conduct the affairs of the University in Zambia by safeguarding the best interests and fiduciary obligations of the University and MGIC.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to design, implement, and evaluate high-quality projects in Zambia.
• Serve as the legal representative in Zambia for MGIC.
• Foster a strong ethical culture and healthy, supportive working environment for employees in Zambia and among colleagues outside the country.
• Oversee financial, procurement, and administrative operations in the country office, including, but not limited to: prudent fiscal management, value-for-money procurement, and use of University/MGIC resources in line with the University’s values.
• Provide effective management and leadership of the Zambia office by ensuring accountability, civility, and diversity are key components of the office culture.
• Ensure that all activities are undertaken in full compliance with MGIC policies and procedures, donor requirements and regulations, and applicable US and Zambia laws.
• Oversee the development and implementation of performance monitoring plans, as well as lead timely reviews to identify issues and drive evidence-based interventions to fulfill programmatic outcomes and objectives.
• Lead the University in-country efforts for business development and mobilization of new resources.
• Lead the University in-country efforts for research development, grant applications, and dissemination via publications and scientific venues; ensure the organization is a leader in developing new evidence and applying evidence-based practices.
• Ensure project results, impact, innovations, and lessons learned are documented and disseminated.
• Ensure no Conflict of Commitment arises for which he/she or any member of the country staff engages in paid or unpaid activities that interferes with his/her primary obligations and commitments to the University.
• Ensure Zambia office specific procedures for personnel, finance, administration, and security are in place and regularly updated for the current operating context.
• Coordinate with UMB and UMSOM to create and sustain collaborative projects between Zambia and Maryland, particularly in regards to bilateral global health research and education initiatives
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Doctorate Degree in Medicine, Public Health or Business Management related field.
• Specialized training in medicine, public health, and implementation science strongly preferred
• Current university faculty members strongly preferred

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience managing and implementing public health programs funded by USAID, CDC, Global Fund, etc.; experience with development and aid programs in Zambia preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience managing and implementing public health programs
• At least 7 years of experience leading and managing a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment, including recruitment, staff development, training, mentoring, and performance assessment.
• At least 7 years of experience in global health medical education.
• At least 5 years of experience in leading research development and implementation, with NIH-funded research experience preferred.

Specialized Knowledge

• Medical qualifications to provide HIV patient care and treatment
• Prior experience and knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programming preferred.
• Must have proven knowledge and prior experience with US government rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing and overseeing complex USG grant implementation, preferably in Zambia
• Proven technical research skills, with experience in management of research grants, statistical analysis, and scientific writing and publication
• Demonstrated financial management experience, including the oversight of budgets and subcontracts, and adherence to USG procurement requirements.
• Ability to teach global health to medical trainees at all levels

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to create efficiencies and lead operational transformation in complex programs or projects;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; proven diplomatic and public relations skills.
• Proven grant writing ability, with track record of successful grant applications
• Proven scientific writing ability, with track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Willingness to live in Zambia and travel nationally and internationally up to 30%.