Project Scale-Up Coordinator/Technical Specialist with Abt Assoc. - Tanzania

Abt Associates is a for-profit government and business research and consulting firm with approximately 1200 employees in the US and over 30 other countries. Our talented staff, which includes experts in fields as diverse as public health, economics, survey research, environment, business strategy, education, international development, urban affairs, and clinical trials, work in small, focused teams. Our clients include U.S federal, state, and local government organizations; foreign governments; international organizations; foundations; nonprofit associations and institutions; and business and industry.

The District Scale-up Coordinator is an integral part of a team that will strengthen Tanzanian district level local government authorities' (LGAs) to manage quality health, HIV/AIDS, and OVC programs. This new PEPFAR funded project will focus on developing a comprehensive approach to supporting the LGAs, by expanding district level skills to manage funds, monitor results and prioritize programs. A large portion of the project is focused on effective program monitoring, the use of data for decision-making, evaluating results and the effective utilization of financial management systems. The District Scale-up Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the capacity building efforts in the initial pilot districts during the first year, and will lead the effort to scale-up interventions throughout Tanzania during subsequent years. *This position is contingent on successful award of a proposal.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Work directly with Tanzanian LGAs at the district level to assess barriers which undermine district-level performance, and identify interventions to be implemented to improve capacity and achieve quality health results at the district level.
• Provide day to day support to the pilot districts by maintaining relations with the Council Health Management Teams and other LGAs.
• Coordinate with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) and the PMORALG to ensure government ownership and leadership in the selected pilot districts.
• Coordinate capacity building efforts of the project in the pilot districts.
• Coordinate with other partners/donors in selected districts.
• Assist the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor in the monitoring of the project, through baseline collection of data, monitoring of results and use of data for decision-making.
• Participate in the plan for dissemination and lessons learned and present results of program achievements and outputs in written reports and at conferences and meetings.

Skills Required:

• Master's Degree with 10 years of experience, or PhD with 4-6 years of experience in public health or related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in managing donor-funded projects at national and international levels.
• Experience building capacity at the district level (specifically in Tanzania)with innovative capacity building approaches.
• Ability to liaise with LGAs to coordinate capacity building efforts.
• Willingness to travel (50% of work-time) to districts throughout Tanzania
• Strong writing and organizational skills for monitoring and reporting on program and study results.
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills, initiative, and good judgment.
• Ability to anticipate and solve problems.
• Ability to independently plan and execute complex tasks while addressing daily management details and remaining organized and focused on long-term deadlines and strategy.
• Strong preference for local candidates. No relocation or international benefits/allowances offered.

Please email CVs and cover letters to tanzaniajobs@abtassoc.com with the position title specified in the subject line.

Application deadline is 2nd October 2009