Senior Technical Lead

PACT Overview

Pact is an international nonprofit that works in nearly 40 countries building solutions for human development that are evidence-based, data-driven and owned by the communities we serve. Founded in 1971, Pact works with partners to build resilience, improve accountability, and strengthen knowledge and skills for sustainable social impact.

Department

Programs - Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The Programs Team helps realize this objective by bridging program management, technical support, and business development, enabling Pact to achieve its global strategy. We ensure program excellence through continuous learning, monitoring and evaluation and provide organizational and industry-wide thought leadership by leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary skills, expertise, and experiences. The Programs team: influences progressive change through the development and implementation of global and regional strategies and business plans; supports advancement of innovative solutions; pursues new business opportunities; and drives effective internal and external engagement to maximize Pact’s impact across the globe. Across all aspects of its role, the Programs Department adheres to and promotes a culture of inclusion, accountability, and respect.

Position Overview

Pact seeks Senior Technical Leads across a range of technical disciplines for the anticipated USAID-funded Empowered Community Activity (ECA) opportunity. USAID/Ethiopia intends to award a five-year assistance activity to improve healthcare outcomes through evidence-based and theory-grounded community ownership of health and strengthened social accountability systems. ECA will be funded with a majority of family planning funding and some maternal and child health funding; therefore, all expected results and proposed solutions should contribute to the betterment of the lives of women, children and men who access reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, with a meaningful emphasis on family planning services. This Activity is anticipated to be released March 15, 2023, and awarded September 1, 2023. It is anticipated to be in the $25-$50M range. **These positions are contingent upon award.

**

The Senior Technical Leads should possess experience in one or more of the following areas:  RMNCAH, family planning, community engagement and mobilization, health literacy and advocacy, social accountability for health, capacity development of civil society organizations (CSOs), and youth- and gender-inclusive approaches. The Senior Technical Leads will partner closely with the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) to ensure that project objectives are met on time and within budget. Within their particular areas of expertise, they will provide technical leadership and direction to the project and develop the capacities of key stakeholders, CSOs, and private organizations to strengthen community voice and feedback in the delivery of essential health services, particularly RMNCAH and family planning services.

Key Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the DCOP, contribute to the delivery of high-quality technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the program's strategic objectives and adhering to expected technical quality and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to annual work planning, guide and oversee the alignment of the budget with planned activities and expected results.
• Under assigned technical areas, provide leadership and support the design and implementation of a programmatic approach that meaningfully engages women, youth, and marginalized groups in dialogue, planning, and accountability.
• Recruit, manage, supervise, and coach direct reports, ensuring they effectively support the project’s overall approach and performance toward expected results.
• Support the implementation of a highly adaptive, context-driven programmatic approach; lead and guide direct staff in flexible and adaptive planning and management of activities; and manage evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve more significant impact.
• Provide training and mentoring to local partners to strengthen their capacity for technical service delivery and to develop appropriate strategies, systems, and structures for their optimal performance.
• Collaborate closely with other Senior Technical Leads to integrate technical strategies and approaches; jointly identify gaps and solutions; and ensure data-driven technical and management decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Pact and USAID requirements, policies, and regulations.
• Ensure the cost-effective use of Pact resources.
• Under the guidance of the DCOP, act as liaison to relevant donors, government, and other stakeholders.
• As relevant, manage local grantmaking mechanisms, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and Pact policy; coordinate and/or conduct monitoring visits to sub-grantee programs.
• Deliver technical presentations on program achievements to implementing partners, civil society organizations, government officials, donors, and other organizations.
• Represent ECA with stakeholders in their area of expertise when and as requested by the Deputy Chief of Party or Chief of Party.

Basic Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Public Health, development studies, or a relevant field; Master's degree preferred.
• At least five (5) years of experience in successfully implementing international development activities, with preference given to RMNCAH, family planning and/or nutrition activities, three (3) years of which shall have been in senior program management, including direct supervision of professional and support staff.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:   RMNCAH; family planning; community engagement and mobilization; health literacy and advocacy; social accountability for health; capacity development of civil society organizations (CSOs); and youth- and gender-inclusive approaches.
• Experience building capacity and providing technical assistance to local health organizations and/or civil society actors through mentorship and coaching.
• Experience working on USAID-funded projects is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and between stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and funders.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with various government and civil society stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in problem-solving, negotiating, decision-making, and consensus-building.
• Knowledge of Ethiopia's political, social, health, and economic context.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Amharic (oral, writing, and reading) required.
• Ability to travel within project areas of Ethiopia as may be required.