Job Details

About Evidence Action

Evidence Action is a global nonprofit organization with an approach distinctive in international development – we exclusively scale interventions that are backed by strong evidence and can be delivered with exceptional cost-effectiveness. Since our founding in 2013, we have reached over 515 million people globally with our interventions. We deliver high impact for every dollar spent, as recognized by GiveWell, The Life You Can Save, and Charity Navigator.

We do development differently : We take a data-driven approach to identifying, scaling, and continuously improving programs which deliver immense impact, ensuring these solutions measurably improve the lives of millions. Our Deworm the World Program has helped governments in Africa and Asia deliver over 1.8 billion childhood deworming treatments, improving health, education, and incomes. Safe Water Now provides sustained safe water access to over 10 million people in Africa, preventing childhood illness and deaths.

We drive innovation: Our Accelerator builds the next generation of exceptional programs, taking an approach most similar to a venture capital model. We are ruthless in exiting programs which do not meet our criteria; those that advance deliver outsized impact for millions of people.

We are global: Across nine countries in Africa and Asia, our 700+ people are united by a tremendous passion for our mission and impact. We are strong because of our diversity of experience, geography, and background – with over 90% of our people in the countries where our impact is focused.

We have big ambitions: Over the next decade, we’re setting our sights higher: We aim to reach over 600 million people globally to fulfill our vision of a world where hundreds of millions of people in the poorest places have better opportunities and their lives are measurably improved. We believe in bold and urgent action – because poverty doesn’t wait, and neither should we.

We need great people: Our success to date is due to the collective work of our amazing staff. To achieve our ambitious goals, we are looking for people who share our passion for evidence, cost-effectiveness, and scale. We seek individuals who take an entrepreneurial approach, enjoy tackling hard problems, and have a bias to action and results. If our vision and approach excite you as much as it does us, we invite you to join us.

Job Purpose

The Program Manager for Evidence Action’s Syphilis-Free Start Program will oversee the comprehensive implementation of all program activities relating to the program in Zambia. This role requires advanced program management skills, a deep understanding of public health strategies, and specialized knowledge in laboratory practices. Additionally, the Program Manager must have working knowledge of Ministry of Health (MOH) systems, antenatal care (ANC) procedures, and relevant policies. The Program Manager will provide strategic direction, ensure the highest standards of program delivery, and foster robust relationships with stakeholders.

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Reports to: Country Director, Zambia

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Syphilis-Free Start Program in Zambia.
• Develop and execute comprehensive program plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, donor expectations, and Ministry of Health strategy.
• Engage with high-level stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), donors, and international partners, to advocate for program support and integration.
• Supervise the Senior Associate, providing guidance, support, and performance management to ensure effective contribution to the program.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment, ensuring clear communication and effective teamwork

Technical and Laboratory Expertise:

• Provide expert guidance on clinical, diagnostic and laboratory practices, including the use of HIV/syphilis dual tests, syphilis-only tests, HIV-only tests, and benzathine penicillin.
• Strengthen laboratory systems and workflows to ensure accurate and efficient diagnostics.
• Oversee quality assurance processes in health facilities and laboratories to maintain high standards of diagnostic accuracy.
• Offer clinical guidance on the management and treatment of maternal syphilis, ensuring adherence to national and international guidelines.
• Support the implementation of effective antenatal care procedures, including routine screening and timely treatment for syphilis.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to develop and implement clinical protocols and best practices for maternal syphilis management.

Program Implementation and Management:

• Lead the execution of program activities, ensuring timely and effective delivery of services.
• Develop and refine training materials, job aids, and mentorship tools tailored to the needs of healthcare providers.
• Support the MOH in implementing a training-of-trainers cascade or alternative training strategies to enhance frontline healthcare providers’ skills.

Supply Chain and Logistics:

• Work with MOH to Improve supply chain management, forecasting, and quantification of essential commodities.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address supply chain challenges and ensure consistent availability of testing and treatment supplies.
• Develop strategies for sustainable funding and procurement of key commodities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Work with the MLE department to implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program progress and impact.
• Together with the MLE department, utilize data to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate regular communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Organize and lead quarterly strategic meetings and bi-weekly check-ins to share updates and address challenges.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with the MOH, donors, and other key stakeholders.

Financial and Risk Management:

• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.
• Identify and mitigate risks to ensure program sustainability and compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.
• Support the development of proposals and budgets for new funding opportunities.

Compliance and Ethical Standards:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in all program activities, particularly concerning the safety and well-being of participants.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Extensive experience working within the Zambian health system and with international health organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of laboratory practices, including diagnostics and quality assurance.
• Advanced skills in supply chain management and health systems strengthening.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the use of health information systems.
• Working knowledge of the Ministry of Health systems, antenatal care procedures, and relevant policies.
• Expertise in clinical management of maternal syphilis and antenatal care.
• Ability to develop and implement clinical protocols and guidelines.
• Experience in providing clinical training and mentorship to healthcare providers.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and team management abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing staff
• • Fluency in English, both written and oral.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team, handling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • Commitment to Evidence Action’s mission and values, with a focus on achieving measurable impact.

  Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Program Manager. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role

Other Requirements

• The candidate must be able to travel by various modes of transportation and must be able to endure long periods of sitting or standing during travel. They must also be able to navigate unfamiliar environments and adapt to different cultural norms.
• In addition, the candidate should have the ability to work in less developed rural areas, which may have limited access to modern infrastructure and amenities. This may require the candidate to adapt to basic living conditions, such as limited electricity or running water, and be comfortable with potential challenges such as extreme weather and environmental conditions.