Program Manager

The Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P) is implementing Integrated Package of Systems Strengthening, Nutrition and Immunizations in Pakistan (SNIP) with support from Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and The Power of Nutrition. The project aims to reduce the infant and child mortality and morbidity due to vaccine-preventable diseases and undernutrition through equitable and sustained immunization and nutrition coverage in priority districts of Pakistan.

AKHS, P is looking for a highly talented and creative Program Manager to successfully implement the SNIP project in Sindh Province. The position will play a key role in achieving three inter-related outcomes to achieve this over-arching objective.

Outcome 1: Strengthen the health system to address gaps in routine immunization and nutrition services through an integrated service delivery approach.

Outcome 2: Increase demand for immunization and nutrition services by addressing social, cultural, and gender related barriers to immunization and nutrition.

Outcome 3: Systematically generate empirical evidence showcasing the multifaceted benefits of integrated service delivery of immunization and nutrition through primary health care and outreach ultimately informing evidence-based decision-making and policy recommendations.

S/he will provide technical support and knowledge to the District Coordinators, MCH Officers, Nutrition Officers and other district staff for program implementation. The Manager Programs will have a strategic coordination role to ensures that the objectives of SNIP are achieved to strengthen health system to deliver quality, gender-responsive and equitable immunization and nutrition services.

The Position will be based in Karachi-Sindh and requires frequent travelling to project implementation areas.

Key Responsibilities

1. 1.     Support integration and system strengthening needs for immunization and nutrition:

• Offer expertise and guidance to district teams based on the specific immunization, MCH, and nutrition needs and fill gaps to deliver quality, gender-responsive and equitable services.
• Ensure that district teams are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources for effective project implementation.

1. 2.      Act as a liaison between provincial teams and higher-level project management:

• Serve as a bridge between the provincial teams and higher-level project management, conveying key information and ensuring a smooth flow of communication.
• Address concerns or challenges arising at the provincial level and escalate them appropriately for resolution.
• Represent the interests and needs of district teams during project planning and decision-making processes. 

1. 3.      Coordination, communication, and stakeholder management:

• Coordinate activities between the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), Provincial Health Department, Aga Khan University (AKU), and AKDN agencies:
• Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between EPI, Provincial Health Department, and project stakeholders.
• Serve as a focal point for coordinating efforts and information exchange between various entities involved in the immunization project.
• Foster a collaborative environment to enhance the synergy of efforts towards achieving project objectives. 

1. 4.      Ensure effective program/project management, monitoring, and delivery of results around immunization efforts and nutrition interventions:

• Support the development and implementation strategies to increase immunization levels and uptake of nutritional interventions at the provincial level.
• Develop yearly plans with detailed programmatic implementation targets, micro plans, budgets, responsibilities, and timelines.
• Develop and align project design, SOPs, guidelines, and KPIs/ Indicators for district teams for effective implementation and service delivery.
• Oversee procurement requirements of the project, ensure timely approvals are received, orders are placed, and delivery is on time for smooth implementation of project activities.
• Ensure all necessary communication, documentation, and approvals for above are obtained on time.
• Ensure an annual spending rate of more than 90% is achieved through effective grant management.

This profile is not an exhaustive description. As a member of an evolving program team, the individual in this role will have to undertake tasks beyond the specified job description as and when needed.

Qualification & Experience

• MBBS, BScN/ MScN, MPH, or Diploma in Public Health
• At least 5 years’ experience of project / program management / coordination in development sector.
• Previous experience of working with Provincial Department of Health will be added advantage.
• Experience in technical report writing, proposal writing, concept notes, briefs, and presentations.
• Demonstrated proficiency in professional software required to perform above writing and presentation development tasks.

Skills, Ability and Traits Required

• Capability to handle resources, timelines, and control processes in the program.
• Attention to forecast potential difficulties, trouble shoot and work around obstacles.
• Ability to communicate clearly and have the potential to be able to train.
• Ability to write to a high standard. 
• Highly organised and able to deliver results according to time-bound deadlines.
• Willingness to travel to program focused geographic areas.
• Fully flexible to work with the diverse program team to take on tasks and support evolving work streams.

The position is contingent on approval of funds. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for test/interview. AKHS, P is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply.

AKHS is committed to reducing our impact on climate and the environment and have set ourselves the goal of striving for net-zero carbon operations by 2030. All staff are expected to take part in making this a reality. The Program Manager accompanied with his/her Line Manager is expected to identify and understand which aspects of his/her work have most impact on the environment, and define tasks, work, and personal goals within his/her work plan to reduce these impacts and bring AKHS closer to net zero.