Chief of Party at U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements manufactured, distributed and consumed worldwide. USP’s drug standards are enforceable in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration, and these standards are used in more than 140 countries.

Since its founding in 1820, USP has helped secure the quality of the American drug supply. Building on that legacy, USP today works with scientists, practitioners, and regulators of many nations to develop and revise standards that help protect public health worldwide.

The Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) program, supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention CUSP), helps developing countries effectively address critical issues related to poor quality medicines. It helps USAID-assisted countries strengthen their quality assurance and quality control systems to better ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines that reach patients.

The U. S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is seeking qualified candidates to fill the vacant position, which will be based in Lagos, Nigeria:
Position: Chief of Party-Nigeria, USP PQM

Location: Lagos
Reports to: Regional Manager, Africa Programs, USP PQM Rockville MD USA

Summary of the Position
The Chief of Party-Nigeria is a key management role in the USP PQM program responsible for the in-country management, strategy, development, and implementation of this USAID-funded project in Nigeria, part of a global mechanism for assuring medicines quality in resource-limited settings. The Chief of Party will provide overall management, technical leadership, and direction for USP PQM activities. He/she shall act as the primary point of contact with the USAID country mission, relevant government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGO), and community groups with regard to day-to-day management and implementation.

The Chief of Party-Nigeria is expected to manage staff and subject matter experts in achieving project results. He/she will be responsible for evaluating and documenting progress (activity monitoring reports), managing design and evaluation teams, evaluating activities through consultative meetings and site visits, developing solutions to keep activities on track, and providing overall guidance and direction to the program team in order to achieve agreed targets and long-term strategic objectives. The Chief of Party will have overall responsibility for assuring that all assistance provided under the cooperative agreement is technically sound and appropriate for the needs to be addressed.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for overall program management of USP PQM and acts as country representative. Provides leadership, oversight, and support to all aspects of the program including medicines quality control. Promotes strong relationships with the USAID Country Mission, the government of Nigeria, and other NGOs.
• Responsible for regular liaison with the USAID in-country mission to keep them abreast of progress on the project implementation.
• Drafts work plans, quarterly financial and narrative reports, as well as annual reports and ensures that key documents are submitted in a timely manner and approved by USAID.
• Coordinates the planning and organization of advisory on in country stakeholder group meetings.
• Participates in developing and disseminating information on activities to publicize program achievements and results with stakeholders and concerned communities.
• Works with regional and country program managers to improve regional and country-level capacity for pharmaceutical quality control.
• Participates in the design and implementation of program policies and procedures as well as systems to ensure that the program will meet its objectives and expected results. Makes recommendations to increase effectiveness and efficiency of program interventions.
• Works with program managers to ensure that proper messaging is provided in the field to stakeholders about the need for country ownership and leadership to ensure sustainability of program activities.

Minimum Requirement: Education

• PhD in a relevant field such as pharmacy, chemistry, social research, project management, international development, or international business.

Experience

• Ten years of related work experience supervising multiple projects with progressively increasing responsibility in a management position
• Effective record of building relationships with governmental organizations as well as private and community associations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Fluency in English
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex programs related to good governance, such as those focusing on public administration, institutional capacity development, rule of law, transparency and accountability and anti-corruption -
• Demonstrated proficiency in human resources and project management, as well as in strategic planning
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing complex programs, including multiple program components, relevant budget and personnel management, program planning, monitoring and evaluation, and achieving success in complex environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead in-country coordination and implementation of the program, including host country government relations, client satisfaction, and integration with other projects
• High level of interpersonal and diplomatic skills to maintain ongoing contact with high ranking public sector officials; ability to work effectively with government officials and leaders of civic and community-based organizations, and to build lines of communication and cooperation among them
• Deep understanding of the political and social context in Nigeria

Supervisory Responsibilities
Oversees the day-to-day activities of four to seven consultants in Nigeria

Application Closing Date
18th September, 2014

Method of Application
Interested applications must be sent via email to: [email protected]

Applicants should specify the position(s) for which they are applying on their application cover page or curriculum vitae (Resume)