Country Representative at the Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

The Management Sciences for Health (MSH), a global health nonprofit organization, uses proven approaches developed over 40 years to help leaders, health managers, and communities in developing nations build stronger health systems for greater health impact. We work to save lives by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Country Representative

Reference ID: R2682
Location: Abuja
Employment Type: Full Time

About this Role

• We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and entrepreneurial Country Representative to strengthen our presence in Nigeria.
• Reporting to the Vice President (VP) of the Program Delivery Group (PDG), MSH's Country Representative leads MSH’s business development efforts and increases our visibility in the country by building and sustaining lasting relationships with key stakeholders.
• The ideal candidate will be mission-driven, entrepreneurial, results-oriented, and knowledgeable about health systems. Through their connections and knowledge of the Public Health sector, they will facilitate knowledge exchange among MSH's in-country projects.

Responsibilities
Business Development - 40%:

• Maintains and builds strong relationships with a wide range of donors, and proactively develops and delivers upon a robust pipeline of new program opportunities to grow the country platform and scale MSH's impact.
• Drafts proposals in coordination with the Program Development team to ensure better demonstration and understanding of MSH’s country context.
• Leads coordination with the MSH Chiefs of Party and other MSH country staff to leverage their participation and contributions on bids or proposals.
• Identifies opportunities that could lead to new business or ensure continuation of programs activities.
• Builds a database to identify current and potential clients.
• Proactively identifies potential partners and develops relationships with local organizations to foster partnerships for new opportunities.

Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management - 35%:

• Manages stakeholder engagement, identifying opportunities to bring them to space and have negotiations.
• Develops and strengthens current networks and seeks strong relationships with Government Officials and key stakeholders.
• Establishes new relationships with key local stakeholders in the country, including government ministries, private sector companies, business associations, and civil society to increase visibility of MSH branding, practices, and technical approaches.
• Represents MSH in public events or conferences, when needed.
• Plans for and monitors internal actions related to stakeholder communications and ensures timely follow-up communication.
• Develop and implement a strategic communication plan to promote MSH’s leadership in the health sector, increase the visibility of our projects and establish MSH's brand in the health sector in Nigeria.

Management and Country Leadership - 25%:

• Represents Management Sciences for Health in all legal matters at the country level and ensures that MSH's operations are aligned with local laws and regulations.
• Responsible for monitoring country employee engagement scores and implementing strategies for improving scores in coordination with project leaders, HR and other relevant personnel.
• Increases contributions of local leadership team on global MSH initiatives.
• Develops and manages platforms for ensuring knowledge exchange across projects and MSH’s HQ office.
• Advocates and oversees MSH’s practices across projects to ensure alignment with MSH’s Global Policies in Finance, HR, Operations, Ethics & Compliance, Security.
• Develops and disseminates communication products to increase internal branding in country.
• Coordinates LT or Board visits to the country in coordination with the US office.
• Contributes to project planning, provide technical direction and support, and ensure implementation, with a focus on results and financial accountability for all project activities.

Required Education

• Advanced Degree in a related areas, ideally Public Health.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in public health, including extensive knowledge of technical public health fields, and experience managing health systems.
• Demonstrated experience fundraising and working with donor organizations and representing an organization professionally.
• Established network of personal and institutional relationships in public health in Nigeria.
• Demonstrated experience in influencing, negotiating, and managing relationships with high-level leaders and partners.
• Experience managing large contracts and budgets funded by donors such as USAID, UN, World Bank, etc., particularly in the health sector, is highly desirable.
• Experience in the private or public sector with business acumen.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to influence, motivate, and work constructively with senior technical leaders, as well as the ability to lead without line authority.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills, including report writing skills.
• Strong operational background with experience developing and managing budgets, reporting and revising budgets.
• A good understanding of Microsoft Office Suite products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, is required. Knowledge of Salesforce is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Nigeria's Public Health Systems and Organizations is preferred and desirable.  

Competencies:

• Leadership qualities such as global experience, cultural sensitivity, judgment, and confidence.
• Ability to grow, manage, leverage, and sustain a diverse, multi-cultural, best-in-class team.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, flexibility, ingenuity, resilience, and commitment to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, particularly at all levels and for all audiences across cultures and geographies.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and manage relationships with high-level leaders and partners.
• Demonstrates MSH’s Values.
• Knowledge and commitment to public health practices.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to walk short distances and pick up materials.

Travel:

• Be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 15% time).

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.