Project Director

Job description

This position is contingent on funding.

 Job Summary  

The Mayi and Mwana Project Director is responsible for providing supervisory and management support to the project team. S(he) will report to the Head of Programs. In collaboration with the HoP, s/he sets standards for program management and technical support. S/he will monitor program implementation; maintain relationships with project partners and key stakeholders for good project implementation; contribute to development of quarterly and annual work plan; support teams that are mandated to strengthen the capacity of designated health facilities, management of the budget, and timely reporting. S/he will develop/utilize systems to track program achievements.

The primary function of this position is to strengthen the capacity of Maternal and newborn programming and services in health facilities within targeted districts and promote health seeking behaviors among pregnant women. This position requires seamless cooperation, coordination, and communication with the provincial and district ministry of health teams, other cooperating partners working within the catchment area and health facilities.

Roles and Key Responsibilities 

Program Technical/Clinical Management

• Serve as point person for technical/clinical aspects of the project
• Carry out technical/clinical assistance visits to the field based on need, ensure Program implementation is progressing as planned and provide on the job training where appropriate to improve program quality.
• Support resource partners and targeted health facilities to overcome barriers in the delivery of quality maternal and newborn child health services
• Lead all program level trainings and mentorship activities, aiming to improve capacity in MNCH implementation.
• Collaborate with the health system strengthening team in assessing health facilities, discuss any gaps and solutions in line with maternal, neonatal and child health standards
• Coordinate with other program officers, internal staff, and cooperating partners to ensure synergies between relevant stakeholders to improve activity implementation.
• Contribute to the timely and accurate completion of all periodic project reports
• Contribute to the compilation of the mid-term and final reports on project and lessons learned
• Ensure quality and accuracy of timely data on program progress and to ensure course corrections as and when needed
• Assist with Provincial level MNCH data analysis and feedback to National Levels
• Support the integration of Sustainability/Transition plans to the district/provincial health office’s activities.
• Serve as a resource person for the Mayi & Mwana project.

Program Development

• Foster linkages between Mayi & Mwana project and with other community stakeholders
• Develop resource manuals for Mayi & Mwana project support programming
• Support the management of the project and other community development activities related to the project.
• Identify potential areas of concern within the project and work with the project team to find viable solutions.

Strategic Issues

• Follow up and monitor all MOH programmatic MNCH guidance for adapted implementation
• Develop/Implement tools to monitor progress towards closing District MNCH gaps
• Assist with the harmonization of project activities.
• Identify and document case studies, best practices and lessons learnt
• Network with key MNCH implementing agencies and organizations in Zambia.

Staff Training

• Facilitate staff training and development
• Provide new staff member orientation, as needed
• Conduct in-house workshops, as requested

Basic Qualifications 

• Medical Doctor, or an advanced degree in a public health or medically related field with strong MNCH experience.
• Good knowledge in public health research
• Ten years’ experience in health systems strengthening and programming in resource-poor settings at the field level and providing technical assistance to partner organizations.
• Excellent analytical skills,
• Proficiency in MS Office suite (including Word, Excel, Outlook Express, PowerPoint) and Internet Explorer; SPSS and Epi-info, a plus.
• Five years’ relevant post-qualification experience, familiarity with international Donor procedures.
• Good command of spoken and written English.
• Self-guided, strong organizational and planning skills; Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in medicine, public health, or related field is an advantage

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts in MNCH. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure a proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, knowledge-sharing networks.
• Experience in business development, project design and proposal development in health systems strengthening, including technical writing.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
• Experience with program monitoring and evaluation, including applying data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
• Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
• Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented

Required Languages: English and any local languages

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

• Personal Accountability – consistently takes responsibilities for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.

SAFEGUARDING Disclaimer Clause:

Important Note: CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicant Instructions: Please email a cover letter, and curriculum vitae which should include three references to: Apply Now. Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 22nd September 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.