Abt Associates

The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. 

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity 

As the Chief of Party, you will be responsible for the overall strategic leadership and management of the program, establishing an integrated vision among different components and actors. You will play a critical role in ensuring the program produces results detailed in annual workplans with required standards of quality and within time and costs restraints. As the Chief of Party, you are the primary interface with the client, facilitate partnerships between USAID and national and local government agencies and offices, local national and community level organizations, consortium partners and other implementing partners, and project staff. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the entire project, resolves problems, and has overall responsibility and accountability to USAID for ensuring that the Abt project team provides high-quality technical products and services, delivers required results, and uses resources efficiently.
• Oversee all management/administrative reports and monitoring and evaluation activities in accordance with a Performance Monitoring Plan which monitors progress toward achieving the Strategic Objectives and Intermediate Results.
• Supervise the project’s Senior Management Team (SMT) and has the final authority within the SMT for decisions related to technical, management, resource allocation, and personnel issues.
• Function as the primary liaison with USAID, Ministry of Public Health, local and national organizations and other implementing partners and stakeholders.
• Create management systems in line with Abt standard operating procedures consistent with the needs of the project.
• Design and oversee the project annual work plan in accordance with the USAID annual planning cycle.
• Work closely with the project team to set the technical vision for the entire project, with specific attention to meeting set goals based on project design and work plan.
• Direct and oversee planning and budgeting processes. Ensure the preparation of quality deliverables including quarterly and annual project activity reports as specified in the contract.
• Monitor the progress and pace of project implementation, assuring that the full potential of the program is realized through the promotion of high-quality work.
• Clarify roles, delegates responsibilities to senior staff, and clearly communicate expectations for staff contribution to project activities.
• Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate activity adjustments and internal controls.
• Report to the Project Management Director in Abt Associates’ home office.
• In concert with the Deputy Chief of Party, manage short-term technical assistance resources. 
• Represent Abt Associates corporate interests in country.

What We Value

• Master’s Degree or PhD in public health, business or public administration or other related fields is required. Candidates with Medical Degrees are also desirable.
• At least 12 years of relevant health experience, including significant experience in maternal and child health, family planning/reproductive health, malaria, WASH, systems strengthening, and/or service delivery. 
• At least 5 years of experience managing public health development projects, with experience in resource limited settings.
• Experience implementing prior projects in Madagascar and deep knowledge of geo-political, ethnic, cultural, and other factors affecting programming in Madagascar and the region is required.
• Prior experience as a Chief of Party of a multi-year USAID public sector health and/or service delivery project desired.
• Demonstrated leadership in management skills and ability to lead multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with USAID, ministry officials, public, private and civil society partners and other development partners.
• Fluency in English and French required.

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

Abt is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate background checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Abt Associates also participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

The position is anticipated to be full-time for the duration of the program and is intended to be based in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The position is contingent upon the activity’s award and USAID approval.

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