TITLE: Program Director
LOCATION: Monrovia, Liberia

REPORTS TO: Country Director with dotted lines to Senior Director, Africa and Middle East

About Americares
Americares is an emergency response and global health organization committed to saving lives and building healthier futures for people in crisis in the United States and around the world. Since it was established in 1979, Americares has delivered more than $12 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries, including the United States. Together with its global network of more than 3,500 hospitals, clinics and community health partners, Americares is improving health outcomes for millions of people in need each year.
Position Summary
In collaboration with Americares HQ and Liberia Country Director, the Program Director will drive the strategic vision and program expansion for Americares Liberia. The Program Director will provide strategic guidance and oversight of all programs across the country’s portfolio. S/he will represent Americares Liberia with external constituents and develop and maintain strong relationships with government, multilateral, and NGO partners.

The Responsibilities of the Program Director will include, but are not limited to the following:
Strategic Planning, Program Development and Implementation
With Americares HQ, Country Directorand Liberia programs staff, develop design, and implement new public health projects that are operationally feasible and consistent with Americares strategy, the Liberian Ministry of Health’s priorities, and local context
Provide strategic guidance and tools to ensure programming decisions are based on data, contextual analysis, and technical best practices, e.g. needs assessments, literature reviews, input from local stakeholders (e.g. Liberian MoH and communities), etc.
Ensure program design incorporates Americares’ priorities around equity and respectful care
Ensure detailed and feasible program implementation plans are developed
Remain up to date on national and regional issues impacting Americares Liberia’s programs and adjust strategy and programming, as needed

Program Management and Quality
Oversee implementation of Liberia’s program portfolio, including but not limited to maternal and child health, infection prevention and control, access to medicines and supply chain strengthening programs
Lead efforts to strengthen program management, e.g. streamlining program planning tools, rolling out guidance and tools for effective budget and program performance management, including SOPs, and increasing the rigor of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities
Anticipate/respond to any needs or issues that may impact programmatic deliverables and/or operational infrastructure, suggesting appropriate solutions/mitigation measures
Analyze results and outcomes of Americares Liberia projects and conduct program site visits to monitor program quality; identify areas for improvement and lead program quality initiatives
Conduct trainings of Americares Liberia staff on program planning, M&E, programmatic report writing, etc., as needed
Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and with the expected results
Oversee grant disbursement, including timely implementation of planned activities and appropriate expenditure of funds
Oversee gift-in-kind medical assistance distribution, including the vetting of local partners, warehouse inventory management, and the import/customs clearance process.
Ensure compliance with local and international regulatory issues in program development and implementation
Ensure that the program staff operate in a manner consistent with Americares policies and procedures and in compliance with all donor rules and regulations
Financial Management
Maintain overall responsibility for fiscal soundness of programs and maintenance of effective internal controls
Ensure compliance of Americares Liberia with donor, HQ, and local guidelines and requirements, including timely financial reporting to HQ, procurement, branding and marketing.
Contribute to the development of Liberia’s annual programs budget
Oversee effective cash management and spending of Liberia’s annual program budget, including reviewing and approving financial reporting, reviewing budget vs. actuals, forecasting, etc.
Communications

Prepare regular reports to HQ on program activities
Coordinate with Americares HQ, including Global Programs, Finance, Development, and Communications, as appropriate
Support Americares’ communications strategy and provide content for internal and/or external distribution, as necessary/requested by HQ

Core Americares Responsibilities
Foster Americares values of responsiveness, results orientation, collaboration, efficiency and integrity;
Coach, support and develop staff to increase individual and team effectiveness; and
Develop and manage implementation of plans to increase team operating performance, including SOPs and other efficiency initiatives.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications