ROLE DESCRIPTION:
The Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) – an affiliate of the University Of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) is seeking a Country Representative for UMB’s Center of International Health, Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The overall goal of this position is to develop and enhance partnerships, especially with the MOH, the PNLS Unit, and other national organizations including academic institutions; manage and support staff; manage resources and mitigate risk; and business development.

As the leader and official local representative for the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC)’s office in the DRC, the Country Representative will uphold and protect the University’s core values and mission. The Country Representative will report to the CIHEB Global Director. As a member of the University of Maryland Baltimore community, s/he has a clear obligation to conduct the affairs of the University in DRC by safeguarding the best interests and fiduciary obligations of the University and MGIC.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage and develop strategic partnerships with the MOH, the PNLS unit, and other organization to pursue and advance common and complementary interest
2. Develop strategic alliances with local and international organizations that leverage resources, reputation, and expertise
3. Seek and pursue opportunities to raise the profile of the work of UMB
4. Support implementation of an MGIC office in Kinshasa in collaboration with the University and MGIC headquarter including supporting all registration process
5. Strategically recruit high potential staff that aligns with UMB’s core values and will help advance UMB’s global mission
6. Support planning, implementation, and monitoring activities developed by CIHEB in agreement with DRC MOH or other institutions
7. Lead the University in-country efforts for business development and mobilization of new resources.
8. Serve as the legal representative in DRC for MGIC.
9. Foster a strong ethical culture and healthy, supportive working environment for employees in DRC and among colleagues outside the country.
10. Oversee financial, procurement, and administrative operations in the country office, including, but not limited to: prudent fiscal management, value-for-money procurement, and use of University and MGIC resources in line with the University’s values.
11. Provide effective management and leadership of the DRC office by ensuring accountability, civility and diversity are key components of the office culture.
12. Ensure that all activities are undertaken in full compliance with MGIC policies and procedures, donor requirements and regulations, and applicable US and DRC laws.
13. Ensure project results, impact, innovations, and lessons learned are documented and disseminated.
14. Ensure no Conflict of Commitment arises for which he/she or any member of the country staff engage in paid or unpaid activities that interfere with his/her primary obligations and commitments to the University.
15. Ensure DRC office-specific procedures for personnel, finance, administration, and security are in place and regularly updated for the current operating context.
16. Other duties as delegated by the Global CIHEB Director

Requirements:

The candidate should have at least the following:

• Degree in Medicine, Public Health or related fields.
• At least 5 years experience in resource-limited health care delivery or administration,
• Demonstrated knowledge in HIV/AIDS is highly encouraged
• The candidate should have significant previous experience and technical knowledge of program management of public health programs involving various agencies and partners, quality improvement, monitoring and evaluation
• Demonstrable ability to interact with local authority including MOH, HIV programming, PEPFAR/CDC/USAID and other key partners
• Must have proven knowledge and prior experience with the US government (USG) as a sponsor, and with USG rules and regulations
• Demonstrated financial management experience, including the oversight of budgets and subcontracts, and adherence to USG procurement requirements
• Working experience with health facilities in resource-limited settings
• Must be fluent in French and English
• Knowledge Swahili language is an added value.
• Previous experience in supporting Ministries of Health in HIV programming is also a plus

Other Skills:

• Understanding of the challenges related to care and treatment delivery in the local context.
• Ability to interact proactively with health facility and capacity building team.
• Self-motivated, team player with the ability to delegate.
• Result-driven
• Strong communications and presentation skills
• Strategic and innovative thinker