Evidence Action
We are global: Across nine countries in Africa and Asia, our 700+ people are united by a tremendous passion for our mission and impact. We are strong because of our diversity of experience, geography, and background – with over 90% of our people in the countries where our impact is focused.
We have big ambitions: Over the next decade, we’re setting our sights higher: We aim to reach over 600 million people globally to fulfill our vision of a world where hundreds of millions of people in the poorest places have better opportunities and their lives are measurably improved. We believe in bold and urgent action – because poverty doesn’t wait, and neither should we.
We need great people:Our success to date is due to the collective work of our amazing staff. To achieve our ambitious goals, we are looking for people who share our passion for evidence, cost-effectiveness, and scale. We seek individuals who take an entrepreneurial approach, enjoy tackling hard problems, and have a bias to action and results. If our vision and approach excite you as much as it does us, we invite you to join us.
About Deworm the World & Equal Vitamin Access
Evidence Action’s Deworm the World (DtW) is an incredibly high-impact program, helping to deliver over 1.5 billion treatments to children for intestinal worms since 2014. Deworm the World provides technical assistance to governments to implement high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable programming.
Evidence Action’s Equal Vitamin Access (EVA) is an extremely cost-effective program that supports governments in delivering iron and folic acid (IFA) treatments to over 13 million children annually to prevent iron deficiency anemia, a leading cause of malnutrition and disability worldwide. Equal Vitamin Access utilizes a school-based delivery model that costs just $0.50 per child per year.
Job Purpose
This is an exciting time and opportunity to join a large-scale integrated program to provide technical assistance to the Government of Malawi to implement an integrated deworming and IFA supplementation program at scale to tackle intestinal worms and anemia among children. With the deworming program expected to reach scale in Year 1 of implementation and IFA supplementation to gradually scale up over the next 2-3 years, once at scale we aim to reach 3.5 million Malawian children annually with one or both interventions in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.
The Deputy Country Director is responsible for providing leadership, management, and oversight of all current and potential future Evidence Action programs in Malawi. Currently, in Malawi, Evidence Action has been delivering lifesaving access to safe water since 2015, through our Safe Water Now program. We are now expanding two other programs – Deworm the World, focused on mass deworming for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, and Equal Vitamin Access, focused on iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation to address anemia in Malawi. The Deputy Country Director will work closely with the Country Director, regional and global program and cross-functional teams, and partners to ensure the successful delivery of Safe Water Now, Deworm the World, and Equal Vitamin Access programs, with potential to oversee other programs as needed. This role involves developing, refining, and implementing effective program implementation strategies, ensuring program quality, managing budgets and teams, and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders.
Requirements
Duties and Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Management:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive and cost-effective implementation approach in close coordination with the Country Director for all programs in Malawi aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
- Own performance against program goals and targets, ensuring timely pivots and accelerating progress as needed.
- Oversee development and execution of program work plans; ensure regular progress assessment and accountability for achievement of program milestones and deliverables
- Lead regular advocacy and review meetings with key government stakeholders and partners to share program progress, results and recommendations, with the goal of securing program buy-in and strengthening implementation
- In collaboration with the country, regional and global teams, oversee budget development and financial management systems, to ensure funds are spent wisely and according to established work plans
- Monitor program expenditures, review financial reports, and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
- Work in close partnership with Evidence Action’s regional and matrixed teams on fulfillment of shared objectives, including decisions around new engagements/partnerships and expansion activities
- Deputize for the Country Director as needed
Technical guidance and quality assurance:
- Work in close coordination with Country Director, Monitoring Learning & Evaluation, and program global teams, and government to design and adapt strategies key to the implementation of a cost-effective programs, including: delivery platform modalities, training and distribution cascades, monitoring, learning, and evaluation strategies (MLE), treatment data reporting, and approaches to community sensitization, among others.
- Provide strategic and technical input on overarching community mobilization strategies, including reviewing concepts, content, and modalities, and obtaining internal review from Evidence Action’s leadership as appropriate.
- Ensure the quality of key program materials, including training materials, quantification tools, stock trackers and supply distribution plans, and program reports.
- Conduct regular field visits to program sites to assess program implementation, provide technical support, and identify areas for improvement.
- Provide technical input and evidence-based recommendations for improved program planning and decision-making during implementation, leveraging the monitoring reports as well as lessons from other geographies.
- Share opportunities for additional health and nutrition programming in Malawi with global teams and support scoping activities for other health and nutrition interventions.
- Coordinate closely with National, sub-National and community government stakeholders to identify and troubleshoot challenges that might affect the quality of the program
Partnership Development and Collaboration:
- Serve as a well-respected external representative, including cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with relevant high and mid-level government officials and other key stakeholders, including technical agencies, NGOs, funders, and other partners.
- Work closely with Country Director on engagement with key government stakeholders on aligning on the program modalities, including creation and finalization of MoUs and other relevant documents to officiate Evidence Action’s support for expansion of Deworm the World and Equal Vitamin Access programs.
- Lead all engagement with high-level government officials to map key process and undertake activities to ensure relevant policies and guidelines are being updated for mass deworming and IFA supplementation, to create an enabling environment and scale the program countrywide
- Liaise with the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authorities in Malawi, relevant procurement agencies, the Central Medical Stores Trust, local distributors and other stakeholders to facilitate timely registration, procurement and distribution of IFA tablets for the IFA program. Support the relevant national stakeholders to prepare and submit the Joint Application Package (JAP), including the Joint Request for Selected Medicines (JRSM) for deworming medicines
- Develop and execute advocacy and engagement strategies with the government to mobilize domestic resources to facilitate long-term sustainability of the program
- Work with Evidence Action’s global teams to develop concept notes and proposals, budgets, and progress reports. Engage with current and prospective donors to share program overviews and updates.
Team Management and Capacity Building:
- Provide leadership and guidance to the program team, ensuring effective coordination, collaboration, and communication among team members.
- Mentor and support program staff, providing technical guidance and capacity building opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork, learning, and professional growth.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in relevant field, such as Public Health, Development Studies, and/or other related fields.
- At least 8 years of experience in managing and implementing programs preferably in the public health space with a focus on deworming and nutrition interventions.
- Experience working in an INGO in Malawi will be preferred.
- Familiarity with the Malawi public health context and relevant stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of safe water and nutrition interventions, including water supply, sanitation, hygiene promotion, and nutrition-sensitive programming.
- Proven experience in program management, including strategic planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage teams, build partnerships, and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information to diverse audiences in English and fluently in other local language(s).
Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Deputy Country Director position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.
Other Requirements
The candidate must be able to travel by various modes of transportation and must be able to endure long periods of sitting or standing during travel. They must also be able to navigate unfamiliar environments and adapt to different cultural norms.
In addition, the candidate should have the ability to work in less developed rural areas, which may have limited access to modern infrastructure and amenities. This may require the candidate to adapt to basic living conditions, such as limited electricity or running water, and be comfortable with potential challenges such as extreme weather conditions, insects, or wildlife.
The position will be based at our Country Office in Lilongwe.
The Deputy Country Director. will supervise (2) Program Managers responsible for; Safe Water Now and School Health programs and will report directly to the Country Director.
Shortlisting will be done on rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Evidence Action, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity in our workforce. We believe in creating a workplace that is free from discrimination and where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply for this position at Evidence Action, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. We are committed to providing a fair and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal access and consideration for all applicants. We strive to foster an environment that embraces diversity, respects individual differences, and promotes a culture of inclusion. By embracing a diverse workforce, we believe we can better serve our mission to use evidence to improve global wellbeing.