Senior Program Officer at The West African Centre for Public Health and Development (WACPHD)

Job Purpose / Job Objective

• The Senior Program Officer is responsible for providing strategic leadership and technical oversight for the organization's public health programs.
• They will ensure the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of program initiatives, collaborate with partners and stakeholders, and mentor junior program staff to build organizational capacity.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

Project Development:

• Oversee the development and implementation of programs aligned with the organization's vision and mission.
• Assess proposals across conceptual, methodological, operational, evaluative, and financial aspects.
• Identify and develop research proposals adhering to funder policies.
• Incorporate plans for disseminating and utilizing research results at the project design stage.
• Develop partnerships with funding agencies to support project activities.
• Assist in budget preparation and expense management.
• Prepare project documents for approval.

Project Management:

• Monitor program costs and expenditures, ensuring proper allocations and adjusting budgets and schedules.
• Provide technical supervision, including analyzing interim reports and supporting resource personnel.
• Review final project reports and negotiate revisions or additional research requirements.
• Track key performance indicators and evaluate program outcomes.
• Support Programme Managers in executing activities and ensuring smooth operations.
• Assist in developing project plans, objectives, timelines, and monitoring progress against milestones.

Program Development and Evaluation:

• Analyse and troubleshoot program challenges, developing best practices for improved performance.
• Conduct program reviews, prepare progress reports, and assess implementation progress and impact.

• Prepare comprehensive project completion reports.

Research Utilization and Representation:

• Assist researchers in writing, editing, and publishing research results.
• Participate in public and scientific forums to disseminate findings.

Mentorship and Capacity Building:

• Mentor junior staff, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Build capacity within the team to enhance skills and knowledge.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to identify opportunities for program expansion, integration, and sustainability.
• Represent the organization in high-level meetings and negotiations, advocating priorities and securing support.

Program Performance Monitoring:

• Ensure quality, integrity, and security of program data through robust data management practices.
• Communicate program performance and progress effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Stay Up-to-Date with Trends and Best Practices:

• Stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in public health program management and implementation.

Essential qualification

• Master's degree or PhD in Public Health, International Development, or a related field
• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in program management and technical leadership, with a strong focus on public health or development programs
• Demonstrated expertise in all aspects of program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
• Excellent strategic planning, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities, with the ability to navigate complex political and institutional environments
• Deep understanding of public health systems, policies, and funding mechanisms
• Experience working in a multicultural, international environment is highly desirable