Consultant, Technical Project Manager, SAFEStart+ Project

PATH current employees - please log in and apply Here

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing heath challenges.

PATH DRC is a reliable and influential growth partner in the health sector in the DRC, with more than 14 years of service to vulnerable communities. The PATH DRC team, composed of nearly 80 people, manages a dynamic portfolio of 24 projects funded by various entities, including UNITAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, RTSL, the CDC, etc.

PATH RDC is recognized for its vision of identifying innovative and appropriate solutions and bringing together key players in the most impactful health sectors in the DRC, including HIV/AIDS, immunization systems, digital health, malaria control and elimination, epidemic response, data systems and their use, advocacy for health policies, and capacity building for its public sector counterparts.

The SAFEStart+ project, funded by UNITAID, is entitled “Elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and Mpox in endemic areas.

SAFEStart+ aims to implement integrated testing, referral, care, and treatment procedures for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, with recent integration of WHO-recommended approaches for monkeypox (Mpox). The project engages with pregnant women and their families through prenatal care and home visits and supports contact tracing for positive cases. The goal is to identify women at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to Mpox, Mpox/HIV co-infection, and syphilis, and to quickly refer them for care through health worker training, testing, and increased community awareness.

The main outputs of the SAFEStart+ project include strengthening demand, adoption, and scaling up of ETV; generating evidence and learning on integrated ETV care models; establishing a strategic market approach, effective transition and financing of integrated ETV programs, and accelerated introduction and integration of WHO approaches for Mpox screening and care.

A. Main Purpose of the Position:

The Temporary Technical Project Manager (SAFEStart+) will be responsible for supporting the overall management, implementation, monitoring, and success of the SAFEStart+ project for a period of six (6) months. He or she will ensure the achievement of project objectives related to the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, as well as the integration of Mpox response efforts.

This key role is under the direct supervision of the Innovation Unit Lead & Country Technical Coordinator of PATH-DRC and involves close collaboration with national health authorities (Ministry of Health, PNLS), partners, and the PATH team.

B. Main Responsibilities:

1. Support for the management and implementation of the SAFEStart+ project

Contribute to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of SAFEStart+ project activities in targeted areas, ensuring alignment with project objectives (ETV, Mpox integration).

Assist with the integration of WHO standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Mpox screening, counseling, referrals, infection control, and contact tracing into existing ETV platforms.

Support the development and implementation of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) plans and materials for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and their partners, newborns, and young infants.

Provide support for activities related to the implementation of the PNLS dashboard and integrated EVT databases (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B) for better data utilization and visualization.

Assist the Ministry of Health (MoH) and PNLS in establishing a quarterly ETV epidemiological bulletin.

Facilitate travel and supervision visits within the country to targeted health zones and facilities, providing support for biannual ETV supervision visits by the central PNLS and PATH, as well as quarterly ETV supervision visits by the heads of the Central Health Zone Offices.

Contribute to activities aimed at strengthening existing surveillance systems for the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B in mother-to-child transmission, including improving the quality of services and data.

Assist in coordinating the procurement and supply chain management of essential health products for the project.

2. Support for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

Support the effective management of MEAL activities for the SAFEStart+ project, particularly those related to the integrated EVT and Mpox components.

Contribute to the collection, analysis, reporting, and rigorous use of data for decision-making and program planning, including the submission of monthly Mpox-specific reports to Unitaid.

Support annual data quality audits in pilot health zones and data review meetings.

Assist in capacity building for managers and providers in targeted health zones to use integrated HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B data collection tools.

3. Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with national health authorities under the coordination of the Country Technical Coordinator, including the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National AIDS Control Program (PNLS), as well as other partners involved in ETV and the response to Mpox.

Engage with national and provincial government stakeholders to facilitate buy-in to project activities.

4. Support for Capacity Building and Technical Assistance

Assist in the development and updating of technical guides, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data collection tools for the integrated management of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis data, as well as for the response to Mpox.

Contribute to the organization and implementation of workshops and training for health managers and providers on various aspects of ETV, STI case management, and Mpox infection control.

Support the development of normative documents on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), incorporating innovative ETV interventions and the updating of strategic plans for the elimination of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

5.Risk Management

Assist in monitoring and mitigating project risks

Contribute to updating the risk mitigation plan and proposing necessary measures for improved project performance and reduced risks.

6.Business developpement

Provide technical input into the team's proposal writing efforts under the supervision of the Country Technical Coordinator and in collaboration with the PATH Business Development Officer.

C. Required Experience & Qualifications

Master's degree in public health, Global Health, Health Management, Epidemiology, Communicable Disease Control, Health Sciences, Health Economics, or a postgraduate degree in project management or a related field.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in implementing public health programs, with significant experience in the field of HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, and/or epidemic response.

Proven experience in a project support or coordination role.

Strong experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), data quality, and use of data for decision-making.

Familiarity with the DRC health system, particularly in Kinshasa or in the project intervention areas.

Experience in capacity building and collaboration with government stakeholders.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Proven ability to work effectively in a team and to support the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans.

Ability to manage change and risks.

Proven ability to manage partnerships

Proficiency in computer tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet) and knowledge of monitoring and evaluation software (including, but not limited to, DHIS2, Tiernet, Epi Info, SPSS, STATA, R, etc.).

Ability to conduct regular field visits to support project start-up, implementation, and monitoring.

Fluency in French (spoken and written) is essential; intermediate or more advanced English is an asset. Fluency in local languages of the DRC is also an asset.

Applications must include a detailed CV and a relevant cover letter describing how the candidate's qualifications match the position requirements.

JR2061