The World at Abt 

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Global. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges. 

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we effect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. 

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you. Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Abt Global is preparing for an upcoming USAID-funded health activity (project) in Afghanistan that aims to improve the quality of health and nutrition services, increase access to health services, improve healthy behavior and care-seeking practices, and strengthen the health system to enhance resilience.  The activity will focus on increasing equitable access to and utilization of quality health and nutrition services and adoption of health behaviors, especially for women and children, in both the public and private sectors.  

As the Chief of Party, you will be responsible for the overall strategic leadership and management of the program. You will be accountable for ensuring the program produces intended results within time and costs restraints. As the Chief of Party, you are the primary liaison with USAID, Afghan stakeholders, other implementing partners, local organizations, and consortium partners. The COP will oversee the work of program staff and sub-awardees and grantees, ensuring effective organizational management and communication. The position will be full-time for the duration of the program and based in Kabul, Afghanistan. The position is contingent upon the activity’s award and USAID approval. 

Core Responsibilities 

Provide leadership and strategic direction for the entire project, resolves problems, and has overall responsibility and accountability to USAID for ensuring that the Abt project team provides high-quality technical products and services, delivers required results, and uses resources efficiently. Function as the primary liaison with USAID, local and national organizations, and other implementing partners and Afghan stakeholders. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Ministry of Public Health.  Create management systems in line with Abt standard operating procedures and consistent with the needs of the project. Ensure compliance with USAID policies and regulations and relevant national policies.  Work with finance and project staff to develop and tack project budgets.  Design and oversee the project annual work plan in collaboration with USAID, key stakeholders, and the project team. Oversee the preparation, quality, and timely submission of project reports and other deliverables to USAID.  Monitor the progress and pace of project implementation, assuring that the full potential of the program is realized through the promotion of high-quality work. Represent the project and Abt to external stakeholders, other donors, and USAID to share project progress, successes, and lessons through external meetings and conferences.  Clarify roles, delegates responsibilities to senior staff, and clearly communicate expectations for staff contribution to project activities. Provide oversight and closely collaborate with sub-awardees and grantees.  Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate activity adjustments and internal controls. Report to the Project Management Director in Abt Global’s home office and ensure coordinated and effective project implementation.  Mentor and supervise a team of technical experts and senior leaders to ensure effective implementation and project operations. 

 

What We Value

Master’s Degree or PhD in public health, public administration, or other related field required. Candidates with Medical Degrees are also desirable. More than 12 years of relevant senior leadership experience managing large and complex health programs including experience in maternal and child health, family planning/reproductive health, nutrition, TB, systems strengthening, private sector health, and/or service delivery.  Prior experience as a COP or project director of a multi-year USAID health project desired. Experience working in Afghanistan and knowledge of current health system challenges and opportunities preferred.  Demonstrated leadership in management skills and ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary, multicultural teams. Experience hiring and supervising personnel and ensuring they acquire necessary training and skills to meet project needs.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with USAID, local government counterparts, public, private and civil society partners and other development partners. Fluency in English required. Fluency in Dari or Pashto preferred.

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.

Abt Global is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Global provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Global will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

Abt is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment.  All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate background checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Abt Global also participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

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