Description

The Carter Center is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 1982 in Atlanta, GA, by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University. The Center has helped to improve millions of lives in more than 80 countries by waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope. The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public and private, in carrying out its mission around the world. Current information about the Center's many programs and activities are available at The Carter Center.

SUMMARY:

The Program Director holds primary technical and administrative responsibility for the Trachoma Control Program at The Carter Center, reporting to the Vice President of Health Programs. As a member of the Health Programs Leadership Team, the Director ensures alignment with both health program and Carter Center-wide strategic priorities. This position partners with national Ministries of Health, Senior and Country Representatives, and the Vice President of Overseas Operations to implement, monitor, and evaluate activities advancing trachoma elimination through the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy, with emphasis on innovative approaches and operational research to accelerate progress.

Core responsibilities include strategic planning and goal setting, budget and grant management, staff mentoring, program promotion and fundraising, design and evaluation of complex cross-programmatic projects, institutional management, report production, and external networking. Due to the travel locations, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) will be required.

This position will require periodic travel to Europe, Ethiopia, Niger, South Sudan, Sudan, and possibly other countries that may be added, including sub-Saharan countries, and re-entry into the United States.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors and evaluates program performance, including periodic field visits, of Carter Center-assisted Trachoma Control Programs. Provides technical support to field programs.
• Considers programmatic expansion in areas where the global elimination of trachoma will be threatened without Carter Center assistance and support in the implementation of SAFE activities.
• Plans, administers, and monitors budget usage of the Trachoma Control Program throughout the fiscal year to ensure alignment with programmatic activities, including capital equipment, operations, and personnel. Investigates variances with prior years budgets and takes corrective action to control expenses at approved levels.
• Collaborates with Development staff regarding fundraising opportunities, strategic planning, proposal submissions, grants management/donor compliance, and briefings. Assists with identifying and developing potential donors.
• Advises the VP for Health Programs, VP of Overseas Operations, and Senior/Country Representatives on the review and evaluation of Trachoma Control Program policies and procedures.
• Serves as primary liaison between The Carter Center and external health advisory groups including WHO, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, the Task Force for Global Health, and the U.S. CDC, as well as cooperating partners including NGOs, donors, government agencies, coalitions such as the International Coalition for Trachoma Control, and domestic and international academic institutions.
• Represents The Carter Center and the Trachoma Control Program to media, donors, and other interested organizations through speaking engagements and information sessions, and conducts briefings, as requested, for senior staff, visitors, and dignitaries.
• Leads preparation for and conducts the annual Program Review of the Trachoma Control Program activities, and represents the program at meetings, workshops, briefings, and other meetings as required.
• Prepares and presents oral and written reports, scientific papers and presentations, and program newsletters, and leas dissemination of program infromation internally and externally to keep staff, consultants, partners, and prospective donors informed.
• Responsible for overall program staffing and evaluating performance management and team effectiveness. Supervises multiple professional and administrative staff.
• Maintains professional growth by participating in educational programs and activities to improve knowledge of fundraising trends and skills in support of the Programs Development Department.
• Responsible for program's compliance with all organizational policies and procedures. Develops efficient procedures for the implementation of program activities. Ensures all Institutional Review Board and country operational research requirements are met and upheld.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master's degree in a related field and ten years of related experience, which includes five years of managing international programs, OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in public health, social sciences, public administration. A doctoral degree in a related field is beneficial but not required, and an equivalent combination of education and experience will be given full consideration (e.g. M.P.H. and substantial public health overseas field experience).
• Four or more years of experience in public health with two in international programs, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Effective communication and personnel management skills are a must.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Neglected Tropical Diseases, public health integration, behavior change communications and data driven approaches are key. Experience as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer or in investigating outbreaks and control measure implementations is advantageous.
• Extensive travel to program countries to help supervise and manage field operations.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to The Carter Center on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines. All non-exempt employees must reside within the state of Georgia. The Carter Center reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.