INTEGRATED HEALTH PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION UNIT – IHPAU

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT MANAGER/BUSINESS OFFICIAL

BACKGROUND:

The Ministry of Health (MOH) works with development partners, implementers and various Government Departments to deliver health care services to the Sierra Leonean Population. The transaction costs associated with managing multiple donor funds separately, through different uncoordinated structures, has led to the establishment of the Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU) in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. IHPAU intends to integrate all donor-funded projects to be centrally managed by one coherent unit that is integrated within the MOH structure. Funds for the following Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) projects are managed by the IHPAU of the MOH: Health Systems Strengthening Project (HSSP) for Sierra Leone.

Objectives of this project are to: a) Increase the number of public health events of international importance that are monitored and reported b) Increase the number of individuals trained globally to prevent, detect, or respond to public health threats c) Increase the laboratory diagnostic testing capacity, surveillance system, and routine reporting in countries and regionally.

The Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU) is an integral structure of the MOH designed to integrate management of all donor-funded projects. With supervision from the office of the Chief Medical Officer, IHPAU manages donor-supported projects by ensuring: quality financial management; timely procurement of Goods and services; and efficient monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning on all donor-funded projects. IHPAU also perform similar responsibilities for other health projects supported by World Bank, GAVI Alliance, the Global Fund, CDC, and Large Anonymous Donor (LAD).

It is imperative to have dedicated Staff for the Centers for Disease Control and prevention that will help coordinate and liaise with the various team members during the implementation of this Project.

 Position:              Cooperative Agreement Manager/Business Official

ROLE SPECIFICATION:

Under the overall direction and supervision of the IHPAU Team Lead, the Cooperative Agreement (CoAg) Manager/Business Official is responsible to provide leadership and direction for programs funded by U.S. CDC; oversees the financial and programmatic administration of CDC grant; ensures that program staff accomplish their approved program initiatives and meets compliance requirements. Coordinates development of the work plans for all pillars and assists in the budget development process and performs budget analysis duties. Also ensure timely submission of grant applications and continuing applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The responsibilities of the CoAg Manager/Business Official will include, but not limited to the following:

• Serves as liaison between the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Fiduciary Agency (if available), and CDC for financial and programmatic administration, oversight, and implementation of funds awarded to the MOH.
• Ensures that MOH program leads accomplish their approved program initiatives under this agreement and that the MOH meets all compliance and reporting requirements. Works with the fiduciary agent and MOH.
• Works with MOH to perform functions of financial administration and reporting to include, but not limited to: preparation and timely submission of grant applications and financial/programmatic reports, development and adjustment of associated budgets, coordination of budgeted funds, screening and processing requests for expenditures and ensuring the timely application for reimbursement. Monitors interventions and programs funded by grants to ensure compliance with Federal regulations.
• Works closely with CDC Project Officer and CDC Office of Grants Services on all prior approval actions and overall grant management activities.
• Participates in monthly and quarterly CoAg management meetings to review administrative, financial, and programmatic progress and challenges.
• Prepares required applications, continuation applications, prior approvals and related requests.
• Monitors interventions and programs supported by the Cooperative Agreement to ensure compliance with Federal regulations.
• Participates in monthly and quarterly CoAg management meetings to review administrative, financial, and programmatic progress and challenges.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Education:

• Applicants should be holders of a minimum of master’s degree in Public Health, Management, Social Sciences or any related field from a recognized academic institution.

Recommended Experience:

• At least a minimum of seven (7) years of progressive managerial experience in programs and projects with multiple implementing partners of which the last five (5) years working in donor funded projects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including professional level English language skills.
• Ability to work independently while being a strong team player.
• Sound knowledge of the Government of Sierra Leone structures and policies relevant to the management and oversight of Cooperative Agreements/ Grants.
• Knowledge of public health issues in Sierra Leone and USA donor policies, plans and processes is an added advantage.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to respond effectively to deadlines and high-pressure situations.
• Good understanding of budgets, financial processes and financial reporting and compliance with donor requirements.
• Ability to work with multi-sectoral teams and produce positive results.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel skills.

To apply, please send your application (a mandatory cover letter and an updated CV with at least 3 references) to the following email address: recruitment@mohsihpau.gov.sl  or visit our website: www.mohs.gov.sl  by: 4:00 pm Local Time, Tuesday 12^th September, 2024.  

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Only email applications sent to the above email address will be included in the pool of applicants to be assessed by MOHS. No hand deliveries will be accepted. Please also note that your CV should contain your full contact details such as residence address, working mobile telephone number, working email address, as well as those of your three referees.

• Selected candidates will be required to sign a contractual agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health.

• The recruitment will initially be for a period of 12 months with the possibility of extension subject to Satisfactory performance; Continued requirement of the position and Availability of funds.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION IS: – 12^th September, 2024