Programme Manager - African Health Innovation Centre

The African Health Innovation Centre is currently accepting applications for a Programme Manager to lead day-to-day implementation of multiple partner projects, while also providing overall strategy and partnership development support. This position is perfect for a highly-dedicated self-starter with 6-10 years of work experience, interested in joining a collaborative team in improving health outcomes by leveraging the innovation ecosystem in West Africa. 

ABOUT THE AFRICAN HEALTH INNOVATION CENTRE

The African Health Innovation Centre implements programming in Ghana and beyond – infusing innovation and entrepreneurship into traditional health delivery, creating connections at the community and system levels, and empowering a new generation of thought leaders and action takers. AHIC delivers in five main ways – incubating, advising, convening, training, and exploring – to build a healthier Africa.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programme Manager will be primarily responsible for day-to-day oversight of multiple ongoing projects, all co-created and co-led with international or community partners. Ability to travel is required for this position with planned overnight trips throughout Ghana and Senegal, and potential trips outside of West Africa. Please note, this role has heavy project management, facilitation, and health content expertise components. Only candidates with demonstrated health expertise (public health, clinical, etc.) will be considered for this role.

Startup Lab Support

This project includes workshop facilitation, community management, communications, special events, and holistic support for a new startup lab located in Accra, working in close collaboration with multiple partners. The Programme Manager will lead day-to-day implementation of this project, with high-level strategy and oversight provided by the CEO and additional operational support provided by a Programme Associate.

• Design overall community management system, including identification and setup of technical tools (Slack, Google Calendar, etc.), method(s) for participant communication, and weekly update report template.
• Work with Programme Associate to lead day-to-day social media management (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), including pre-mapping social media strategy on a weekly basis and submitting to project partner for approval. All social media and website updates must be completed in accordance with partner brand guidelines.
• Oversee onboarding of new incubatees in the startup lab, including updates to current orientation schedule, legal documentation, programme calendars, and partnerships.
• Assist in planning and implementation of all special events, including hackathons, resident seminars, master classes, and networking receptions. Negotiate contracts and oversee vendor relationships, identify key stakeholders and guest speakers, and oversee participant recruitment.
• Facilitate soft-skills training sessions and provide specialised advisory services to health startups, which make up approximately 50% of the initial cohort.
• Create monitoring & evaluation plan (including surveys and focus groups), design surveys, aggregate and interpret survey data, and provide regular impact measurement reports.

West African Incubation Programme

This programme is a one-year project taking place in Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal supporting three early-to-mid stage health startups in each location. AHIC serves as the technical partner in both locations and also collaborates with the primary partner in Switzerland. The Programme Manager will lead day-to-day implementation of this project, with high-level strategy and oversight provided by the CEO and additional operational support provided by a Programme Associate.

• Oversee all marketing and communications for this project, including website and social media updates (which must be completed in accordance with project brand guidelines). Work in collaboration with Programme Associate to ensure updates are consistent and on-brand.
• Plan and implement all special events including health-focused workshops for startups, special networking sessions, and more in collaboration with the CEO. Plan larger-scale events in collaboration with project partners, such as launch and graduation parties. Negotiate contracts and oversee vendor relationships, identify key stakeholders and guest speakers, and oversee participant recruitment.
• Serve as lead or co-lead during sessions, providing facilitation skills and health expertise.
• Participate in planning of Swiss Incubation Week, including content expertise for programme design and incorporation of the event into overall incubation.
• Create monitoring & evaluation plan (including surveys and focus groups), design surveys, aggregate and interpret survey data, and provide regular impact measurement reports.

Men’s Mental Health Project

This programme is currently under design by AHIC in collaboration with three community partners. The planning is in its infancy stage, and programme ideas will develop through 2019 Q4 for intended launch in 2020.

• Support overall development of the programme concept, pitch decks, and grant applications, as needed.
• Serve as lead for collaboration with local community partners.
• Participate in planning meetings, take notes, and upkeep project Google Drive folder.
• Provide day-to-day implementation support, if funded.

*Please note, an additional incubation programme is currently in discussion for AHIC and may replace the Men’s Mental Health project focus for this role if funded.

Strategy and Partnership Development

• Support the CEO in development of concept notes, pitch decks, contract drafts, and grant applications, as needed.
• Serve as lead for select partnerships directly related to project implementation.
• Participate in internal bi-weekly business development check-ins and quarterly strategy retreats.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

This position is best suited for a candidate with a minimum of 6-10 years of work experience and a health background (healthcare, public health, etc.). Preferable candidates will also have a background in innovation and/or entrepreneurship in emerging economies. Self-starters with demonstrated skill and leadership experience will be considered with fewer years of formal work experience.

Required Qualifications

• Initiative-taking behavior, with demonstrated leadership potential. Ability to also work as a team player and take overall strategic direction from others.
• Strong work ethic, with willingness to work outside of traditional work hours (including early mornings, evenings, and weekends) as needed. 
• Willingness to travel within Ghana, throughout the African continent, and to Europe/US as needed. Domestic and international travel may require additional hours beyond a 40-hour work week.
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects and/or events.
• Experience in securing project funds, with a demonstrated history of success in grant management or partnership development.
• Interest in learning/using team management tools, such as Google Drive, Asana, and Smartsheet.
• Previous work experience in healthcare, public health, community development, and/or entrepreneurship.
• Professional-level spoken and written English.
• Ability to think outside-the-box, pivot as needed, and “put out fires” while remaining calm.
• Excitement about using innovation, entrepreneurship, and market-based approaches to improve health in Ghana and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Preferred Qualifications

• University degree in applicable field, with priority given to candidates with an MPH, MBA, MPP, or clinical training.
• Professional-level spoken and written French.
• Language skills with one or more local Ghanaian dialect, such as Akan/Twi, Ga, Hausu or Ewe or an alternative West African dialect (Igbo, Yoruba, Wolof, etc.).
• Experience using and/or teaching key entrepreneurship tools such as the Business Model Canvas, Human-Centered Design theory, or product design processes.
• Familiarity with Ghana’s health ecosystem, including key government, industry, and innovation players.

LOCATION AND COMPENSATION

This position will initially be offered as a one-year contract (15 November 2019-14 November 2020), with opportunity for renewal and/or negotiation at the end of the contract period. This position includes a three-month probation period (Nov 2019-Feb 2020). Start date is negotiable within a two-week window. In addition to a monthly salary, the selected candidate will receive a benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, and a modest professional development stipend. 

Both Ghanaian and international applicants are invited to apply for this position, with strong priority given to applicants who are citizens or current residents of ECOWAS countries, those with prior experience working in West Africa, and those with local language skills.

Location: Osu, Accra, Ghana

Time Commitment: Full-Time, 40 hours per week (exempt, no overtime pay)

Salary: Commensurate with Experience, Local Salary paid in Ghana Cedis

Start/End Dates: Nov 2019- Nov 2020, with expectation of renewal