Program Coordinator at Akros Research

Background

Akros is a cutting-edge organization that establishes data-driven systems that improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities. We pride ourselves in our ground-level knowledge of the health systems where we work, and our ability to provide novel, lasting solutions implemented in developing regions.

Akros Research is supporting a program, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and in partnership with the Africa CDC, to increase vaccine uptake in Africa. This initiative, called Saving Lives and Livelihoods, includes multiple components and partners working to procure, distribute, and promote vaccine uptake in a safe manner. As a part of this consortium Akros Research is supporting Africa Union member states in the Eastern and Southern African regions to strengthen vaccine safety surveillance systems.

The Rwanda Program Coordinator will support Akros Research in implementing and coordinating program activities to ensure the successful execution of the SLL program’s vaccine safety surveillance. He / She will actively engage with key stakeholders, including the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) unit, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), district and sub-district stakeholders, stakeholders participating in the vaccinations, and Akros Research senior management. This collaboration will facilitate the achievement of program objectives and optimize resource allocation.

Specific Responsibilities

1. In coordination with the Rwanda Country Manager, work closely with the EPI unit and Rwanda FDA to plan upcoming technical activities and facilitate the implementation of approved microplan activities, ensuring that targets are achieved.
2. Coordinate logistics for program implementation at the national, district, and health facility levels (e.g., advance requests, venue hire, branding and marking preparations, coordinating invitations as needed) and ensure all expenditures align with the set budgets.
3. Support the Rwanda FDA in the training of healthcare workers in adverse events following immunization (AEFI) surveillance.
4. Contribute to SLL monthly and quarterly reports and maintain rolling minutes documents to keep team members informed of recent developments.
5. Identify implementation issues and provide timely solutions, sharing these with key stakeholders as needed.
6. Liaise with Akros Research to ensure effective and efficient program delivery and provide detailed reports to project leadership.
7. Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required) and Master’s degree (highly preferred) in Public Health, Pharmacy or any relevant field
• 3-5 years of experience with program management
• Strong experience working with Government’s Ministries of Health, donors, districts and sub-district structures and managing a dynamic team
• Previous experience with project and organizational representation to the Ministry of Health at national or subnational levels is an added advantage.
• Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation is an added advantage
• Self-starter who will thrive through exemplifying ownership and initiative
• Excellent technical writing, quantitative and critical thinking skills
• Excellent computer skills with fluency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Candidate should work well against complex and challenging delivery schedules
• Candidate should be culturally adaptable and sensitive 
• Rwandan national preferred

Location and Term

This position is contingent upon securing and maintaining program funding. It is also contingent upon donor approval.

This position is for 11 months and will be based in Kigali, Rwanda. The position is open to local candidates and will involve minimal travel.

Reporting

This position will report directly to the Akros Country Manager, with a dotted reporting line to the Rwanda FDA.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV with references to careers@akros.com with “Application: Rwanda Program Coordinator” as the email’s subject line before September 30th, 2024 12PM.