Project Director - EMPOWER - Strengthening access to Family Planning (FP) in the Private Sector in Uganda

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing heath challenges.

PATH is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and results-driven individual with significant leadership, management and international development experience for the position of Project Director for an anticipated 5-year FCDO-funded project: EMPOWER - Strengthening access to Family Planning (FP) in the Private Sector. The project, which is Component 3 of the EMPOWER program, is expected to run from May 1 2025 to March 30, 2030 and will aim to contribute to creating a vibrant and self-sustaining private sector market for voluntary Family Planning (FP) services in Urban and Semi-urban areas in Uganda. The objectives of the program are:

To contribute to Uganda’s efforts to harness the full potential of the private sector in increasing Uganda’s Modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR). To establish a vibrant and self-sustaining private sector market in urban and peri-urban areas that contributes to increasing Uganda’s mCPR. To create a supply system that delivers FP services at a price that is attractive to the suppliers in the value chain. Establish a market that is able and willing to procure services at that cost.

Please note this position is contingent upon award to PATH and approval from the donor.

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the overall strategy, planning, and implementation of the project, ensuring it meets its objectives and delivers high-quality results.

Specific responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction of the EMPOWER Program Component 3 - Strengthening access to Family Planning (FP) in the Private Sector, ensuring alignment with both donor and PATH’s goals and objectives. This role involves leading a cross-functional team, ensuring alignment with the project’s objectives, and driving the successful delivery of the project within budget, on time, and meeting all performance goals.
• Develop and implement the EMPOWER component 3 strategy, ensuring it meets the needs of Family Planning in the private sector in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s Total Market Approach (TMA) strategy and private sector guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, guidelines, and ethical standards with key private sector organizations including the National Drug Authority (NDA),Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU), Pharmacy and Drug shop governance bodies and any other relevant bodies in the private sector.
• Spearhead the coordination and collaboration with the commercial distribution partner, consortium partners and collaborators who are integral to the success of the project.
• Responsible for managing the relationship with the commercial distribution partner and aligning the project goals to ensure the successful introduction and distribution of commercial FP products in the private sector.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the Ministry of Health, National Drug Authority, health professional councils and other private sector organizations at both the national and sub national levels.
• Lead regularly scheduled donor meetings, responsible for contributing to the agenda, presenting program updates, fostering donor engagement, and facilitating strategic discussions to strengthen donor relationships and support.
• Lead advocacy activities for family planning and reproductive health issues within the private sector with a focus on the FP method mix.
• Represent the project in all the relevant technical working group meetings at the Ministry of Health, private sector forums, healthcare providers and any other relevant meetings at both the national and sub national levels to promote collaboration and support.
• Ensure effective financial management, including monitoring project budgets, securing funding, and tracking expenditures.

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Public Health or related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, Public Health, Nursing or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience managing large-scale family planning/reproductive health projects in both public and private sector.
• Experience working with pharmaceutical supply chains, market shaping, and new product introduction. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the regulatory environment of Uganda’s pharmaceutical sector.
• Deep understanding of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) landscape in Uganda.
• Proven track record of successful project management, including experience with budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Strong technical expertise in family planning and reproductive health, including knowledge of evidence-based practices and program implementation with the private sector.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, including experience leading and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong familiarity working with and implementing donor-funded projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including experience working with diverse stakeholders, such as donors, government officials, and community leaders.
• Demonstrated experience in working with Ministry of Health and related government agencies to strengthen processes for coordination, joint planning, ensuring quality, and monitoring impact at national and sub-national levels.
• Ability to manage agreements and all required programmatic and financial reporting requirements, including sub-contract management.
• Should be creative, results-oriented and a problem-solver, with strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal and cross-cultural skills.

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