Job description

The Program Lead will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the PEP Medical Training Colleges (MTCs) anchorage phase program in Kenya. This role ensures effective delivery of work packages, coordination among partners, risk management, and compliance with donor requirements. The Program Lead will serve as the central point of accountability for program execution, communication, and reporting, ensuring alignment with the vision of strengthening institutional capacity for cardiometabolic disease (CMD) education and research in Kenya.

Job Responsibilities

1. Program Management & Delivery 

• Lead planning, execution, and monitoring of all program work packages 
• Ensure timely delivery of outputs and outcomes as outlined in the project’s Theory of Change and Results Framework. 
• Oversee integration of CMD curricula into diploma and higher diploma programs across MTCs. 
• Coordinate establishment and operationalization of Centers of Excellence (COEs). 

2. Partner Communication & Engagement 

• Serve as the primary liaison between CHAK, KMTC, KCCB, Amref Health Africa, APHRC, NCD Alliance Kenya, and other stakeholders. 
• Facilitate regular partner meetings, ensuring transparent communication and collaborative decision-making. 
• Strengthen national, regional, and global collaboration networks. 

3. Risk Management & Control 

• Identify, assess, and monitor program risks in line with the Risk Matrix and Mitigation Measures. 
• Implement proactive mitigation strategies to safeguard program delivery. 
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, national policies, and institutional regulations. 

4. Reporting & Accountability 

• Prepare and submit timely progress reports, financial updates, and donor-required documentation. 
• Ensure adherence to the Reporting Framework and Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM). 
• Provide evidence-based updates to the Steering Committee and Novo Nordisk Foundation. 

5. Overall Project Coordination 

• Lead the Project Management Unit (PMU) in day-to-day operations. 
• Align program activities with national health and education priorities. 
• Ensure gender equity, inclusion, and sustainability are embedded across all program components. 
• Foster a culture of research, innovation, and knowledge sharing within MTCs. 

Performance Indicators 

• Timely delivery of work packages and milestones. 
• Effective partner coordination and stakeholder satisfaction. 
• Risk mitigation effectiveness and compliance with donor requirements. 
• Quality and timeliness of reports submitted. 

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in public health, Health Economics and Policy, Health Systems Management, or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in health systems strengthening, workforce development, or program management.
• Proven track record in donor-funded project leadership, preferably in NCDs or CMD-related initiatives.
• Strong expertise in results-based management, monitoring & evaluation, and risk control.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi partner initiatives across diverse national contexts.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic leadership and decision-making
• Ability to synthesize complex health objectives into actionable outputs
• Gender-responsive and equity-focused leadership
• Proficiency in digital and blended learning approaches.
• High-level reporting and donor communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.