Senior Manager, Programs (Tanzania)

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 9 countries, our team of 800+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains. 
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children. 
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives. 

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You'll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you're looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

About the Program and Role

Evidence Action’s Deworm the World Initiative is an incredibly high-impact program, helping to deliver over (2) billion treatments to children for intestinal worms since 2014. Deworm the World Initiative provides technical assistance to governments to implement high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable programming.

You will be responsible, with support from the Global and Regional teams, for implementation of Evidence Action’s technical assistance to the Government of Tanzania and Ministry of Health to accelerate disease control efforts targeting soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis. You will report directly to the Director, Deworm the World. Although the position currently does not have direct reports, it may evolve into management responsibilities over time.

Responsibilities 

Program Leadership and Management

• With support and oversight from Global and Regional teams, lead the design and implementation of Evidence Action’s technical assistance strategy for the Government of Tanzania, ensuring alignment with government priorities and organizational goals while maintaining cost-effectiveness, evidence-based programming, and technical rigor.
• Ensure performance against program goals and targets, ensuring timely pivots and accelerating progress as needed.
• Oversee development and execution of program work plans; ensure regular progress assessment and accountability for achievement of program milestones and deliverables.
• In collaboration with the Global and Regional teams, oversee budget development and financial management systems, to ensure funds are spent wisely and according to established work plans.
• Monitor program expenditures, review financial reports, and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.

Technical Guidance and Quality Assurance

• Work in close coordination with the Global and Regional teams to design and adapt strategies key to the implementation of sustainable, cost-effective programs, including: delivery platform modalities, training and distribution cascades, monitoring, learning, and evaluation strategies (MLE), data collection and reporting, approaches to community sensitization, among others.
• Ensure the quality of key program materials, including training materials, quantification tools, stock trackers and supply distribution plans, and program reports.
• Conduct regular field visits to program sites to assess program implementation, provide technical support, and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide technical input and evidence-based recommendations for improved program planning and decision-making during implementation, leveraging the monitoring reports as well as lessons from other geographies.
• Coordinate closely with National, Regional, District Council, and community government stakeholders to identify and troubleshoot challenges that might affect the quality of the program.
• Coordinate regulatory and necessary approvals required for the organization and program activities, including approvals to conduct an impact assessment survey within 6 months of the candidate’s start date.

Country Operations and Start-Up

• With guidance and support from the Global and Regional teams, where required, facilitate tasks relating to start-up and country program development in Tanzania, including potentially legal registration, office setup, and operational readiness - ensuring full alignment with global standards and donor compliance requirements.
• Establish and cultivate positive and collaborative relationships with stakeholders at the National, District Council, and community level, including government staff, partners, and NGOs, aligning program plans with national health priorities.
• Design and implement performance tracking mechanisms from inception to ensure high coverage, operational efficiency, and measurable health and education outcomes.
• Work closely with Global and Africa Regional teams on different strategic priorities.
• Conduct semi-regular field visits, particularly earlier on in program start-up, to program sites to assess program implementation, provide technical support, and identify areas for improvement.

Partnership Development and Collaboration

• Serve as a well-respected external representative, including cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with relevant  high- and mid-level government officials and other key stakeholders, including technical agencies, NGOs, funders, and other partners.
• In the first 6-9 months, lead all engagement with high-level government officials to map key processes and undertake activities to ensure relevant policies and guidelines are being updated for all programs, to create an enabling environment and scale the program countrywide.
• Lead regular advocacy and review meetings with key government stakeholders and partners to share program progress, results and recommendations, with the goal of securing program buy-in and strengthening  implementation.
• Develop and execute advocacy and engagement strategies with the government to mobilize domestic resources to facilitate long-term sustainability of the program.
• Work with Evidence Action’s global teams to develop concept notes and proposals, budgets, and progress reports; engage with current and prospective donors to share program overviews and updates.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Public Health, Development Studies, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• At least (8) years of experience in designing, managing, and implementing programs, preferably in the public health and nutrition space
• Experience working in a non-profit or an INGO in Tanzania will be preferred

• Familiarity with the Tanzania public health and/or nutrition context and relevant stakeholders
• Strong understanding of public health and nutrition interventions
• Proven experience in program management, including strategic planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation
• A self-starter, collaborative by nature, and with excellent interpersonal skills to build partnerships, foster collaboration and engagement, and effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information to diverse audiences
• Fluency in local language(s) and proficiency in English

Position Location 

This role will be based in Dodoma, Tanzania

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a Tanzania employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Tanzania for roles based in Tanzania.

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to representation and inclusion. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.