Project Directorat Management Sciences for Health MSH is recruiting a Project Director for a potential upcoming Unitaid Global Activity.
Unitaid seeks proposals to investigate the heat stability of critical health products under climate change scenarios with three key objectives: Strengthen the evidence base of real‐world conditions and worst‐case scenarios (both current and future – aligning with agreed‐upon climate scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) that products are exposed to globally across their lifecycle.
Utilize this evidence to assess the vulnerabilities and possible impact on key products and product classes, making direct linkages to the impact on the health of communities, where possible.
Guide the solution and opportunity space for improving heat resilience of health products, based on evidence from objective above.
Advance solutions opportunistically, including lighthouse projects that could demonstrate proof‐of‐concept for priority innovations to mitigate heat vulnerability.
This work aims to assess the resilience of a range of health products and supply chains within Unitaid's programmatic portfolio, while exploring high‐impact, scalable adaptations to improve heat stability, with a particular focus on product access for climate‐vulnerable populations.
Role The Project Director will lead overall activity implementation and be responsible for timely completion of project outputs/deliverables.
They will regularly engage with Unitaid to align on priorities, report on progress, and adjust course as needed.
They will mobilize consortium partners, short‐term teams, and consultants in prioritized countries, and, with technical advisors, guide, coach, and mentor them while adopting a hands‐on approach to jointly implement activities and meet deliverables.
The Project Director will also serve as the Stakeholder Engagement Lead, engaging with governments, communities, donors, implementing partners, and existing service providers, and facilitating regular coordination meetings to align strategy with broader public health goals.
This position is subject to project award and funding.
Qualifications Proven leadership in large‐scale, multi‐country health programs with at least 8‐10+ years of progressive experience in project management and implementation within global health or development sectors.
Track record of managing complex consortia and coordinating diverse stakeholders, including governments, donors, implementing partners, and community organizations.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and diplomacy, particularly in aligning project strategies with national health priorities and global public health goals.
Hands‐on experience in program delivery in low‐and middle‐income countries (LMICs), especially Sub‐Saharan Africa, including mobilizing short‐term technical assistance and guiding in‐country teams.
Strong background in monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management, with ability to pivot strategies based on evidence and evolving priorities.
Experience working with major global health donors (e.g., Unitaid, Global Fund, USAID, WHO) and familiarity with their reporting and compliance requirements.
Proven ability to mentor and coach technical teams, fostering collaboration and capacity building.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with experience facilitating high‐level coordination meetings and building consensus among diverse actors.
Experience in pharmaceutical systems/supply chain strengthening and management across multiple geographies an advantage.
Experience implementing activities at the nexus of climate and health a plus.
Advanced degree in a relevant field is required.
Fluent in English; fluency in French and/or other languages is advantageous.
Preference will be given to candidates based in Sub‐Saharan Africa and must have experience in the region.
Equal Opportunity Employer MSH is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
