Project Director- CDC Lab Stregthening

OverviewURC is seeking an experienced Project Director (PD) for the anticipated CDC-funded activity focused on strengthening the national laboratory and HIV epidemic monitoring systems to enhance an efficient, resilient, and self-reliant response to HIV, TB, and related public health threats in the Kingdom of Eswatini.The goal of this activity is to engage with the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini—principally the Ministry of Health (MoH)—to strengthen national laboratory systems and epidemic monitoring capacity that ensure timely and accurate HIV and TB diagnosis, improve patient management, and support the country’s health security objectives. The project will enhance MoH and other relevant government entities’ capacity to oversee, coordinate, and advance laboratory operations, disease surveillance, and data-driven decision-making. It will promote interoperability of laboratory and clinical information systems, strengthen sample referral networks, and ensure quality testing through national proficiency testing and laboratory certification schemes.ResponsibilitiesThe Project Director (PD) will provide overall strategic direction and technical, administrative, and financial oversight for the project. The PD will serve as the primary liaison with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Government of Eswatini, and other key stakeholders, ensuring close collaboration with the MoH to advance a unified national laboratory and surveillance agenda. The PD will ensure full compliance with award terms, URC policies, and CDC regulations to ensure efficiency, accountability, and impact.Specific Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited ToProvide strategic and technical leadership to ensure the project supports MoH-led efforts to strengthen national laboratory systems, diagnostic networks, and disease surveillance capacity to meet HIV and TB epidemic control targets.Guide delivery of high-quality technical assistance to the MoH and affiliated institutions in laboratory governance, strategic planning, performance monitoring, and quality management systems.Lead efforts to advance laboratory accreditation, biosafety, and implementation of national quality assurance schemes, ensuring adherence to WHO and ISO standards.Oversee project implementation, ensuring all activities are technically sound, evidence-based, and aligned with CDC/PEPFAR performance expectations and Eswatini’s National Laboratory Strategic Plan.Provide leadership in strengthening laboratory information systems and interoperability with clinical and surveillance databases to enhance real-time data availability for decision-making.Promote efficiency and reliability in sample transport and referral systems across the national diagnostic network.Ensure robust administrative, financial, and operational systems are in place, maintaining compliance with URC and CDC requirements and implementing effective internal controls to mitigate risk.Lead annual work planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring cycles, ensuring timely submission of work plans, progress reports, and financial deliverables.Foster strong partnerships with the MoH, CDC, and key stakeholders—including national reference laboratories, universities, and local entities—to promote collaboration, innovation, and adaptive management.Advance workforce capacity development by supporting implementation of national laboratory workforce strategies, mentorship programs, and continuous professional development.Promote data-driven decision-making through strengthened monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems that inform adaptive management and accountability for results.Represent the project in technical and policy fora, working groups, and meetings with funders and government officials to share evidence, lessons learned, and best practices in laboratory systems strengthening.Contribute to knowledge management and thought leadership by documenting and disseminating innovations and results that demonstrate progress toward sustainability and health security benchmarks.Perform other duties as assigned and/or agreed upon with the supervisor or URC home office.QualificationsAdvanced degree (MD, PhD, or Master’s) in public health, epidemiology, health systems management, health administration, or a related field.Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in managing complex health programs, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., COP, DCOP, or Project Director) for donor-funded projects.Demonstrated experience in HIV and/or TB program management, health systems strengthening, and institutional capacity building at national or subnational levels; experience with laboratory system strengthening preferred.Proven ability to collaborate effectively with government ministries, donors, and international partners, providing technical guidance and policy support.Strong leadership and management skills, including financial oversight, compliance, and human resource management.Experience with performance monitoring, quality improvement, and data-driven program management.Excellent communication and representation skills, with the ability to engage senior government and donor stakeholders.Demonstrated experience in organizational development, policy implementation, and systems strengthening in low- or middle-income country contexts.Ability and willingness to travel throughout Eswatini, as needed.Fluency in English; proficiency in siSwati is an advantage.Citizens of Eswatini are encouraged to apply.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Unless otherwise directed we will retain your CV in our database for future opportunities.