Project Director CDC, Strengthening Technical and Organizational Capacity of the MOH

OverviewURC is seeking an experienced Project Director (PD) for the anticipated CDC-funded activity focused on strengthening the technical and organizational capacity of the Ministry of Health (MoH) to deliver a sustainable, resilient, and efficient HIV and TB response in Eswatini.The goal of this activity is to enhance Eswatini’s response to HIV and TB by providing targeted technical support to government structures, focusing on ending HIV as a public health threat in alignment with global and U.S. government priorities. The project will bolster the Ministry of Health’s technical and organizational capacities for effective program leadership, oversight, planning, and coordination. It aims to increase MoH ownership, efficiency, and accountability while enhancing the quality of services, monitoring program performance, supporting integrated service delivery, and fostering innovation through evidence-based interventions.ResponsibilitiesThe Project Director (PD) will provide overall strategic direction and technical, administrative, and financial oversight for the project. The PD will be the primary liaison with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Government of Eswatini, and other stakeholders in Eswatini. The PD will ensure compliance with award terms and conditions from CDC and all other applicable organizational policies and regulations to mitigate risks of fraud, waste, and abuse in all aspects of activity operations and administration.Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:Provide strategic and technical leadership to ensure the project supports MoH-led efforts to strengthen programmatic leadership, governance, and accountability to systematically advance national and regional HIV and TB program objectives.Guide technical assistance delivery to national and subnational MoH structures to enhance capacity for strategic planning, performance monitoring, data use, and quality assurance for sustained impact.Lead organizational capacity building in leadership, governance, financial management, human resource development, and resource mobilization to promote institutional efficiency and self-reliance.Oversee project management and implementation, ensuring all activities are technically sound, executed to meet CDC/PEPFAR performance standards, and aligned with national priorities.Ensure strong 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 and budgeting cycles, ensuring timely submission of work plans, progress reports, and performance data in alignment with donor expectations.Foster close collaboration with the MoH, CDC, and other key partners to promote coordination, learning, and adaptive management in response to evolving program needs.Promote data-driven decision-making by supporting the integration of monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches that inform program adaptation and strengthen accountability.Represent the project in technical and policy fora, working groups, and meetings with funders and government officials to share achievements and lessons learned.Contribute to knowledge management and thought leadership, highlighting innovations, results, and best practices to inform national and global discussions on effective HIV and TB response systems.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.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.