Senior Program Manager for BiPAP Project at Save the Children

Job Description JOB TITLE: The bCPAP Project Manager TEAM/PROGRAMME: Programme and Operations LOCATION: Lusaka GRADE : NAT 3 POST TYPE: National Safeguarding : Save the Children maintains an unwavering stance against any form of exploitation, abuse, or harassment, extending protection to all individuals who engage with our organization. Every employee and representative bears the responsibility of safeguarding those who interact with us. The organization upholds consistent standards for all personnel, subjecting them to identical procedures irrespective of their role, influence, reputation, or standing within or beyond the organization. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Save the Children International is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment by upholding its Diversity Policy, which prohibits discrimination in all employment practices. The policy ensures equitable opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic background, disability, HIV status, religious affiliation, race, or ethnicity. Save the Children International (SCI), the foremost independent nonprofit dedicated to children’s welfare, envisions a world where every child enjoys their fundamental rights to survival, protection, development, and participation. Our mission is to drive transformative progress in how society safeguards and nurtures children, delivering both immediate and enduring improvements in their lives. Since establishing operations in Zambia in 1983, SCI has executed comprehensive programs spanning Child Rights Governance, Health and Nutrition, Child Protection, Education, Child Poverty, and Humanitarian Response. Save the Children, in collaboration with Vāyu Global Health and the Ministry of Health (MOH), and with financial support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Charities (LDSC), will execute a comprehensive initiative to enhance healthcare delivery. Enhancing the quality of care for premature and critically ill infants in Zambia is our top priority. The initiative seeks to lower neonatal mortality at healthcare facilities by enhancing respiratory care for newborns through the deployment of bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) systems. Additionally, it aims to strengthen referral and transfer protocols for critically ill infants while building the competencies of healthcare personnel across Lusaka, Central, and Southern Provinces. Implementation will occur in ten district-level public health facilities equipped with 24-hour inpatient newborn care units. The project will focus on improving care quality for small and sick newborns by integrating evidence-based clinical practices, health system enhancements, workforce training, mentorship, quality improvement initiatives, and the sustainable integration of BiPAP services into standard newborn care protocols. ROLE PURPOSE The Project Manager is responsible for furnishing comprehensive leadership, establishing strategic direction, coordinating efforts, and ensuring meticulous oversight throughout the execution of the project. Delivering enhanced care for premature and critically ill newborns represents a vital priority. This role focuses on improving health outcomes for infants requiring specialized medical attention. Key responsibilities include administering advanced neonatal treatments, monitoring vital signs meticulously, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans. Essential qualifications encompass a degree in neonatal nursing or pediatrics, current certification in neonatal resuscitation, and proven experience in high-acuity neonatal care settings. Strong communication skills and the ability to remain composed under pressure are also required. Collaboration with Health and Nutrition Technical Lead, Senior Management Team, PDQ, Awards, Finance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and MEAL teams will be critical for ensuring high-quality implementation, prompt decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and the successful attainment of project objectives. The Project Manager will be responsible for exhibiting robust leadership, overseeing program management, fostering strategic partnerships, coordinating technical efforts, and providing mentorship, all while championing innovation, adaptive management practices, ongoing learning, and continuous improvement across the full project lifecycle. SCOPE OF ROLE: Reports to Head of Program Operations In this senior leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution of our program portfolio. Your primary focus will be on ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability of program delivery while maintaining alignment with organizational goals. Key responsibilities include managing cross-functional teams, implementing best practices in operational processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will also be accountable for resource allocation, budget oversight, and performance monitoring to optimize program outcomes. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to align program objectives with broader business strategies. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in program management, strong leadership capabilities, and a track record of delivering high-impact results in complex environments. As a member of this team, you will report directly to the position outlined below, working closely to support key initiatives and deliver measurable outcomes. Your role will involve collaborating with cross-functional departments to align on strategic objectives and ensure seamless execution of projects. You will be expected to provide regular updates, analyze performance metrics, and contribute to process improvements to enhance overall efficiency. Additionally, you will assist in managing stakeholder relationships, maintaining clear communication channels, and addressing any operational challenges that may arise. : (2) Indirect: Budget Responsibilities As the principal financial steward for the “Better Care for Small and Sick Newborns in Zambia” initiative, you will oversee and manage the allocated budget to ensure efficient allocation and utilization of resources. Your responsibilities will include budget planning, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations to maximize the program’s impact. Additionally, you will collaborate with stakeholders to identify funding needs and provide strategic financial guidance to support the initiative’s objectives. KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: 1.Technical Leadership Offer strategic guidance and direction for project execution across supported provinces, districts, and facilities by converting project objectives into comprehensive annual work plans, detailed implementation schedules, budgets, and measurable performance targets, ensuring the timely achievement of project outputs, outcomes, and milestones. Drive adaptive management by systematically evaluating implementation performance and emerging evidence to ensure the project remains closely aligned with national newborn health priorities and donor expectations. Coordinate cross-functional technical teams to oversee the integrated implementation of evidence-based newborn clinical services, quality enhancement initiatives, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) activities, as well as other operational tasks. This role focuses on driving continuous project improvement by leveraging robust data management practices to achieve measurable outcomes. Lead the comprehensive execution and adaptation of project objectives into actionable implementation strategies, ensuring measurable health outcomes are achieved while rigorously monitoring quality standards against approved work plans, budgets, milestones, and contractual obligations. Ensure project activities consistently align with the Ministry of Health priorities, donor expectations, and the quality standards set by Save the Children through strategic oversight. Integrate gender equality, safeguarding, disability inclusion, and child rights seamlessly into all implementation processes. As a representative of Save the Children, you will actively participate in technical working groups, steering committees, and coordination meetings, fully acknowledging The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ contributions to the project. To develop and maintain a high-quality, timely program phased budget that aligns with the DIP requirements. To guarantee that program execution aligns with the monthly financial performance target—achieving a 100% burn rate—and that annual expenditures do not exceed the total life of award budget, all financial activities must be meticulously monitored and managed. Ensure strict adherence to established financial policies and regulations governing cash flow management, expenditure controls, cash handling, accounting information, and advances management by all staff and partners involved in executing program activities. Monthly staff meetings are conducted to strategize and evaluate program implementation progress. Here’s the paragraph: Financial Management: Uphold rigorous financial stewardship and accountability in strict adherence to SCI policies, leveraging robust forecasting, diligent monitoring, and precise tracking of planned expenditures against actual obligations. This role demands meticulous oversight to ensure alignment with financial targets and compliance with established guidelines. Program Planning and Implementation Management involves overseeing and directing the full lifecycle of program development, from strategic planning and goal-setting to execution and evaluation. This role requires meticulous coordination of resources, stakeholders, and timelines to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the specified quality standards. Key responsibilities include defining program objectives, allocating necessary resources, managing cross-functional teams, mitigating risks, and monitoring progress through established KPIs. Effective communication and leadership are essential to align diverse teams, maintain stakeholder engagement, and drive successful project outcomes. Facilitate the execution of all project components, ensuring their successful integration and completion. Ensure the prompt and timely submission of high-quality annual program plans, meticulously aligned with the corresponding phased budget in accordance with the Country Office’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP). The position requires strict adherence to the approved annual plan, phased budget, detailed implementation plans (DIP), and procurement plan to guide all program operations. Offers strategic leadership and specialized design guidance rooted in the meticulous application of Social and Behavior Change Communication theory, practice, principles, and contemporary best practices, ensuring the delivery of tangible, measurable outcomes for critically ill newborns. Maintain a current repository of approved resources available for collaborative learning among partners. To spearhead the execution of competency-based capacity strengthening strategies, this role involves supervising the Training of Trainers (TOT) implementation model, which includes cascaded onsite Low Dose High Frequency (LDHF) training sessions and mentorship programs. These efforts are designed to ensure the sustained strengthening of institutional capacity in the long term. Facilitate the cultivation of leadership skills among facility champions to drive the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based quality improvement (QI) initiatives, achieved through the establishment and empowerment of functional facility QI teams. Drive the development and implementation of project baselines, conduct thorough facility readiness evaluations, enhance institutional capacity, and strategically plan procurement initiatives in a proactive and forward-thinking manner. In collaboration with the MEAL team, you will facilitate routine monitoring, meticulous review, and accurate translation of newborn process and data to ensure alignment with the project’s strategic objectives. 3. Partner Management Foster and sustain robust collaborative partnerships by consistently engaging with stakeholders to ensure alignment and mutual benefit. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) at all leadership and operational levels to secure national alignment, government endorsement, and long-term viability. In the advanced stages of project execution, beyond the active implementation phase. Here’s the professional paragraph: As a member of Vāyu Global Health, you will offer expert technical guidance on BiPAP equipment and collaborate closely with volunteer clinicians from Church organizations to facilitate targeted training and mentorship initiatives. As a technical collaborator, collaborate with the Pediatric Association of Zambia (PAZ) and relevant academic institutions to facilitate the effective implementation of newborn and pediatric care interventions. Collaborate closely with pertinent program personnel to facilitate the completion of legal vetting and capacity assessments for all implementing partners before they initiate work with Save the Children. All partners must be properly engaged through formal agreements, and robust monitoring systems must be implemented to ensure partner performance aligns with donor expectations and requirements. As a representative for Save the Children, you will actively participate in technical working groups, steering committees, and coordination meetings, while fully acknowledging The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ significant contributions to the project. Budgeting and Financial Management The role involves developing, overseeing, and optimizing budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment with organizational goals. Key responsibilities include preparing detailed financial forecasts, monitoring expenditures against allocated funds, and identifying variances to recommend corrective actions. Additionally, the position requires analyzing financial data to support decision-making, ensuring compliance with budgetary policies, and maintaining accurate financial records. Proficiency in financial software and strong analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to communicate financial insights effectively to stakeholders. Responsible for overseeing the financial and budgetary aspects of all programs, ensuring accurate planning, allocation, and monitoring of resources to achieve organizational objectives. This role encompasses the development and management of comprehensive budgets, financial forecasting, variance analysis, and strategic financial decision-making to optimize program performance and sustainability. Additionally, the position requires diligent adherence to financial regulations, compliance standards, and internal policies to maintain fiscal integrity and accountability. A quality and timely program phased budget, meticulously aligned with the DIP, must be established and maintained. To guarantee program execution aligns with the monthly financial performance target—achieving a 100% burn rate—and ensures annual expenditures do not exceed the life-of-award budget by more than 100%, meticulous oversight of financial tracking and resource allocation is required. To guarantee compliance with all established financial policies and regulations—including cash flow management, expenditure controls, cash management, accounting information, and advances management—staff and partners must adhere to these measures when executing program activities. Conduct monthly team gatherings to strategize and evaluate the progress of program implementation. Here’s a professional rewrite of your paragraph: Financial Oversight: Uphold rigorous financial management and accountability in strict adherence to SCI’s established policy guidelines, leveraging robust forecasting, monitoring, and tracking systems to align planned expenditures with actual obligations. Conduct audits to verify strict adherence to donor regulations and maintain seamless compliance throughout all processes. 5 . MEAL and Program Reporting. Ensure that program design and study processes are completed in a timely manner and meet high-quality standards, encompassing baseline assessments, research activities, and Edline evaluations. To guarantee the program consistently achieves all established quality standards and benchmarks. Collaborate closely with the MEAL team and your designated project mentor to establish a comprehensive learning and project documentation schedule. Facilitate structured pause-and-reflect sessions to evaluate ongoing progress, identify successful practices, and assess necessary adjustments to ensure project objectives are met. Integrate accountability mechanisms throughout all program management structures, encompassing information sharing and beneficiary engagement—particularly children’s participation—while maintaining robust collection and management of complaints and feedback. Collaborate closely with MEAL staff to ensure these processes are executed effectively. We are responsible for routinely tracking program outcomes, maintaining thorough documentation, compiling case studies, capturing lessons learned, documenting significant changes, and identifying best practices. Additionally, we organize and facilitate coordinating, learning, and reflection meetings or sessions to foster continuous improvement. Establish and maintain robust systems for program monitoring and evaluation to ensure functionality and effectiveness. Prepare and submit monthly program progress reports, as well as end-of-fiscal-year reports, in a timely manner, ensuring they meet the established reporting schedule and adhere to the prescribed formats and guidelines. Address all issues identified in the reports promptly and thoroughly. Collaborate closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to analyze, synthesize, and report program outputs and results while integrating key lessons-learned into current implementation efforts. Prepare project reports in accordance with established reporting guidelines and schedules. 6. Engagement in advocacy, strategic networking, and impactful influence Drives strategic advocacy initiatives at the district level on behalf of children and other vulnerable populations within the Impact Area, providing leadership and direction to advance their rights and interests. Collaborate with PDQ to pinpoint, cultivate, and spearhead localized advocacy initiatives that align with the organization’s overarching advocacy strategy. Develops strategic networks, coalitions, and alliances to advance key advocacy initiatives related to projects. Constructs and maintains a strategic database comprising networks and partnerships aimed at advocacy initiatives. Integrate advocacy for children into the planning and execution of programs and projects. Formulate comprehensive strategies to facilitate and enhance collaborative efforts across the district. Capture insights and key takeaways from advocacy engagements to document and preserve valuable knowledge for future reference and organizational growth. Collaborate effectively with district-level partners, such as the District Health Office, to align country strategy plans with district-level strategies and interventions. Additionally, enhance organizational visibility by participating in key, mutually agreed-upon district, sub-national, and select national meetings for advocacy purposes. 7. Child Safeguarding. We will collaborate closely with Child Safeguarding Focal Points to guarantee that all CO staff members complete comprehensive training in Child Safeguarding. Diligently examine documents and agreements to verify that all partners, contractors, visitors, volunteers, and similar stakeholders adhere to CS standards and the established code of conduct. SKILLS AND Behaviors (Reflecting Our Core Values) The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in key competencies and align with our organizational values through their actions. They will exhibit strong interpersonal skills, adaptability in dynamic environments, and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving. Additionally, the applicant must uphold professional integrity, maintain a customer-centric approach, and prioritize continuous learning and innovation. BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice ) Accountability: Holds themselves personally responsible for making informed decisions, optimizing resource allocation, and consistently demonstrating and embodying the values upheld by Save the Children. Accountability is enforced for both the team and external partners, ensuring that their responsibilities are fulfilled. This involves granting them the autonomy to determine the most effective methods for delivery, while also offering targeted development opportunities to enhance performance. Additionally, appropriate consequences are applied when outcomes fall short of expectations. Ambition: An individual who establishes high, yet attainable objectives for both themselves and their team, while assuming accountability for their own growth, also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within their team. A distinguished leader, this individual passionately articulates their forward-thinking vision for Save the Children, inspiring and mobilizing teams to achieve collective goals. Strategically minded with a forward-thinking perspective, capable of analyzing and planning on a global scale. Collaboration: Forges and sustains productive partnerships with team members, colleagues, clients, and external collaborators and advocates. Embraces diversity as a pivotal driver of competitive advantage, recognizing its integral role in fostering innovation and excellence. Accomplished at fostering open communication, possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, and demonstrates a natural aptitude for active listening. Creativity: Drives the creation and fostering of novel and inventive solutions. Demonstrates the ability to assess and embrace calculated risks with a disciplined approach. Integrity: Demonstrates unwavering honesty and fosters an environment of openness and transparency while upholding the highest standards of integrity. QUALIFICATIONS A bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Nursing, or a closely related health discipline is required. A postgraduate degree in Public Health or a related discipline would be highly advantageous. Here’s a professional version of your sentence:

Expérience

• ”We require a minimum of five to seven years of experience in leading and managing implementation projects.”

Established collaborations with donors in project-funded initiatives, as well as with prominent multilateral organizations and bilateral partners, are essential.

EXPERIENCE

AND SKILLS Essential A degree in fields such as Public Health, Nursing, Midwifery, Clinical Medicine, or other related Health disciplines is required. More than five years of progressive project management experience, preferably at a mid-level management position or above, is required. Established professional networks with key multilateral organizations and bilateral donors, particularly within donor-funded initiatives, are highly valued. Proven capability to effectively engage in a comprehensive health development initiative alongside Ministry of Health representatives at provincial, district, and health facility levels, as well as with local partners. Professional registration with the appropriate regulatory authority in Zambia is mandatory. Proficiency in leveraging data and evidence to inform strategic prioritization, decision-making processes, and the targeted implementation of interventions is required. Accomplished in leading and inspiring teams to achieve desired outcomes through effective management and motivational strategies. Financial acumen, along with proven expertise in planning and budget management, is essential. Demonstrates strong intercultural competence and thrives in multicultural settings, collaborating effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences. Required expertise includes a solid understanding of both global and domestic regulations and frameworks relevant to the designated field. Obtained certification or demonstrated practical experience in project management methodologies. Demonstrates a proven ability to cultivate innovative and mutually beneficial partnerships, facilitate cohesive team development, and drive successful collaborative execution. Demonstrates a strong track record in designing and executing program work plans, along with effectively leading and coordinating field teams responsible for plan implementation. Demonstrates the capacity to thrive in demanding and multifaceted settings, effectively managing competing priorities, tight deadlines, and high-performance expectations. Demonstrates strong capability to operate autonomously as well as lead or collaborate within multidisciplinary teams comprising various partners and stakeholders. Proven ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written means, as well as deliver compelling presentations. Highly proficient in utilizing computer systems and possess extensive hands-on experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Fluency in English, both verbally and in writing, is essential. Demonstrated expertise in leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, team development, and representing organizational interests. Possesses comprehensive expertise in the Zambian healthcare system. Professional experience involving work conducted within the Central, Lusaka, and Southern Provinces is required. Additional job responsibilities The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive, and the role may entail additional tasks commensurate with the individual’s skills and level of experience. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Qualified applicants are required to submit a cover letter alongside an updated curriculum vitae. The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday 11 th August 2026 Shortlisted candidates will be the only ones notified. Save the Children maintains the discretion to repost the position should no qualified candidates be identified. Save the Children operates as an equal opportunity employer and adheres to affirmative action principles, strictly prohibiting any form of discrimination against current employees or job applicants based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, or marital status. Additionally, we assure you that no part of the hiring process or subsequent employment will ever require you to make any financial contributions. Sharing Is Caring! Kindly utilize the icons provided below to distribute this content.

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