Operation Eyesight Universal is a 60-year-old international development organization working to prevent blindness and restore sight. Based in Calgary, Canada, Operation Eyesight works collaboratively with partner hospitals in Bangladesh, India and Nepal in South Asia, and in the African countries of Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi and Zambia, to develop strategic plans that ultimately will achieve quality, comprehensive, sustainable eye health care services. Visit operationeyesight.com to learn more.

Operation Eyesight Universal is looking for a Country Director based in Lusaka, Zambia to lead our programmes and initiatives in Zambia. The Country Director will promote avoidable blindness-free communities/regions in line with Operation Eyesight’s global strategy.

The Country Director reports directly to our Global Director – International Programmes (who is currently based in Hyderabad, India) and coordinates and works closely with our Director – International Programmes and Director – International Finance and Administration.

Additionally, the Country Director will have a functional relationship with our Technical Advisor, who is based in Accra, Ghana.

There will be functional relationships with various colleagues in the global office in Calgary and other country directors across Asia and Africa to ensure coordination, smooth functioning, efficient exchange of information and cross-learning.

Kindly note that this position is open only for Zambian nationals.

Position Summary

To lead Operation Eyesight’s initiatives in Zambia and promote avoidable blindness-free communities/regions in line with the Global Strategy.

Key accountabilities:
• Strategy – To drive forward the country programme strategy that embodies the values, vision, mission, and objectives of Operation Eyesight and ensure it is being delivered in all areas of the organization’s work with new and existing partners.
• Impact – To ensure that the Country Programme Team is making a significant positive impact for various target groups through delivery of high-quality programmes and ensuring that the processes of planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning are robust.
• Finance and Administration – To ensure that the financial management of the organization is accountable and transparent at every level and that all staff are fully aware of and compliant with the relevant finance and administration policies.
• Networking and partnership building – To represent Operation Eyesight at various forums and networking events to identify potential partnerships and to further take forward the organization’s advocacy agenda in the country.
• Resource mobilization – To identify fundraising opportunities in the country and submit quality concept notes and proposals in collaboration with the International Programmes Team and Advancement team.
• Oversight – To oversee Operation Eyesight’s interventions in Zambia as well as in neighbouring countries (Ethiopia and Malawi).

Educational Qualifications

Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Health Administration (MHA) or MBA in Healthcare with a concentration in community health, health management or other related disciplines.

Work Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the development sector with at least five years at a senior leadership level with medium to large INGOs or NGOs or with other development agencies.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in project, budget and resource management.
• Ability to provide strategic direction to the Country Programme Team and support on-the-ground programme implementation.
• Ability to use data and its analysis for decision making around programme strategies and policy interventions.
• Experience developing funding proposals and reports for grants, foundations, private donors and public funders.
• Experience in the management of large institutional grants, and its effective utilization.
• Proven track record of strong management skills with complex programs.
• Ability to recruit, mentor and manage high-performing teams.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills in English.
• Good presentation skills and experience.
• Ability to pragmatically solve problems and plan a course of action using analytical, conceptual, strategic and forward-thinking abilities to achieve an effective resolution.
• Experience in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including advisory groups, coalitions, forums, foundations and practitioner groups.
• High achievement orientation. Is able to think outside the box in identifying solutions to challenges/gaps in programme delivery.

Working Conditions and Job Requirements

• Frequent travel to country programmes and project locations within the country.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate Calgary (Canada) office hours.
• Act as an ambassador for Operation Eyesight in a variety of professional and social settings.