Global Health Strategies (GHS) is seeking a Director to support the growth of its Johannesburg office, which serves as a hub for the Southern African region. GHS is a worldwide organization that uses advocacy, communications and policy analysis to advance issues and power campaigns that improve health and well-being worldwide. Our services blend creative communications – messaging, media and digital – with strategic advocacy – leadership voice, champion engagement, policy research and events.
GHS is headquartered in the United States (New York) with country offices that serve as regional hubs: Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) / Latin America; United Kingdom (London) / Europe and the Middle East; Senegal (Dakar) / West Africa; South Africa (Johannesburg) / Southern Africa; Kenya (Nairobi) / East Africa; India (New Delhi) / Southeast Asia. Across regions, we have strong relationships with government, industry, media, academia and civil society stakeholders.
The GHS Director in Johannesburg will be responsible for managing the development and execution of communications and advocacy strategies for GHS's clients and partners, focused on major health and development challenges in the region, including reproductive maternal, newborn and child health, HIV, family planning, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, nutrition, climate justice and health financing, among others. The selected candidate will also support GHS' growing events practice, lead on hiring, managing and mentoring a small team, and coordinate the office's day-to-day operations. In the next phase, the director will also spearhead new business development efforts in the region.
This is the ideal position for an intelligent, entrepreneurial, motivated and passionate senior professional with a sophisticated understanding of an evolving global health environment and a strong background in global health advocacy and/or communications. The individual should also possess excellent diplomatic and client relations skills and an energetic and flexible management style. We are seeking someone who can thrive in a fast-paced, demanding and entrepreneurial environment.
This will be a full-time, Johannesburg-based position. The Director will report to GHS' Africa leadership team, comprised of three Vice Presidents.
Responsibilities Specifically, GHS' Johannesburg-based Director will:
Program Work Oversee a range of high-profile projects in Africa, including developing and implementing advocacy and media/communications strategies and market researchManage client relationships, ensuring that excellent service is delivered to clients and keeping senior managers and the organization's senior leadership apprised of project developmentCreate and track project work plans and budgets to ensure successful and timely completion of client deliverablesHire, build and mentor an appropriately sized team to support client work and new business development effortsAttend frequent domestic and international meetings and events, both with clients and alone, on their behalfMaintain effective communications between the Johannesburg office, other country offices and the NYC-based head officeManage the administrative functions of the Johannesburg officeSupport in the planning, direction, and coordinating of the strategic, operational and administrative direction of the GHS Johannesburg office, working in close collaboration with GHS' Africa leadership teamIdentify and secure new business opportunities with development agencies, donor organisations, private sector companies and civil society organizations based in South AfricaCreate and maintain interactions and networks with government agencies, multilaterals, CSOs and other partners in South AfricaRequired Qualifications 12-15 years of experience in global health and development areas, some of which in a management positionCreative and collaborative management style with a hands-on approach to project management (i.e., willingness to "roll up one's sleeves")Ability to produce — and mentor GHS staff to build their own teams to produce — client-ready documents across the full range of GHS servicesAbility and desire to function in a dynamic, fast-paced work environmentWillingness to travel internationally; overseas work experience is a plusExcellent oral and written communication skillsFluency in English, both spoken and written, is requiredDeep understanding of advocacy and communications in an African contextMaster's degree in a related field or Bachelor's degree with additional qualifications (course certificates)Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPointDesired Qualifications Proven ability to assist with organizational growth and drive profitability, as well as proven success at cultivating new or expanded business opportunitiesStrong relationships with global health stakeholders from the public, private and civil society sectors in South Africa and across Southern AfricaExperience managing cross-client, cross-office and cross-cultural challenges, including staffing, resource allocations, organizational development, knowledge management, etc.Excellent leadership and talent management skills: ability to manage, mentor, motivate and inspire staff and colleaguesHow to Apply
Email resume and cover letter describing relevant experience and interests, and write a sample to ******. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please include "Johannesburg Director" in the subject line.
GHS is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages people of diverse backgrounds to apply.
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