Role:
With less than a decade left to achieving the Goal of a malaria-free Asia Pacific by 2030, APLMA is at a critical inflection point in supporting political leadership and malaria programs across the Region. Guided by a 10 year Strategic Framework and a four year Program Design (2022-2026). APLMA is well positioned continue building visibility for Asia Pacific both regionally and globally through robust technical advocacy.
A highly motivated and mission-driven individual, the Senior Associate Director will be responsible for the oversight and management of APLMA country program activities aimed at combatting Malaria, Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical diseases across the Asia Pacific region. This role will be instrumental in leading the development and implementation of effective engagement strategies for both high-burden and near-elimination countries.
The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical expertise in malaria, vector borne, or other infectious diseases coupled with familiarity in working with national public health programs, as well as, bi- and multi-lateral partners. He/She should also be a strategic thinker, with health policy engagement and a passion for public health. He/She will report to the Executive Vice President for Strategy.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Engagement: Country Programs
- Engage strategically with specific in-country partners while providing oversight of a comprehensive Asia Pacific country engagement strategy with a key focus to support high-burden countries (India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea) and near-elimination countries (Greater Mekong Sub-Region).
- Oversee the design, implementation and evaluation of country support programs, ensuring APLMA’s alignment with relevant national malaria / vector-borne disease control / neglected tropical disease programs within the Ministry of Health / Department of Health’s organizational goals and strategies and in coordination with WHO and other technical partners.
- Ensure the effective utilization of resources and achievement of program objectives within budget and timeline constraints.
- Lead and work closely with the team on country-focused technical inputs required for the development of a resource mobilization strategy for priority countries / thematic workstreams, including development of concept notes, grant proposals etc.
- Work closely with the APLMA Leadership Team to ensure strategic alignment and synergy across other key workstreams, including but not limited to, evidence, insights, policy, financing, sustainability, institutional partnerships and communications.
Team Management
- Provide strategic direction and build capacity for APLMA’s country teams to implement high-quality country support programs.
- Provide mentorship and coaching to team members to enhance their skills and capabilities.
- Create a positive and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork across the Secretariat.
- Implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program impact and outcomes, in alignment with the APLMA Results Framework.
- Use data-driven insights to continuously improve program strategies and outcomes.
- Manage in-country consultants, sub-awards, local teams to address challenges and adapt strategies based on ongoing program evaluation.
Technical Advocacy
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and other relevant organizations.
- Use strategic communications tactics to advocate for evidence-based policies and practices related to malaria, vector-borne diseases, and other neglected tropical diseases.
- Engage with policymakers, health agencies, and other stakeholders to promote adoption of transformative innovations and best practices in malaria control, prevention and elimination.
- Generate and disseminate compelling evidence generated from in-country programs to support advocacy initiatives and engage with senior national and sub-national decision-makers.
Coordination and Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and other key stakeholders in the respective country program(s) within the Asia Pacific region.
- Coordinate and collaborate with global and regional bodies such as the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, WHO HQ, SEARO, WPRO, EMRO, ASEAN, Pacific Island Forum, SAARC and international partners such the Gates Foundation, The Global Fund, the Asian Development Bank, bilateral agencies such as DFAT and USAID, so as to leverage resources, share best practices, and enhance the impact of interventions.
- Coordinate with APMEN and the Working Groups to identify opportunities for technical support, sharing best practices, elevating country experiences and latest developments in implementation research etc.
Skills & Qualifications:
Qualifications
- Master's degree in infectious diseases, public policy, public health, international development or related fields.
Experience
- Minimum of 10 to 12 years of proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing large-scale, multi-year public health programs, with a focus on malaria, vector-borne diseases, or neglected tropical diseases.
- Experience working with global health donors, bi-lateral and/or multi-lateral development agencies will be an added advantage.
- Experienced in and with proven ability to work effectively with government officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in Asia Pacific, and to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
- Strong understanding of the public health landscape in the Asia region.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with a variety of governmental and non-governmental organisations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Familiarity with international / WHO health guidelines, public sector protocols, and best practices.
Personal Attributes
- Demonstrated commitment to improving public health outcomes and preventing the spread of communicable disease threats, particularly in underserved and marginalized populations.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and diverse team.
- Able to travel overseas when required.
The position is a full-time role and will be based in the organization's headquarters in Singapore. The organization offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The initial contract will be for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.
We thank you for your application and regret to inform that only candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted.
