HEALTH PROGRAM OFFICER
South Africa Partners, Inc.
89 South Street • Suite 401 • Boston, MA  02111 • (617) 443-1072 • info@sapartners.org

The South Africa Partners Health Program Officer works with the Executive Director and in-country staff to support partnership activities between organizations and institutions in the United States and their counterparts in South Africa.  Primary responsibilities are to: (i) manage relationships with U.S.-based partners, including the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and members of the Massachusetts – South Africa Health Task Force; (ii) initiate new health partnerships that will build health care infrastructure in South Africa, including expanding partnership activities to other U.S. states and South African provinces; (iii) assist South African partners with the replication of selected U.S. based best practices; (iv) conduct evaluations and make recommendations related to partnership activities; and (v) organize meetings to publicize partnership activities.

The specific responsibilities of the Health Program Officer are:

• Manage relationships with U.S.-based partners, including: assistance with scheduling; management of meetings; and coordination of reporting.  This includes working with representatives of the MDPH to manage the activities of the MA – SA Health Task Force, a body that represents Massachusetts-based partners working under the auspices of the Massachusetts – Eastern Cape Sister State-Province Agreement.

• Initiate new health partnerships, including: expanding Massachusetts – Eastern Cape partnerships; and establishing partnerships between organizations and institutions in other U.S. states and South African provinces.

• Assist South African partners with the replication of selected U.S. based best practices, including: the Masihlanganeni Network and Wellness and Support Centre models currently being replicated in the Eastern Cape. Special attention will be given to ensuring project independence and sustainability.  Documentation and evaluation will also be prioritized.

• Conduct evaluations and make recommendations related to partnership activities, including: annual evaluations of partnerships; providing periodic updates on partnership activities; identifying and recommending interventions needed to advance partnership activities, including strategic plans.

• Organize meetings to publicize partnership activities, including: organizing meetings and seminars that highlight the work of partner organizations; and identifying opportunities to publicize partnership activities at professional meetings (e.g. APHA, International AIDS meetings).

This is a full time position, with some evenings and weekends required.  A minimum of two years experience in the area of international health or an MPH, MPP, or MPA degree with an interest in international health.  Strong organizational and communication skills needed, as well as good computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel in particular).  

Annual salary Commensurate with experience; benefits include a fully supported health care plan and paid vacation. South Africa Partners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Please send a letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the position, a resume and the names, telephone numbers and addresses of three references to:  Health Program Officer/Search, South Africa Partners, 89 South Street, Suite 401, Boston, MA  02111. 

Application Close Date: March 9, 2007

Start Date: May 1, 2007