About Keep a Child Alive

Keep a Child Alive (KCA) is a nonprofit organization working to create a world where children and communities affected by HIV and other critical health challenges can access the care and support they need to thrive.

Through our partnerships and programs, KCA works alongside local organizations, governments and global partners to strengthen health systems and improve access to quality care, with an increasing focus on neonatal and maternal health.

The Role

The Project & Strategic Partnerships Manager will play a key role in the implementation and growth of KCA’s neonatal care programs across Africa.

The position sits at the intersection of project management, program implementation, strategic partnerships and government engagement.

The Manager will ensure that KCA’s priority projects move effectively from planning and partnership development through implementation, monitoring and delivery, while maintaining strong relationships with local partners, governments and institutional stakeholders.

This is a hands-on role requiring someone who can move comfortably between strategy and execution — developing relationships at a senior level while also ensuring that projects, milestones and deliverables continue to move forward.

1. Project & Program Implementation

Lead the implementation and coordination of KCA’s priority projects and initiatives.
Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones and deliverables.
Track implementation progress across projects and ensure timely follow-up.
Coordinate multiple stakeholders to keep projects aligned and progressing.
Monitor project risks, challenges, dependencies and delays and ensure appropriate escalation.
Maintain clear documentation and visibility across active projects.
Support project reviews, evaluations and reporting.
Coordinate field visits and project monitoring activities.
Ensure implementation remains aligned with agreed objectives, timelines and resources.

2. Strategic Partnerships

Build and maintain strong relationships with KCA’s local implementation partners and institutional collaborators.
Serve as a key point of contact for partnership coordination and program implementation.
Coordinate regular partner meetings, updates and follow-up.
Ensure expectations, responsibilities, milestones and deliverables are clearly understood across partners.
Support the development of new strategic partnerships aligned with KCA’s mission and program priorities.
Identify opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and develop longer-term collaboration.
Participate in relevant steering committees and partnership working groups.

3. Government & Institutional Engagement

Develop and maintain relationships with relevant government ministries, agencies and institutional stakeholders.
Represent KCA in relevant program, health-sector and partnership discussions.
Support government engagement required for program implementation and expansion.
Identify opportunities for collaboration with government stakeholders.
Help position KCA’s programs in alignment with relevant national and regional health priorities.
Coordinate with partners and internal leadership to ensure consistent engagement with government stakeholders.

4. Program Development & Growth

Support the development and expansion of KCA’s neonatal care programs.
Identify opportunities for new projects, facilities, partnerships and geographic expansion.
Assess potential opportunities from a programmatic and implementation perspective.
Contribute to concept notes, proposals, partnership documents and project plans.
Support the transition of new opportunities from partnership development into implementation.
Work with leadership to develop sustainable approaches to program growth.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Providing accurate and timely program information for fundraising and grant proposals.
Supporting donor reporting and partner updates.
Working with Brand & Communications to translate program progress and impact into stories and communications.
Providing program input for campaigns, fundraising initiatives and external communications.
Supporting Team KCA initiatives where program engagement or fundraising opportunities require program input.
Ensuring key project milestones and impact information are communicated internally.

6. Stakeholder & External Representation

Represent KCA professionally with partners, governments, institutions and other external stakeholders.
Participate in conferences, meetings, field visits and relevant external events.
Build KCA’s credibility and visibility within relevant health and development networks.
Maintain a strong understanding of the operating environments in which KCA’s programs are implemented.

Key Deliverables

Priority projects have clear implementation plans, timelines and ownership.
Project progress is consistently tracked and followed up.
Partners receive appropriate coordination and support.
Implementation risks and delays are identified early and escalated appropriately.
Government and institutional relationships are actively managed.
Field visits and project reviews are effectively coordinated.
New partnerships transition effectively from development into implementation.
Program information is available to Development and Brand & Communications teams when needed.
KCA’s program portfolio has clear visibility, accountability and momentum.

Qualifications & Experience

5+ years of relevant experience in program management, project management, international development, public health, partnerships or a related field.
Proven experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience working with local partners and/or international organizations.
Experience developing and managing institutional or government relationships.
Strong understanding of project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Experience working across different countries and cultural environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational and stakeholder-management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.
Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects from planning through implementation.

Desirable Experience

Experience working in Africa.
Experience with maternal, newborn or child health.
Experience working with Ministries of Health or other government institutions.
Experience within an NGO, nonprofit or international development organization.
Experience managing health infrastructure or facility-development projects.
Experience working across public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Fluency in English; additional languages relevant to KCA’s countries of operation are an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

Project Management. Strong ability to plan, organize, track and deliver complex projects.
Partnership Management . Ability to build trusted relationships and manage diverse stakeholders toward shared objectives.
Government Relations. Confidence engaging with government and institutional stakeholders in a professional and strategic manner.
Strategic Thinking. Ability to understand the wider organizational objectives while maintaining focus on implementation.
Execution & Accountability. Strong follow-through, ownership and ability to ensure that agreed actions move forward.
Communication . Clear, concise and culturally sensitive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Adaptability . Comfort working in a dynamic, international environment where priorities can evolve quickly.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means that KCA’s priority projects are well-coordinated, progressing against clear milestones and supported by strong partnerships.

The Manager will create the operational consistency needed to turn KCA’s partnerships and program ambitions into measurable implementation and impact, while strengthening relationships with the governments, institutions and local organizations that make this work possible.

Most importantly, this role will help ensure that strong partnerships translate into tangible improvements in maternal and newborn health across the communities KCA serves.

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