Project Director, Consortium Lead

About the Opportunity

Project Director, Consortium Lead

Vital Strategies has engaged NGO Recruit Partners for this search. To learn more about this opportunity and apply, please use the link below. We will continue to receive and review applications until the position is filled.

Apply Here

About the Cause of Death Assistant project (CODA)

The Cause of Death Assistant (CODA) is a three-year initiative to design and test an AI-powered tool for cause of death assignment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CODA will address critical data gaps by improving the accuracy and timeliness of mortality data at both facility and community levels. The initiative is implemented by a consortium of global partners, with Vital Strategies serving as a CODA Consortium and Research Agenda Lead.

Responsibilities

• Consortium Leadership & Management
• Product Development
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Degree
Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, software product engineering, software product project management).

Skills And Abilities
Solid background in software product development cycles, particularly in the health and healthcare sectors; Strong and up-to-date familiarity with AI and LLM applications in health diagnostics, including an understanding of AI/ML development lifecycle (data collection, training, validation, deployment, monitoring); Comprehensive project leadership skills, with the ability to make sound, informed judgments; Demonstrated understanding of cause of death assignment or health information systems is a plus; Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams across technical, research, and programmatic domains; Ability to navigate diverse interests and build consensus; Familiarity with agile product development, human-centered design, and change management is a plus; Familiarity with ethical and regulatory frameworks for health data in LMICs; Strong written and oral communication skills; Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to build strong, ongoing, impactful relationships across a diverse range of cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds; Demonstrated commitment to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in software development, with significant leadership (management, coordination, oversight, governance) in multi-country/multi-partner projects;
• Proven track record of leading multi-partner or consortium-based initiatives across diverse geographies;
• Experience managing complex technology development programs, ideally in AI/ML, digital health, or software engineering;
• Experience working in low- and middle-income countries and on projects with strong data components;
• Experience in team management and staff supervision; strong interpersonal skills;
• Prior experience working in or with government ministries that focus on public health;
• Experience in implementation research;
• Experience coordinating with donors and high-level stakeholders, with the ability to translate technical progress into strategic reporting and decision-making;
• Prior experience working in or with government ministries that focus on public health;
• Prior experience supporting pilot testing, evaluation, or scaling of digital or AI-based solutions in real-world or low-resource settings;
• Experience with AI, digital health, or technology-driven public health interventions will be an advantage;

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• This is a full-time position ideally based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will be employed locally through an Employer of Record;
• We offer highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits;
• Travel will be required internationally up to 15% of the time;
• The candidate must be willing to work and be flexible with colleagues across different time zones.

How to Apply

Vital Strategies has engaged NGO Recruit Partners for this search. To learn more about this opportunity and apply, please use this link. We will continue to receive and review applications until the position is filled.