Amref Health Africa, founded in 1957, is the largest African-based international health development organization. The organization implements more than 180 programs and reaches over 40 million people across 35 African countries. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref has offices in several African countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Senegal, Zambia, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, with additional advocacy and fundraising offices in Europe and North America.
Amref Health Africa works toward achieving “Lasting health change in Africa” by strengthening community-led and people-centered health systems while addressing the social determinants of health.
Purpose
The Service Delivery Director (SDD) provides strategic leadership, technical direction, and operational oversight for Amref Health Africa’s service delivery initiatives in Ethiopia. The role ensures the delivery of high-quality, equitable, and integrated primary health care services across key focus areas including Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH), disease prevention and control, adolescent and youth nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and youth development and engagement.
The position supports improvements in health outcomes and strengthens health systems through integrated, evidence-based service delivery approaches.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership and Systems Strengthening
- Lead the development and implementation of Amref Ethiopia’s service delivery strategy aligned with national health priorities and Amref’s global strategy.
- Strengthen health system components including service quality, workforce capacity, referral systems, and community-health facility linkages.
- Ensure integrated delivery of MNCH, disease prevention, and primary health care services across programs.
- Promote evidence-based interventions across the maternal, neonatal, and child health continuum of care.
2. Maternal, Neonatal & Child Health (MNCH) Leadership
- Provide technical oversight for MNCH programs to ensure improved quality, access, and equity.
- Strengthen clinical mentorship, training initiatives, and quality assurance systems.
- Support community engagement strategies to increase uptake of MNCH services.
- Promote research and innovation to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
3. Disease Prevention & Control
- Provide oversight for communicable and non-communicable disease prevention initiatives within primary health care services.
- Strengthen surveillance systems, community prevention efforts, and early detection mechanisms.
- Ensure alignment with national health strategies and global technical standards.
4. Oversight of Social Determinants of Health (WASH & Youth Development)
- Supervise WASH programs to ensure integration with health service delivery outcomes.
- Promote improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services within communities and health facilities.
- Lead youth development initiatives linked to health promotion, reproductive health, and social resilience.
5. Program Quality, Integration & Performance Management
- Ensure service delivery programs comply with donor requirements and national standards.
- Lead program performance reviews and implement corrective measures where necessary.
- Establish monitoring systems to track service delivery outcomes and program impact.
- Document best practices and promote learning across programs.
6. Growth, Innovation & Business Development
- Identify new funding opportunities related to service delivery and health system strengthening.
- Lead technical design of proposals and concept notes.
- Promote innovative models including digital health solutions and community-based services.
7. Partnerships & Representation
- Represent Amref in national and regional technical working groups.
- Build strong partnerships with the Ministry of Health, regional health bureaus, donors, research institutions, and private sector partners.
- Strengthen collaboration between program teams and external stakeholders.
8. Leadership & People Management
- Supervise senior program managers and technical leads.
- Promote a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
- Lead capacity development, mentorship, and professional growth initiatives.
Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, Health Systems, Global Health, or a related field (required).
- Medical Doctor (MD) with specialization in Clinical Medicine and Public Health is preferred.
- MBA or additional training in health management is an advantage.
Experience
- 12–15 years of progressive experience in health service delivery and health systems strengthening.
- At least 7 years in senior leadership roles.
- Proven experience managing large multi-donor health programs.
- Experience integrating WASH, youth development, and cross-sector health programs.
Core Competencies
- Strategic leadership and systems thinking
- Strong technical expertise in MNCH and primary health care
- Policy engagement and advocacy skills
- Financial and operational oversight
- Partnership development and stakeholder management
- Evidence-based decision making
- Excellent communication and representation skills
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter explaining why they are the best fit for the position.
Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
Amref Health Africa does not require applicants to pay any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All official communication will come from an @amref.org email address.
Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and promotes diversity and equal opportunity in employment.