Implementation Lead – REACH Malaria (Mashonaland East and Central)

job Description

CRS seeks an Implementation Lead – REACH Malaria who will coordinate field operations as well as directly support operations in Mashonaland East and Central for the Reaching Every At-risk Community and Household with Malaria Services (REACH Malaria) global project in Zimbabwe. REACH Malaria aims to provide implementation support services and technical assistance to countries to accelerate progress in comprehensive delivery of facility and community-based malaria services, including malaria case management, prevention of malaria in pregnancy (MiP), community health, data collection and use for service delivery, and other malaria prevention interventions.

The Implementation Lead – REACH Malaria will lead field operations and ensure efficient support to the Ministry of Health for project implementation. S/he will also directly support Mashonaland East and Central provinces. S/he will take a leadership role in field operations in terms of provincial and district level implementation of activities, meet stated objectives and reporting requirements. S/he will coordinate with relevant Ministry of Health officials and other strategic partners and key sectors at provincial and district levels. S/he will be responsible for reporting on all project activities and facilitate the NMCP to implement project supported activities in targeted districts. His/her coordination and relationship management skills will promote best practices and constantly work toward improving malaria service delivery to benefit those that we serve. S/he will also fill in for the Chief of Party as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and implement REACH field activities throughout relevant project cycles - start-up, implementation and close-out - to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. Ensure project team and partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
• Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs, through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources and close follow-up with operations and finance colleagues for efficient service delivery.
• Organize and lead the implementation of all assigned project activities in Mashonaland East and Central as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Support Ministry of Health staff in the implementation of project activities both at district and community levels.
• Provide routine one-on-one mentoring and coaching of Ministry of Health and NMCP staff assigned to regions and districts to ensure quality implementation.
• Plan and work with district-level health management teams in the operational districts for the implementation of project activities.
• Ensure learning properly accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle. Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding staff in their efforts to reflect on project experiences. Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
• Support and coordinate capacity building and technical support to Ministry of Health staff to ensure assigned project activities are implemented per project guidelines and standards.
• Coordinate the provision of any logistical and administrative support to facilitate project-supported activities.
• Submit monthly and quarterly project activity reports for Mashonaland East and Central and compile activity reports for all implementation zones.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.
• Champion learning with Ministry of Health and project staff. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
• Coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation.
• Help identify, assess and strengthen partnerships relevant to malaria programming, applying the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or in the field of public health required.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in Project Management, data collection and/or capacity strengthening, and coordination of activities with multiple stakeholders and across an extensive geographic area.
• Experience in work planning, budgeting, and grant reporting.
• Experience with REACH-supported projects and other donor-funded malaria activities is an added advantage.
• Significant field experience working with district health teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task to meet deadlines and organized and detail oriented.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Willingness to work additional hours during critical implementation periods.
• Excellent planning skills.
• Demonstrate creative approaches to problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and objectively maintaining the highest standards of integrity in job performance.
• Flexible and easily adaptable to change.
• Ability to work in and promote a team environment/concept.
• Strong computer skills (Excel, Word).

Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s Degree in Public Health, International Development, or related field.
• Project management experience in malaria or public health programming highly desirable.
• MEAL skills and experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.
• Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Required Languages: Strong written and oral communication skills in English required
Travel: include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Must be willing and able to travel up to 40 %.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Internal: CRS Zimbabwe Country Leadership and Operations
External: Government of Zimbabwe (Ministry of Health, National Malaria Control Program), other malaria and health partners in Zimbabwe.

How to Apply

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
· Personal Accountability – consistently takes responsibilities for one’s own actions.
· Acts with Integrity - consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
· Builds and Maintains Trust - shows consistency between words and actions.
· Collaborates with Others – works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
· Open to Learn – seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:
· Lead Change – continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
· Develops and Recognizes Others – builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
· Strategic Mindset – understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team principles.

About Us
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States of America to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as part of our staff and as partners, people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. Registered in Zimbabwe under PVO Act number 6/2002, CRS works with church and non-church organizations to assist the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality.

CRS is the Major Subcontractor of the USG-funded contract led by PATH for the project titled “REACH Malaria (Reaching Every At-Risk Community & Household with Malaria Services).”

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicant Instructions: Please email a cover letter, and curriculum vitae which should include three references to: [email protected]. Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 06th February 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

CRS does not charge application fees or processing fees to potential applicants or any fee throughout the recruitment process.

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. CRS carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

By applying for this job, the candidate understands and acknowledges that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect. Further, s/he understands that if successful, s/he will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate the candidate’s behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics.