Senior Program Manager

Cape Town
Delivery /
Full Time /
Hybrid
Zenysis is a global technology startup that builds an integration and advanced analytics software that empowers governments and international organizations to deliver lifesaving health programs in a truly-data driven way.

We are a diverse team of software engineers, diplomats and public health and development experts, and we are on a mission to transform the capacity of governments and international organizations to respond to the biggest global health challenges of our time.

Governments in 12 countries across Africa, Asia, and South America currently use our software to deliver lifesaving healthcare to millions of people in need, track pandemic threats, and coordinate responses to large-scale emergencies. We are currently funded by USAID, the Global Fund, Gavi, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and PAHO among others. We also have access to venture capital funding and recently landed a US$13.3M investment that we are using to build our team and accelerate our growth.

At Zenysis, we are proactive about ensuring a healthy work/life balance and invest heavily in learning and personal development. As a global company, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core parts of our values and how we conduct ourselves as a team.

The Role:

As a Senior Program Manager (Sr. PM), you will play a pivotal role in leading a diverse portfolio of projects at the country level. You will be responsible for developing strong relationships with existing partners and spearheading new business development efforts to grow our South African portfolio by cultivating relationships with new partners. Your primary focus will be ensuring the success of our projects by leading an interdisciplinary implementation team comprising data architects, public health experts, product designers, and engineers. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to build the skills necessary to lead increasingly large parts of our long-term operations and strategy in South Africa.

As a Senior Program Manager, you will be at the forefront of orchestrating the successful execution of our South African projects. This role demands a strategic approach to program management, encompassing the following key responsibilities:

    • Strategic Project Leadership: Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to completion, ensuring that all projects align with our strategic objectives and meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. This involves leading a multifaceted team, including data architects, public health experts, product designers, and engineers, to deliver impactful outcomes.
    • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Act as the primary liaison between our team, clients, and partners. You will be responsible for maintaining clear, consistent, and high-level communication with all stakeholders, ensuring that expectations are aligned, risks are communicated, and solutions are collaboratively developed.
    • Risk Management and Problem Solving: Proactively identify and mitigate project risks and challenges, collaborating with teams and stakeholders to implement effective solutions. This includes monitoring project scope and managing change requests in a manner that aligns with both client needs and our strategic direction.
    • Process Optimisation and Knowledge Sharing: Champion the continuous improvement of our project delivery processes and methodologies, fostering a culture of learning and development through knowledge sharing within the team and across projects.
    • Client Service Excellence: Execute project activities with a focus on efficiency, timing, and outstanding service to strengthen client relationships and uphold our reputation for excellence.
    • Partnership Development: Actively pursue and cultivate new business opportunities to expand our presence in the country, demonstrating a growth-oriented mindset. Engage in business development initiatives such as networking, partner outreach, and relationship building to identify and leverage growth prospects.
    • Lead the design and implementation Zenysis’ Growth strategy in South Africa

Required Skills and Experience:

    • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Health, Development, Management,  or similar field. 
    • 5+ years of progressively responsible experience employing project/program management or product management skill sets preferably on donor funded health-focused projects.
    • Experience with Ministries of Health and International Donors, including USAID, Global Fund, GAVI, World Bank, etc.
    • Excellent diplomacy and successful experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders including regional, national and local public and private sector partners. 
    • Experience in business development, engaging new partners and turning opportunities into projects.
    • You enjoy working with clients and have a customer-centric attitude.
    • Possess soft skills in these areas: teamwork, self-starter, agility working remotely in a highly matrixed environment, skilled at giving and receiving all forms of feedback. 
    • Comfortable in a startup working environment
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Zenysis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained staff. Women, minorities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please Note: Candidates must have legal authorization to work and currently reside in South Africa.