Associate Director – Oncology Program at Partners In Health (PIH)
Partners In Health (PIH) is recruiting an Associate Director for the Oncology Program in Burera, Rwanda. This senior leadership role shapes cancer care strategy, oversees screening programs, manages grants, and strengthens oncology services across Rwanda’s health system.
If you have experience in health program leadership and a passion for equitable healthcare, this role offers meaningful impact and professional growth.
What Does the Associate Director – Oncology Program Do?
Simple Explanation
The Associate Director is a strategic leader in Rwanda’s cancer care system. You will:
- Oversee cancer screening and early detection programs
- Manage oncology quality improvement initiatives
- Lead grant-funded projects
- Strengthen data and research integration
- Collaborate with government and international partners
This role combines program management with health systems leadership.
Real-Life Example
Imagine a breast cancer screening program in rural districts. As Associate Director, you would:
- Ensure screening services are available
- Coordinate training for healthcare workers
- Monitor program effectiveness
- Improve referral pathways for treatment
- Report outcomes to donors and stakeholders
Your decisions directly influence patient access to care.
Core Responsibilities Explained
1. Cancer Early Detection and Screening
You will:
- Oversee breast and cervical cancer screening initiatives
- Support diagnostic ultrasound and biopsy capacity
- Strengthen referral systems
- Expand decentralised oncology services
Rwanda-Specific Insight
Cancer is often diagnosed late in Rwanda due to limited screening access. Expanding early detection saves lives and reduces treatment costs. Rwanda’s national health strategy prioritizes decentralized services so patients can receive care closer to home.
2. Strengthening Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence
Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) is Rwanda’s leading cancer treatment facility outside Kigali.
You will:
- Improve the quality of care
- Support oncology nursing education
- Enhance pathology and data systems
- Implement treatment guidelines
- Oversee palliative care initiatives
Quality improvement ensures consistent, safe treatment for patients.
3. Grant Management and Donor Reporting
Major responsibilities include:
- Managing multi-year oncology grants
- Monitoring budgets and deliverables
- Preparing donor reports
- Ensuring compliance
Grant management is critical because many health programs rely on external funding.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research
You will:
- Track program performance indicators
- Support research integration
- Evaluate screening outcomes
- Use data to inform decisions
Data-driven leadership improves program effectiveness and accountability.
5. Leadership and Team Management
You will supervise program teams and:
- Provide mentorship
- Conduct performance management
- Promote equity and accountability
- Foster collaborative teamwork
Leadership skills are essential for program success.
Required Qualifications
To qualify, candidates should have:
Education
- Medical degree or related clinical qualification
- Master’s degree in Public Health or Global Health (preferred)
Experience
- At least 3 years in health program leadership
- Grant management experience (preferred)
- Stakeholder engagement skills
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Quality improvement
- Communication and leadership
Values
- Commitment to health equity
- Alignment with PIH principles
- Ethical professional conduct
Salary Expectations in Rwanda (2026 Estimate)
Senior health program leadership roles in Rwanda NGOs typically offer:
- RWF 2,500,000 – 5,500,000 per month
- Additional benefits may include health insurance and professional development support
Salary depends on experience and organisational funding structures.
Why This Role Matters in Rwanda
Cancer care challenges in Rwanda include:
- Limited early detection
- Late-stage diagnosis
- Geographic barriers to care
- Resource constraints
This role addresses these issues by strengthening screening programs and expanding oncology services. Rwanda’s government prioritizes decentralized healthcare so patients can access services closer to home.
Skills You Must Demonstrate
Strategic Thinking
You will plan long-term program improvements and align initiatives with national health strategies.
Financial Oversight
Budget management ensures responsible use of donor funds.
Stakeholder Engagement
You will collaborate with government agencies, donors, and healthcare institutions.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Monitoring outcomes guides program improvements.
Leadership
Mentoring teams and fostering collaboration drives program success.
Interview Preparation Tips
Expect questions on:
Program Leadership
- How do you manage large health programs?
- Describe quality improvement initiatives you led.
Cancer Care Understanding
- How can early detection improve outcomes?
- What challenges exist in rural cancer care?
Grant Management
- How do you monitor budgets?
- Describe donor reporting experience.
Rwanda-Specific Context
- How would you decentralise oncology services?
- How can community engagement improve screening?
Preparation Strategy
- Review Rwanda’s National Cancer Control Plan
- Understand PIH’s health equity mission
- Prepare examples of leadership achievements
- Demonstrate financial and strategic planning skills
- Practice clear and professional communication
Career Growth Opportunities
This role opens pathways to:
Senior Health Leadership
You may advance to director-level positions in health programs.
International Collaboration
PIH partnerships provide exposure to global health initiatives.
Research and Policy Impact
Data and program insights can influence national health strategies.
Specialized Expertise
Experience in oncology program leadership enhances career prospects.
Real-World Impact
Consider a rural district where cancer screening is limited. As Associate Director, you would:
- Expand screening access
- Train healthcare workers
- Improve referral systems
- Monitor outcomes
- Support patient education
Your leadership improves lives and strengthens health systems.
How to Apply
To apply:
Prepare:
- CV
- Application letter
- Academic documents (PDF or Word)
Submit via the PIH employment portal:
Application deadline: 9 March 2026
In your application, emphasise:
- Leadership experience
- Health program achievements
- Commitment to equity
- Strategic and financial skills
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need oncology clinical experience?
Clinical oncology knowledge is beneficial, but program leadership experience is prioritised.
2. Is a Master’s degree mandatory?
A Master’s degree is preferred but not strictly required if you have strong program leadership experience.
3. Is this role based in a rural area?
Yes, the position is in Burera District, requiring adaptability to rural settings.
4. Does the role involve research?
Yes, you will integrate research findings into program improvements.
5. What is the contract duration?
Details are not specified, but senior roles often continue based on performance and program needs.
The Associate Director – Oncology Program role at PIH is a strategic leadership opportunity in Rwanda’s cancer care system. You will:
- Improve early detection and screening
- Strengthen oncology services
- Lead quality improvement
- Manage grants and partnerships
- Advance health equity
If you have experience in health program leadership and a passion for impact, this role offers professional growth and meaningful contribution.
Application Deadline: 9 March 2026
Prepare strategically. Highlight your leadership achievements. Contribute to Rwanda’s oncology advancement.
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