About Market Access Africa

Market Access Africa (MAA) is a mission-driven healthcare organization that partners with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to design and deliver transformational healthcare solutions for Africa. We envision an Africa where world-class healthcare is the standard, and inequities are eliminated. By curating bold ideas and advancing innovative solutions, we accelerate access to life-saving products and strengthen health systems across diverse African contexts.

Where Will You Will Fit In?

The Principal, Country Programs (MNCH) will provide strategic leadership for MAA’s multi-country initiatives, with a strong focus on maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH). This senior role—reporting directly to the Managing Partners—drives product introduction, market shaping, and policy adoption efforts across Africa. We are seeking a seasoned leader with deep continental networks in MNCH, a proven track record in introducing underutilized or novel MNCH commodities, and the ability to influence decision-makers at national and regional levels. This individual will guide high-level engagements, steer technical priorities, and ensure that MAA’s work translates into tangible improvements in access, scale-up, and use of life-saving products.

Proficiency in English and French is highly preferred. The role will be based in Africa, with a strong preference for Kenya.

What Will You Do?

Program and Technical Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and ensure alignment across consortium partners and project countries.
• Lead high-level engagement with Ministries of Health, regulators, manufacturers, and donors to accelerate product adoption and scale-up.
• Support governments to integrate priority MNCH commodities into national policies, EMLs, and procurement mechanisms.
• Advise partners and manufacturers on regulatory pathways, registration strategies, and market entry requirements.
• Drive catalytic procurement planning and establish linkages to pooled procurement and global/regional supply mechanisms.
• Represent MAA in strategic forums, donor engagements, and co-creation platforms.
• Collaborate closely with Country Associates to ensure consistent execution and strategic alignment.
• Work closely with MAA Country Associates to ensure strategic and operational alignment.

Country Market Intelligence and Strategy

• Oversee in-country market intelligence and monitoring, guiding Country Associates in scoping, data collection, synthesis, and continuous insights generation.
• Lead the design and rollout of market-shaping interventions in partnership with the Life Sciences team.

New Program Development & Donor Relations

• Supports business development activities including identifying and supporting new opportunities and leading the technical design of new projects.
• Negotiates complex partner and stakeholder relationships to design high-quality and feasible technical approaches responsive to donor requirements and stakeholder needs.

What Are We Looking For?

• Advanced degree in medicine, public health, or a related field.
• 15 years of multi-country experience in MNCH, ideally within international NGOs, multilaterals, or government institutions.
• Demonstrated leadership in shaping national or regional policies, procurement strategies, and commodity introduction pathways.
• Strong experience managing multi-country teams and influencing senior government and donor stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in regulatory systems, country procurement mechanisms, and financing structures.
• Exceptional communication and analytical skills, with experience producing technical briefs and policy documents for high-level audiences.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex stakeholder environments and represent MAA at strategic platforms.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

Interested?

The Principal, Country Programs (MNCH) will be ideally based in Kenya and work in a hybrid model to ensure effective collaboration with consortium partners and government stakeholders. Please apply to hello@marketaccess.africa.

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