Project Director, Consortium Lead

Datadotorg; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consortium is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead a high-impact initiative in Johannesburg, South Africa. This role involves overseeing strategy, delivery, and partnerships to ensure project milestones are met. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years of experience, particularly in software development and project management across diverse geographies. Responsibilities include managing collaboration among stakeholders and developing a unified project roadmap. This full-time position presents a unique opportunity for impactful leadership in an engaging environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex technology development programs in AI / ML or software engineering.
• Proven track record of leading multi-partner initiatives across diverse geographies.
• Experience in team management and staff supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership in consortium management and collaboration.
• Lead the development and implementation of a unified project roadmap.
• Oversee the development of the CODA research agenda.

Skills

Minimum 15 years' experience in software development

Leadership in multi-country projects

Experience in AI / ML

Strong interpersonal skills

Experience in digital health

Job description

In A Nutshell

Lead a high-impact consortium, overseeing strategy, delivery, and partnerships to ensure the project achieves its milestones and drives measurable results.

Location

On Site Johannesburg, South Africa

Job Type

Full-time

Experience Level

Senior-level

Deadline to apply

November 26,

Responsibilities Consortium Leadership & Management

• Provide overall leadership in consortium management, ensuring effective collaboration across multiple partners.
• Identify trade-offs and prioritize action steps, balancing product development objectives and the timeliness of product production.
• Convene and manage consortium governance bodies (Governing Board, Scientific Advisory Committee, Technical Working Groups), ensuring decision rights and accountability are clear.
• Oversee the development of the CODA research agenda, aligned with project goals, user needs, and donor priorities.
• Coordinate with consortium leads, COEs, and experimental sites to ensure quality and timeliness in the implementation of project activities.
• Drive progress toward the successful pilot testing of CODA in real-world settings in a follow‑on activity.
• Serve as inaugural Chair and permanent Secretariat of the CODA Consortium Governing Board, convening regular meetings as agreed.
• Ensure advice and input from the Scientific Advisory Committee and an independent group of global donors and other stakeholders is communicated to the Governing Board.

Product Development

• Lead the development and implementation of a unified project roadmap, technical work plan, and critical path milestones.
• Serve as day‑to‑day coordinator across AI, Technology Development, MITS Development, Centers of Excellence, and global stakeholders.
• Maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with AI and Technology Leads.
• Align the work of AI algorithm developers, software / platform vendors, MITS developers, and other subject‑matter experts (e.g., SAC Members).
• Ensure product development follows a robust lifecycle, meets defined performance standards, and is ready for pilot testing in real‑world settings.
• Lead the development of a consortium proposal for funding of pilot testing as a follow‑on grant.

Skillset

• Minimum 15 years' experience in software development, with significant leadership (management, coordination, oversight, governance) in multi‑country / multi‑partner projects.
• Proven track record of leading multi‑partner or consortium‑based initiatives across diverse geographies.
• Experience managing complex technology development programs, ideally in AI / ML, digital health, or software engineering.
• Experience working in low‑ and middle‑income countries and on projects with strong data components.
• Experience in team management and staff supervision; strong interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience working in or with government ministries that focus on public health.

Experience in implementation research.

• Experience coordinating with donors and high‑level stakeholders, with the ability to translate technical progress into strategic reporting and decision‑making.
• Prior experience working in or with government ministries that focus on public health.
• Prior experience supporting pilot testing, evaluation, or scaling of digital or AI‑based solutions in real‑world or low‑resource settings.
• Experience with AI, digital health, or technology‑driven public health interventions will be an advantage.