Project Director, Consortium Lead - CODA

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

Job summary

A leading technology consortium based in Johannesburg seeks a Senior-level leader to manage a high-impact consortium, overseeing strategy and delivery. This role requires over 15 years of experience in software development and a proven track record in managing complex projects across multiple geographies. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating effectively with partners and stakeholders. The position offers a full-time contract.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in software development.
• Proven track record of leading multi-partner initiatives.
• Experience managing complex technology development programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead consortium management and strategy oversight.
• Develop and implement a unified project roadmap.
• Ensure effective collaboration across multiple partners.

Skills

Software development

Leadership in multi-partner projects

AI/ML experience

Interpersonal skills

Implementation research

Job description

In A Nutshell

Location

On Site Johannesburg, South Africa

Job Type

Full-time

Experience Level

Senior-level

Deadline to apply

November 26, 2025

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

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.