Business Lead, Social Business Unit

Job Posting Organization:
PSI (Population Services International) is a global network of locally rooted organizations dedicated to achieving consumer-powered healthcare. Established over five decades ago, PSI has evolved from its origins in sexual and reproductive health to a broader mission that encompasses various aspects of healthcare. With a workforce of over 3,000 employees, PSI operates in 40 countries, focusing on innovative solutions to complex global health challenges. The organization prioritizes people's voices and choices, working collaboratively with public and private sectors as well as local communities to ensure quality and affordable care. PSI is currently implementing a Social Enterprise approach in key markets across Southern, Eastern, and West Africa, aiming to develop sustainable business models for women's health products and services.

Job Overview:
The Business Lead for the Social Business Unit at PSI Ethiopia will play a pivotal role in executing the organization's strategy aimed at generating sustainable growth within the Income Generating Activity unit. This position requires a deep understanding of the commercial pharmaceutical or wellness market to drive business growth and ensure operational excellence. The Business Lead will assess and maximize market potential, explore new opportunities, and develop innovative business cases for a portfolio of pharmaceutical and women’s health products. The role also involves ensuring strategic alignment of existing business operations, including sales and distribution, while driving the growth of digital activities in Ethiopia. The Business Lead will report to the Acting Africa Lead and supervise various in-market teams, including sales, warehouse, and finance and admin teams, while coordinating closely with PSI Ethiopia leadership and liaising with global and regional teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Lead will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Business Development and Innovation: Identifying and exploring new business opportunities in commercial markets for healthcare and wellness in Ethiopia, conducting feasibility studies, and developing comprehensive business cases and plans for new initiatives.
• Strategic Business Oversight: Overseeing the development and execution of strategic plans for current business operations, ensuring efficient implementation of business plans, and tracking key performance metrics.
• Digital Strategy: Executing the global VIYA digital strategy in the Ethiopian market and collaborating with colleagues to develop a cohesive regional digital ecosystem.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Representation: Positioning the organization within the local community, representing PSI to local businesses and stakeholders, and ensuring a balance between profitability and social impact.
• Operational Efficiency & Governance: Leading the development of efficient systems for operational excellence and overseeing financial, administrative, and logistical resources.
• People Management: Recruiting and managing team members, fostering a culture of high performance, and preparing annual budgets and work plans.
• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Monitoring and reporting on key performance indicators for business and digital activities, gathering data to optimize plans.
• Knowledge Management: Developing strategies for capturing and sharing organizational knowledge to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in Commerce or Marketing, with a postgraduate qualification such as an MBA being essential. A minimum of 10 years of experience is required, with at least 5 years in managing a P&L. Candidates should have cross-functional management experience in operations, sales, marketing, finance, and human resources, along with first-hand experience in the commercial pharmaceutical or wellness sector. A strong understanding of healthcare market dynamics in Ethiopia, along with analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, is crucial. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills are also required, along with proficiency in English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University Degree in Commerce or Marketing, with a postgraduate qualification such as an MBA being essential. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of business management and strategic planning within the healthcare sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with at least 5 years specifically in managing a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement. Candidates should have cross-functional management experience that encompasses operations, sales, marketing, finance, and human resources. Additionally, first-hand experience in the commercial pharmaceutical or wellness sector is mandatory, along with a strong understanding of healthcare market dynamics in Ethiopia.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this role, as effective communication is essential for stakeholder engagement and collaboration. While not explicitly stated, knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and involves onsite work. The role may require up to 20% local and international travel. PSI is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization values self-motivated individuals with a proven track record of achieving results in challenging environments.