Director, Tobacco Control – Africa Region

About the role

Vital Strategies is seeking a Director of Tobacco Control for the Africa Region to lead the Tobacco Control Accelerator (TCA) Fund and advance evidence‑based tobacco control policies across low‑ and middle‑income countries.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the TCA Fund, overseeing a multimillion‑dollar annual budget.
• Design, manage, and evaluate grants and technical assistance to governments and NGOs in 13 target countries.
• Build and maintain high‑level relationships with ministries of health, finance, and other relevant agencies.
• Coordinate cross‑regional teams and ensure alignment with Vital Strategies’ global public‑health mission.
• Represent the organization at international forums, conferences, and policy‑making bodies.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in tobacco control, non‑communicable disease (NCD) policy, and public‑health advocacy in Africa.
• Proven track record of managing large‑scale grant programmes and technical support initiatives.
• Deep understanding of government relations, policy development, and multi‑stakeholder collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cultural and institutional contexts.

Required skills

What we offer

• Full‑time position with competitive, market‑based compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to influence tobacco control policy across multiple African nations.
• Flexibility to be based in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, or the United States.