Program Manager, Central America

About Grounds for Health

Grounds for Health is a US-based nonprofit with a mission to prevent cervical cancer in coffee-growing communities, where women living in rural areas do not have access to high quality care. We create effective and impactful cervical cancer prevention and treatment programs by partnering with coffee companies, coffee cooperatives, local health organizations, and Ministries of Health. We believe in global equity and access to healthcare, where no woman dies from a preventable disease. Grounds for Health currently operates programs in Ethiopia and Kenya, and is expanding to Latin America, with an initial focus likely in Guatemala. For more information, visit www.groundsforhealth.org

Position Description:

Grounds for Health is seeking a Central America-based Program Manager to lead the organization's entry into Latin America and to contribute to organizational program strategy, learning, and fundraising. The Program Manager will serve as the primary in-country face of Grounds for Health in the region. They will report directly to the Executive Director and work closely with the full team to ensure the highest quality of program design, execution, and learning, while actively cultivating partnerships and funding relationships that will make the program and organization sustainable. This is a full-time position based in Central America, with regular travel throughout the region and occasional international travel.

Position Responsibilities:

Central America Program Management (60%)

• Needs Assessment (2026)
  • Design and conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to determine the scope, locations, partners, and implementation strategy for a new cervical cancer prevention program in Central America, likely in Guatemala.
  • Map the health system landscape, including Ministry of Health structures, NGOs, and service delivery sites.
  • Identify and engage potential implementation partners, including coffee cooperatives, regional health authorities, and community-based organizations.
  • Assess the funding landscape, including local foundations, in-country corporate partners, and regional or international grant opportunities.
  • Produce a needs assessment report and program plan for Executive Director.
• Program Implementation (2027 onward)
  • Lead the launch and ongoing implementation of the Central America program, ensuring fidelity to Grounds for Health's model and quality standards.
  • Oversee staffing, which may include hiring local staff and/or delegating to on-the-ground partners. Support execution of program activities:
• Training and supportive supervision to community health promoters, clinical staff (nurses and midwives), and laboratory technologists.
• Coordination of training, community outreach, screening and treatment services, and laboratory operations.
• Procurement and distribution of supplies and equipment.
• Appropriate clinical follow-up systems for patients with abnormal results.
• Implement data management systems and report on program performance indicators quarterly.

Partnership and Funding Development (30%)

• Represent Grounds for Health in the region: attend partner meetings, cultivate relationships with NGOs, Ministry of Health officials, coffee industry stakeholders, and potential funders.
• Identify and pursue in-country and regional funding opportunities.
• Contribute to grant proposals, funder reports, and program impact documentation; surface stories, beneficiary narratives, and results for use in fundraising and communications.

Strategy, Quality, and Learning (10%)

• Contribute to organizational-level program strategy and planning, including annual work plans, budgets, and evaluation frameworks.
• Track and analyze program data to identify quality improvement opportunities and share learnings with the broader GfH team and global community.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in public health, medicine, nursing, or a related field. Clinical or laboratory qualifications or experience in women's health are strongly preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in international health program management, preferably in Latin America.
• Strong project management skills, including work plan development, financial tracking, and data monitoring and reporting.
• Proven ability to cultivate partnerships and relationships with government, NGO, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff, clinicians, or community health workers.
• Experience identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, including grant writing and donor engagement, is a strong asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish and English.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with data management systems a plus.
• Ability to work independently and with remote supervision; self-directed, entrepreneurial, and adaptable.

Conditions:

This is a full-time position based in Central America. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, benchmarked to local market rates. Grounds for Health offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment with significant opportunity for professional growth and leadership.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter to info@groundsforhealth.org by April 17th, 2026. The cover letter should explain your relevant experience, fit for the role, availability, and salary expectations. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish and English.