Position vacancy notice
DRC Equitable Access to Education and Learning Project – Chief of Party
Education for Development Division
Background:
Creative Associates International (Creative) is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, D.C., the firm currently has field presence in over 20 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Project Description: Creative Associates International (Creative) is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID-funded education project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The project is a primary education initiative that seeks to improve equitable access to education and learning outcomes for girls and boys in the DRC. In support of this goal, the project will increase equitable enrollments to a quality education environment, improve education quality, and improve governance and accountability by stakeholders. Activities will primarily target the provinces of Katanga, Kasai Occidental, and Equateur, and will support access for out of school youth related to accelerated learning programs in South Kivu and North Kivu.
Project Duration: 5 years
Position Start Date: Anticipated 2014
Position Summary:
The Chief of Party will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the project and will be the senior in-country project representative with overall responsibility for supervising project staff, managing relations with partners and sub-contractors, and liaising with USAID and DFID. The COP will take a leadership role in the coordination of program activities among a diverse group of stakeholders and beneficiaries: school officials, Ministry of Education, CSO representatives, community and business members, and USAID and DFID personnel. The COP will oversee and ensure timely project implementation, monitoring of activities, and management of project staff and subsidiaries. The COP has ultimate responsibility for project financial accountability and reporting to USAID and Creative Associates’ home office.
Reporting & Supervision: The Chief of Party will report to the Project Director at Creative headquarters.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of a large, complex education program in a very challenging environment;Lead the overall technical and financial performance of the contract, including program planning, budgeting, M&E and managing in-country staff to ensure that the project is achieving all deliverables
- Supervise program progress and coordinate program activities across target provinces
- Ensure that technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to USAID and Creative’s policies and procedures
- Ensure the appropriate implementation of accounting, personnel, IT, and operating procedures are consistent with Creative policies as well as tailored to meet local needs
- Work in partnership with the Project Director in the Home Office. Engage in frequent, routine communication so that the Project Director is aware of both progress and potential issues, and solicits assistance and input as needed to ensure that performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements
- Recruit, hire, and manage national staff and consultants as needed to carry out activities
- Manage subcontractors, both international and local, to ensure that their performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements
- Maintain and nurtureCreative’s relationship with USAID, DFID and other in country donors
- Responsible for successfully managing the project’s relationship with local governments/ministries and other stakeholders
- Prepare and ensure timely reporting including quarterly and annual reports
- Oversee creation and implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities, and the development and implementation of work plans
- Support implementation of Creative’s security protocols and provide leadership in handling security-related issues. Address local staffing and personnel issues related to security
- Represent the project in local, national, and international meetings and events as appropriate
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Minimum of Master’s Degree (or foreign equivalent) in education, international development or related field
- Minimum 12 years of relevant management, supervisory, technical experience working with programs of similar scope and scale including at least 10 years development experience, including project planning, staff and financial management
- Minimum 5 years work experience in developing countries, including conflict-affected environments
- Experience with USAID-funded educational programs, with previous COP and other senior leadership experience
- Prior work in educational programs with experience in early grade reading a strong asset
- Development experience in, Africa, the DRC, or other fragile or conflict-affected country is strongly desired
- Demonstrated ability to work in complex, politically charged, and unstable environments
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, and ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders
- Oral and written fluency in English and French
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please visit the Careers section of our website and perform a keyword search for Chief of Party-DRC
Alternatively, you may paste the following link into your web browser:
http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CREATIVEASSOCIATES&cws=1&rid=409
Creative Associates International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. AA/V/D . Applicants can apply by visiting the careers section of our website: www.creativeassociatesinternational.com.
