Chief of Party- vacancy

Chief of Party, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Job title: Chief of Party

Location:Democratic Republic of the Congo
Education for Development Division
Deadline: 20/6/2013

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 has field presence in 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.

Position Summary:
 Creative is seeking a Chief of Party for an anticipated USAID-funded girls education project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The goal of this program is to empower Congolese girls through education to play a leadership role in society.
The program aims to reduce school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV), increase the number of adolescent girls transitioning from primary to secondary school, improve opportunities for those who drop out, and provide the knowledge and skills needed for adolescent girls to practice leadership and effect positive social change in their communities.

The COP will be the technical and administrative supervisor of all project activities and will be the senior in-country project representative with overall responsibility for supervising project staff, and managing relations with partners and sub-contractors (both international and local).
 The COP will coordinate program activities among a diverse group of stakeholders and beneficiaries, especially host-country government officials and USAID personnel.
The COP will ensure timely project implementation and technical reliability, monitor project activities, and ensure quality.
 The COP has ultimate responsibility for financial accountability and reporting to USAID and the Creative home office.

Reporting & Supervision:
 The Chief of Party reports to the Program Director at Creative headquarters.

Primary Responsibilities:

•     Responsible for overall technical and financial performance of the contract
•     Manages/leads in-country staff to endure that the project is achieving all deliverables
•     Ensures that technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to USAID and Creative's policies and procedures
•     Works in partnership with the Project Director. Engages in frequent, routine communication with the Home Office 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
•     Manages subcontractors to ensure that their performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements
•     Responsible for maintaining and nurturing Creative's relationship with USAID, communicating at a minimum on a weekly basis
•     Responsible for successfully managing the project's relationship with local governments/ministries and other stakeholders
•     Prepares quarterly and annual reports
•     Oversees creation and implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities
•     Produces brochures, success stories, and other materials to promote the program's successes within USAID and the broader development community
•     Supports implementation of Creative's security protocols and provides leadership in handling security-related issues. Addresses local staffing and personnel issues related to security
•     Maintains a working knowledge of project financials, working with and supporting the Finance Manager to ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place and being followed

Required Skills & Qualifications:

•     Minimum of a Master's degree, PhD/EdD preferred, in education or related field
•     Minimum of 10 years' experience implementing and managing education improvement programs in developing countries
•     Previous COP experience in regional program management preferred
•     Technical experience in areas such as girls' education, gender-based violence prevention, women's empowerment, gender equity, and multicultural/multilingual education
•     Knowledge and experience in education and development in Central/Southern Africa, particularly in the DRC, is strongly desired
•     Organizational acumen and cultural sensitivity
•     Demonstrated exemplary diplomatic, communication and interpersonal skills
•     Familiarity with USAID policies and procedures
•     Excellent written and spoken English and French language skills; familiarity with at least one local language desirable

Creative Associates International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
How to apply: visit; http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1366628797052