Save the Children is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for an anticipated 3-5-year USDA-funded program in Sri Lanka. The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (McGovern-Dole) feeds schoolchildren, reduces hunger, enhances food security, and improves literacy (especially for girls) in low-income, food-deficit countries around the world. By providing school meals, teacher training, and related education and nutrition support, McGovern-Dole helps boost school enrollment, attendance, and literacy results. McGovern-Dole also provides support to maternal and child nutrition (MCN).
The DCOP reports directly to the Chief of Party and ensures technical implementation of high impact, proven interventions that meet stated goals and reporting requirements. S/he will assume the responsibilities of the COP in their absence. The DCOP coordinates with USDA, key stakeholders, implementing partners and government representatives. S/he manages the implementation of key program activities throughout the targeted districts, oversees the work of program managers, and ensures efficient operational support for the project team.
- In collaboration with the COP, ensure that the program is delivered according to the contractual requirement with the donor and government i.e. that all activities and deliverables are completed within the agreed timescale and budget, reports are submitted as per agreed schedules and any other requirements or criteria are fulfilled;
- Design and regularly update detailed annual work plans and ensure these are used by the team appropriately to monitor progress towards completion and achievement of program objectives;
- Ensure that programmatic and financial reports for donors, government and Save the Children are prepared as required, ensuring these are of the highest quality and submitted in a timely manner to the donor. Be fully aware of the grant compliance regulations of Save the Children as well as USDA;
- Assist with the preparation and revision of a realistic budget, authorizing and monitoring expenditure in line with the budget, donor guidelines and Save the Children’s grant management and financial regulations;
- Manage and motivate direct reports to achieve their work plan objectives, and to contribute to the achievement of the overall program goals;
- Maintain good working relationships with officials, government ministries, implementing partners and the international and local NGO community;
- Work with program staff and Save the Children Technical Advisors based in the country office to identify the technical support needs of the program and ensure this support is provided;
- Monitor country-level activities, identify challenges and develop appropriate reporting and results of project activities to the COP including progress and annual reports;
- Coordinate closely with the SC offices in administrative and HR matters, especially regarding operations and financial matters as they relate to the program;
- Attend and actively participate in periodic program meetings and ensure a summary of progress and challenges are prepared and presented with follow-up actions as required.
- Minimum of seven years of professional experience in managing and implementing complex technical programs of similar size and scope in a development context, with a minimum of five years’ experience in the region, ideally in Sri Lanka;
- At least three years of demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a technical team and in project design;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives, private sector entities, local community organizations, donors and other stakeholders, particularly at the sub-national level;
- In-depth knowledge of USDA approaches and regulations;
- Strengths in inspiring and enabling others through teamwork, training, and capacity building to realize organizational objectives;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of local language preferred;
- Familiarity with the political, social, and cultural context of Sri Lanka is preferred.