FHI 360 is seeking an experienced Chief of Party (COP) to lead and manage the Backbone Support and Learning Contract. As a coordination, collaboration and learning platform, the Backbone Support and Learning program will contribute to all aspects of the RISE II results framework. In addition, it will make a central contribution to the RISE II transformative outcome of “Enhanced capacity to learn and adapt among beneficiaries, local partners and partner governments.” This position is contingent upon contract award. The expected period of performance is an estimated 5 years (duration of the program). This position will be based in West Africa (Niger or Burkina Faso).
The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for providing overall technical and programmatic leadership of an upcoming project in Niger and Burkina Faso, ensuring coordination, collaboration and learning among RISE II activities. S/he will oversee the testing and expansion of proven resilience-enhancing technologies and innovations. S/he will oversee the development and testing of new models that integrate humanitarian and development assistance and promote resilience and growth. The COP will promote ownership capacity-building of national and regional institutions, and coordinate humanitarian and development interventions in the zone of intervention. S/he will oversee a knowledge management database for the monitoring and sharing of data and learning. The COP will ensure that cross-cutting issues such as gender and social inclusion are integrated throughout the project.
The COP will provide overall leadership and technical direction to promote innovative, adaptive management for this development project; coordinating partner roles and setting performance expectations; ensuring program deliverables and milestones are met. The COP is expected to coordinate with government and other stakeholders to ensure that activities complement ongoing learning and evaluation initiatives. The position will be based in either Niger or Burkina Faso. Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of the final applicant is subject to USAID approval.
- Plan, direct and coordinate technical and operational activities to ensure that project goals and objectives are accomplished with prescribed timeframes and funding parameters and in compliance with USAID regulations and FHI 360 policies.
- Maintain an integrated vision and approach for the project in achieving the results as defined in the award, while maintaining excellence and accountability to USAID.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders on project matters.
- Collaborate with technical specialists, other team staff, and stakeholders beyond the project to ensure coordination of materials and communication message strategies and avoid gaps and overlaps.
- Ensure the USAID-compliance and integrity of program operations.
- Ensure timely, accurate and user-friendly reporting on the progress and status of all services provided under the program.
- Oversee monitoring and evaluation of project indicators and knowledge management activities.
- Oversee the project’s financial and technical reporting requirements.
- At least 10 years of proven success managing complex development programs that include multi-disciplinary programming, preferably in the West Africa context, and on USAID funded projects of similar size. Proven abilities to set priorities, to multi-task and to work collaboratively across technical disciplines.
- Experience in projects of similar or related nature, size and complexity, with national or local governments, NGOs or donors. Preference given to a candidate who has demonstrated experience working resilience sector and in monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) and/or knowledge management (KM).
- Possess outstanding professional reputation and have strong demonstrated interpersonal, written and oral presentation skills.
- Experience collaborating with government ministries and officials, NGOs and donors, evaluators, and community-based institutions, preferably in Niger or Burkina Faso.
- Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse technical team promoting innovation, adaptive management and evaluation. Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, subcontractors, consultants and recipients of assistance.
- Required to have strong oral and written communication and presentation skills in French. Proficiency in English is desirable.
- Past work experience in West Africa (preferably Niger and Burkina Faso).
- Ability to travel as needed.