Save the Children is seeking an experienced Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated PEPFAR/USAID-funded project providing support to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Nigeria. The Chief of Party will work with Save the Children’s existing country office, but will be solely responsible for overall management of this USAID award. S/he will provide strategic and operational leadership to develop and implement a successful and integrated multi-sectoral program, building upon the existing USAID and Government of Nigeria investment and that will achieve sustainable outcomes. The goal of the five-year project is to reduce HIV impact, vulnerability and risk, as well as increase high impact HIV services to improve the well-being of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in southern Nigeria. Overall, the project seeks to improve health, nutrition, psycho-social well-being and educational outcomes; and reduced abuse of children affected by HIV. This post is contingent on the issuance of USAID funding and the selection of applicants is subject to USAID approval.
This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.
Responsibilities
The COP will liaise closely with USAID, Government of Nigeria representatives, Save the Children’s Headquarters and Country Office, as well as partner organizations. The COP will be the principal representative of the project and will ensure adherence to overall technical and programmatic quality in implementation, compliance with USAID rules and regulations, and the timely submission of all deliverables to USAID, including annual work plans, performance monitoring plans, semi-annual reports and annual reports as may be required. The COP will be responsible for the overall direction and coordination of the activities of any sub-recipient partners under this grant.
This key position will require travel across the region and to program areas. Responsibilities will include:
- Lead the program’s strategic, financial, and operational planning, including the annual work planning process and development of an appropriate exit strategy;
- Establish and guide overall technical direction of the project;
- Act as principal representative and liaison to all external stakeholders, including USAID/Nigeria and the Government of Nigeria;
- Oversee the timely submission of all deliverables to USAID.
- Provide oversight and coordination with international and national sub-recipient partners;
- Supervise key program staff, both technical and managerial, and oversee the hiring process of all local personnel;
- Serve as key liaison with Save the Children partners and any local sub-grantees.
- Oversee the process of selection of sub-recipient CSO partners;
- Provide overall coordination of the institutional/organizational and technical capacity building of local partners and stakeholders;
- Fully inform Save the Children’s home/country office on all matters relating to the program, and maintain appropriate links with partner home/field offices;
- Ensure that efficient systems to support all aspects of the program (including sub-grant management, financial, capacity building and performance monitoring and reporting) are in place and support the effective use of program resources in compliance with USAID regulations and Save the Children policies;
- Ensure that efficient systems to support all aspects of the program including sub-grant management, financial, capacity building and performance monitoring and reporting are in place and support the effective use of program resources in compliance with USAID regulations and Save the Children policies;
- Ensure knowledge management systems are in place and quality evidence-based documentation is produced and disseminated;
Requirements
- Advanced degree in public health, social sciences, development studies or related field.
- 10-12 years of field-based experience managing large and complex overseas, multi-partner development programs, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a preference for work experience in Nigeria
- Experience managing large scale USAID funded project(s) at a senior level
- Demonstrated knowledge of USAID policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including PEPFAR 3.0 guidelines.
- Experience in managing large child-focused field programs for an international NGO.
- Demonstrated skills in strategic and program planning and understanding of HIV/AIDS-related continuum of care support services. Experience designing, managing, and supporting the implementation of national program activities related to OVC programs strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining a high performance team internally and across organizations.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Nigerian terrain, and working with Government structures at national and sub-national levels
- Proven experience building capacity of local NGOs and government bodies.
- Proven ability in promoting and collaborating closely with multi-level stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Qualified Nigerian candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Each year, we and our partners reach millions of children in communities around the world. Our dedicated and diverse staff work hard to improve the well-being of children everywhere.
Save the Children provides an attractive benefits package including competitive salaries, a matching retirement plan, health and welfare benefits, life insurance, an employee assistance program, generous time off and much more. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Save the Children complies with all applicable laws.