Save the Children (SC) is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party for an anticipated USAID/PEPFAR-funded project providing support to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Nigeria. The DCOP will work with Save the Children’s existing country office, and will provide operational leadership to support the direct implementation of program activities. The DCOP will oversee the overall operations and ensure the smooth running of a complex, multi-layered project by managing systems, staff and building capacity that support the results of the project. As the DCOP, s/he is also responsible for supporting the Chief of Party (COP) in the overall management of the project. In collaboration with the COP, s/he will maintain close liaison with USAID, Save the Children offices, various line ministries and partners as needed. Additionally, s/he will coordinate and manage district implementation, grants/finance, operations, and management information functions of the project. S/he will lead the operations, finance and support services project team and be responsible for working with the country office for the financial and grants management, HR, administration, IT, logistics and procurement of the project. 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 position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.
Responsibilities:
The DCOP will liaise closely with USAID, Government of Nigeria, Save the Children’s Headquarters and Country Office, as well as partner organizations. Key responsibilities include:
- Assist the COP with annual planning processes, in close collaboration with program teams;
- In collaboration with the program leadership team and implementing partners, lead the development of, budgeting and management processes ensuring results-oriented, efficient program operations at implementation level, including processes for the periodic review of implementation across districts and facilitate necessary mid-course corrections;
- Participate in the leadership team meetings and contribute to the program level management decision-making;
- Along with the COP, ensure appropriate project organizational structures are in place to ensure the most efficient and effective implementation of program activities;
- In collaboration with the COP, represent the program in appropriate technical and managerial advisory groups with government stakeholders and with USAID;
- Provide leadership and technical expertise to develop capacity of local civil society organizations (NGOs and CBOS) and local government entities (state level and district level representatives of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare);
- Directly manage staff included in the operational team including finance, operations, support functions and M&E;
- Work with the SC country office grants, finance, administration and human resource units to ensure systems are in place for the most effective program implementation with regards to M&E, financial management and compliance with all donor requirements;
- Adherence to SC operational procedures and guidelines;
- Act as the Chief of Party during his/her absence;
Requirements:
- Advanced degree in public health, development studies, social sciences, social work or related field such as social work, child protection, OVC programs, and HIV/AIDS, and organizational capacity building.
- Minimum of ten years of field-based experience working on large and complex overseas, multi-partner development programs, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a preference for Nigerian experience.
- At least five years of experience in designing, managing, and supporting the implementation of national program activities related to OVC programs, quality improvement, and community mobilization and institutional capacity building for local government entities and civil society.
- Familiarity with the Nigerian terrain (especially south southern Nigeria) and workings of GON at national and sub-national level
- Demonstrated senior management experience of large scale USAID funded project(s).Demonstrated knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies, with specific understanding of PEPFAR 3.0 guidelines. Knowledge and skills related to monitoring and evaluation of institutional and community capacity building activities, and familiarity with participatory and qualitative research methods for health in developing countries.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- 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.