Save the Children is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated 5-year USAID-funded integrated health project in Mali. The project will support the Ministry of Health in scaling up high impact maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition services in an effort to improve health and nutrition outcomes for women of reproductive age and children under 5. The COP is a senior leadership position and will provide overall strategic direction in the design, management, implementation and overall quality assurance of the project. The COP will be the primary point of contact with USAID and responsible for the sustainability of project interventions, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners provide high-level support for effective capacity building at national and local levels. The COP will oversee a team of experts and support staff, prepare reports and annual operating plans, align project initiatives with in-country priorities and ensure the project is compliant with USAID and Save the Children’s regulations. This position will be based in Bamako with frequent (up to 25%) travel to the field.
- Develop strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, and overall management of the project in line with USAID guidelines to achieve project objectives.
- Ensure high quality technical leadership and oversight is in place for the project.
- Lead the project team in their collaboration with the Ministry of Health and key USAID and other donor implementing partners.
- Support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, project monitoring tools and efficient systems to ensure high quality implementation; allow for timely and accurate decision-making and course corrections when evidence acquired through the activity’s MEL mechanisms suggest the need for change.
- Support a rigorous approach to learning and adaptation driven by data that, in consultation with USAID, lead to refinements and adjustments to the activity’s technical approaches and annual work plans.
- Ensure compliance with all USG regulations and procedures as well as Save the Children guidelines.
- Represent Save the Children and the project with partners and key stakeholders, maintain positive relationships with USAID, local ministries, and the country office team.
- Establish effective communication and coordination with personnel from the government in order to implement interventions and incorporate country-wide priorities.
- Actively participate as a member of the Country Extended Senior Management Team (ESMT), contributing to country strategic plans.
- Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where the project team strives to achieve excellence.
- Incorporate SC’s vision and values and full adherence to Code of Conduct principles.
- Closely monitor security dynamics in the project areas and report to the Country Director on significant changes in the security context.
- Minimum 10 years’ of professional experience designing, managing and implementing large and complex projects in technical areas such as maternal, newborn and child health, reproductive health and family planning, nutrition, hygiene, gender, and youth.
- At least five years of senior project experience working and living in a developing country, ideally in Mali.
- In-depth knowledge of USAID approaches and regulations
- Prior experience as Chief of Party or Deputy COP.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
- Creative problem solving skills with the ability to work effectively in resource-constrained environments.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French.
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.