Save the Children is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated five-year USAID Supporting Learning Outcomes in South Sudan activity. This activity which will promote approaches and strategies to improve learning outcomes among children and youth ages 10-15, including development of both formal and non-formal education approaches and methodologies, to increase literacy and numeracy in South Sudan.
This senior leadership position is responsible for providing overall technical oversight and management leadership to the project. The COP will be Save the Children’s primary point of contact with USAID and all relevant stakeholders. The COP will oversee the work of all international and local partners, sub-grantees and technical assistance providers and ensure the timely submission of all financial and technical deliverables to USAID, including annual work plans and performance monitoring plans. He/she will ensure that all award requirements are met. He/she will maintain close collaboration with Government of South Sudan representatives and other stakeholders.
- Provide overall technical and management leadership for all activities under the Cooperative Agreement, ensuring sound implementation and management by sub-grantees and project staff and the timely submission of all technical and financial deliverables to USAID;
- Lead the program’s strategic, financial, and program planning, including the annual work planning process detailing resource deployment estimates (personnel, equipment, budget) necessary to achieve proposed milestones and targets;
- Supervise the project office and key personnel. Oversee the hiring process of local personnel and the identification and selection of appropriate short- and long-term technical assistance.
- Ensure that efficient systems to support all aspects of the program (including award requirements, sub-grant management, financial, 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;
- Represent the project for Save the Children in formal and informal relationships with USAID, the Government of South Sudan, other donors, and partners;
- Ensure the development of appropriate systems to incorporate and nurture participation of South Sudanese NGOs and other civil society organizations involved in the project;
- Establish effective communication and coordination with personnel from the government in consultation with country program senior management team in order to implement interventions and incorporate country-wide priorities;
- Actively participate as a member of the Country Extended Senior Management Team, contributing to country strategic plans;
- Ensure efficient management of financial resources, including the review and approval of program budgets and monitoring expenditures;
- 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.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience working in Africa education or other field directly related to the tasks of the program
- 10 years’ experience managing international, multi-partner programs, providing technical, administrative and financial guidance and supervision
- Experience in the development and management of community-based education serving orphans and vulnerable children in development countries. Understanding of the South Sudan education sector and basic education quality/equity/gender issues is essential.
- Team Player with demonstrated skills in strategic and program planning and a 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
- Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively in resource-constrained environments is important;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in relevant areas of expertise or international development
- Prior experience as Chief of Party or Deputy COP
- Aetna Medical and Dental insurance with a concierge service
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Vision Insurance
- Life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Commuter Benefit Program
- Vacation and Sick leave
- Paid holidays