Save the Children is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID-funded Family Planning program in Nepal. This senior leadership position will provide overall strategic direction in the design, management, implementation, technical leadership and overall quality assurance of the project. The COP will be Save the Children’s primary point of contact with USAID, Ministry of Health, all relevant stakeholders, FP partners, and will work closely with local NGO partners. This position will collaborate with the Ministries of Health and other critical partners to provide high-level support for effective capacity building at the local level and sustainability of the project interventions. The COP will oversee a team of experts and provide leadership to staff implementing project activities, prepare reports and annual operating plans, project deliverables, align project initiatives with in-country priorities and ensure the program is compliant with USAID and Save the Children’s regulations. The project will be designed to align closely with the current objectives of the Government of Nepal so that activities are complementary and create sustainability.
- Provide overall leadership to all aspects of the project including including the final review of detailed budgets, work plans, performance frameworks, M & E plan, procurement and supply management plan, etc.
- Develop strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, and overall management of the program in line with USAID guidelines to achieve project objectives
- Provide leadership to ensure highest quality implementation, in line with family planning high impact practices across health and community systems
- Lead team to provide proper coordination and guidance among local government, country-wide initiatives, community partners, NGOs and other key stakeholders
- Develop strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools and efficient systems to ensure high quality implementation
- Emphasize the use of data and learning for ongoing program improvement and adaptation
- Establish compliance with USG regulations, procedures and Save the Children guidelines
- Represent Save the Children 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 and ensure a cohesive workplace for optimum staff retention
- 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
- Maintain strong relationships with related ministry and divisions e.g. Ministry of Health and Populations, Family Welfare Division, Management Division, National Health Education, Information and Communication Center and the National Health Training Center, as well as with other USAID projects such as the Strengthening Systems for Better Health
- Ensure project funds are used appropriately and efficiently
- Lead coordination and maintain communication with Save the Children US
- Minimum 7-10 years’ of professional experience designing, managing and implementing large and complex programs in Family Planning (FP) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH); Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH); Social and Behavior Change (SBC) and/ or Health Systems Strengthening (HSS)
- At least five years of senior program experience working and living in a developing country
- Senior-level expertise in any of the following technical areas: RH/FP; MCH; Health Finance; Systems Strengthening, with experience with RH programming required
- Familiarity with the Nepal Government and processes
- In-depth knowledge of USAID approaches and regulations
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in relevant areas of expertise or international development
- Prior experience as Chief of Party or Deputy COP
- Knowledge of local language