Save the Children is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for an anticipated five-year USAID-funded RISE II Health Services Delivery Activity program in the Centre-Nord region of Burkino Faso and the Maradi and Zinder regions of Niger. This transformational program focuses on achieving improved health, family planning and nutrition outcomes for women of reproductive age and children under five years old. The foundation of success depends on working with a number of partners, multiple complementary USAID investments, and most importantly, the governments of Burkina Faso and Niger. The DCOP reports directly to the Chief of Party and ensures technical implementation of high impact, proven interventions that meet stated goals and reporting requirements. S/he will assume the responsibilities of the COP in their absence. The DCOP coordinates with USAID, key stakeholders, implementing partners and government representatives. S/he manages the implementation of key program activities throughout the targeted districts, oversees the work of program managers, and ensures efficient operational support for the project team. This position will be based in either Niamey, Niger or Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso with frequent (up to 50%) travel between the two countries.
- In collaboration with the COP, ensure that the program is delivered according to the contractual requirement with the donor and government i.e. that all activities and deliverables are completed within the agreed timescale and budget, reports are submitted as per agreed schedules and any other requirements or criteria are fulfilled.
- Design and regularly update detailed annual work plans and ensure the team uses these appropriately to monitor progress towards completion and achievement of program objectives.
- Ensure that programmatic and financial reports for donors, government and Save the Children are prepared as required, ensuring these are of the highest quality and submitted in a timely manner to the donor. Be fully aware of the grant compliance regulations of Save the Children as well as USAID.
- Assist with the preparation and revision of a realistic budget, authorizing and monitoring expenditure in line with the budget, donor guidelines and Save the Children’s grant management and financial regulations.
- Manage and motivate direct reports to achieve their work plan objectives, and to contribute to the achievement of the overall program goals.
- Maintain good working relationships with officials, government ministries, implementing partners and the international and local NGO community.
- Collaborate closely with the Ministries of Health in each country and key USAID Implementing Partners, (notably the Breakthough Action social and behavior change mechanism and the Food for Peace Development Food Security Assistance partners), the President’s Malaria Initiative, the Global Health Security Agenda, the Global Fund and other donors and key stakeholders.
- Work with program staff and Save the Children Technical Advisors to identify the technical support needs of the program and ensure this support is provide.
- Monitor country-level activities, identify challenges and develop appropriate reporting and results of project activities to the COP including progress and annual reports.
- Coordinate closely with the SC offices in administrative and HR matters, especially regarding operations and financial matters as they relate to the program.
- Attend and actively participate in periodic program meetings and ensure a summary of progress and challenges are prepared and presented with follow-up actions as required.
- Minimum of seven years of professional experience in managing and implementing complex technical programs of similar size and scope in a development context, with a minimum of five years’ experience in the region, ideally in Burkino Faso or Niger.
- At least three years of demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a technical team and in project design.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives, private sector entities, local community organizations, donors and other stakeholders, particularly at the sub-national level.
- In-depth knowledge of USAID approaches and regulations.
- Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
- Strengths in inspiring and enabling others through teamwork, training, and capacity building to realize organizational objectives.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French.
- Familiarity with the political, social, and cultural context of Burkino Faso and Niger is preferred.