Save the Children is currently accepting applications for a seasoned Chief of Party for an anticipated USAID-funded Transitional Education Support Program in Yemen. This 5-year cooperative agreement will work with key stakeholders in the continued development of equitable and safe access to quality education and schools for millions of Yemeni children. The goal of the $25M-$50M project is to increase access to education as well as the ability of government officials, including the Ministry of Education, to oversee the re-development of the education system in Yemen.
The COP will be responsible for providing technical leadership and overall management direction for the project. This person is also responsible for project inputs, program strategy, operations, external representation and coordination with project counterparts, USAID, the Yemeni government, other donors within the sector and other programs as necessary. The COP is ultimately responsible for compliance with the agreement results and the oversight of project activities which will meet the stated objectives within the targeted districts. 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 program is compliant with USAID and Save the Children’s regulations. The project must be designed to align closely with the current objectives of the Yemen government so that activities are complementary and create sustainability. This position is employed by Save the Children and seconded to the project team.
- Lead the project’s strategic, financial, and operational planning, including the annual work planning process and development of an appropriate exit strategy;
- Oversee the timely submission of all deliverables to USAID, including quarterly and annual reports, annual work plans, performance indicators, financial reports, and regular results reporting as needed in addition to overall quality control;
- Supervise all program staff and manage the work of all sub-grantees;
- Ensure good practice by supporting the development of strong M&E mechanisms and a robust monitoring process;
- Play a leading and substantive role in developing and implementing program activities;
- Provide overall coordination of the institutional/organizational capacity building of local NGOs and other key stakeholders;
- Fully inform Save the Children’s home/field office on all matters relating to the project, and maintain appropriate links with partner home/field offices;
- Ensure that efficient systems to support all aspects of the project (including sub-grant management, financial, capacity building and performance monitoring and reporting) are in place and support the effective use of project resources in compliance with USAID regulations and Save the Children policies;
- 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.
- Represent the project with USAID, the Yemeni government, donors, and partners;
- Undertake any other tasks as assigned by the Country Director.
- Technical understanding of primary education issues;
- COP experience in education with an emphasis on girls’ education strongly preferred;
- At least 8 years of demonstrated excellence in senior level management and leadership, including direct supervision of professional and support staff, evaluation of staff performance, and contract/grant management is preferred;
- Experience in institutional capacity building of government counterparts at the national and/or local level is preferred; strong analytical skills related to this technical area a plus;
- Excellent past performance references are required;
- Demonstrated experience managing operations for a multi-million dollar complex, donor-funded project is preferred;
- Ability to identify, address and resolve communication issues within the activity and with external stakeholders and coordinating multiple implementing partners or institutions within Yemen or the region is preferable;
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, a collaborative and flexible manner, creativity and willingness to innovate;
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with USAID/Yemen, host government partners at the national and district levels, and personnel within the activity is required; strong visionary leadership and demonstrated professional accomplishments;
- Excellent representational and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations;
- In-depth knowledge of USAID regulations, procedures, documentation and policies;
- Fluent oral and strong analytical, written English communications skills is required; Arabic language skills preferable.
- Significant experience managing and mitigating fraud and corruption issues preferred.
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities and with the American Management Association, as well as language learning opportunities