We are currently seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for a USAID-funded integrated nutrition and WASH project (USAID Nurture) in two provinces of central Laos. Malnutrition is a critical concern for the country as it struggles with extremely high rates of stunting and underweight children. Of the 11 countries in the Southeast Asian region, Lao PDR has some of the highest levels of stunting and underweight for children less than five years of age. USAID Nurture aims to contribute to a reduction in young child stunting in targeted areas of Laos by improving: 1) infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices; 2) the use of quality nutrition and WASH services/facilities; and 3) the enabling environment for improved nutrition.
The COP will be responsible for providing technical leadership and overall management direction for the project. S/he is also responsible for project inputs, program strategy, external representation and coordination with project counterparts, USAID, the Government of Laos, 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 of the project.
Nurture Project Leadership – 65%
- Responsible for overall management of the project, including liaison with USAID’s AOR team, partners and program staff (HQ and field)
- Ensure there is a strong team is in place for the Nurture project that is functioning well
- Work with Senior Management in country and HQ to ensure appropriate management structures and related support is functioning across the project
- Ensure the quality of technical interventions in collaboration with technical experts. Monitors program implementation in close collaboration with partners and support of country teams
- Oversee the coordination of partner roles and performance
- Responsible for quality and timely development and delivery of periodic project plans and reports
- Assure the quality of final documentation of results in collaboration with technical experts
- Lead the project team to apply results-oriented focus to planning, implantation, monitoring and reporting
- Ensure program documentation and sharing of program learning and results across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
- Ensure proper budget management and oversight of project funds
Lead and represent Save the Children on matters related to the management and implementation of the Nurture program – 15%
- Serve as the senior SC liaison of the Nurture program to USAID and SC technical and country teams
- Ensure SC applies industry wide evidence-based approaches and best practices and leverages SC’s expertise and experience to strengthen the Nurture project
Cultivate and maintain partnerships with USAID Washington and field missions, host country partners, and other collaborating institutions – 20%
- Build and nurture relationships with USAID as well as with other USAID-funded Cooperating Agencies working in the health and nutrition sector
- Actively engage with USAID and other global cooperating agencies and partners in sharing best practices and leading efforts to expand these through global and country program activities
- Minimum of seven years’ experience managing nutrition, health and/or water, sanitation, and hygiene programs in developing county contexts and ideally, in Asia;
- Solid understanding of social and behavior change and communications approaches as they relate to nutrition and water/sanitation;
- Proven history developing and maintaining relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders such as government, INGOs, civil society and other development partners;
- Experience managing a project of similar or related nature, size, and complexity and demonstrated experience in management of large inter-disciplinary teams;
- A history of productive involvement with governmental systems, processes and service delivery models in developing countries;
- Demonstrated problem solving skills, decision making skills, collaboration experience, creativity and willingness to innovate;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in culturally diverse team situations;
- Strong working familiarity with USAID regulations and policies;
- Ability to work in and across diverse institutional structures;
- Fluent oral and strong analytical, written English communications skills is required;
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Asia, with experience in Laos preferred;
- Knowledge of Lao or Thai language preferred but not required.
- 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 as well as language learning opportunities