Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Position Summary:
Creative Associates is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated donor-funded project in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The COP will be the principal liaison with USAID and other U.S. Government (USG) Officials as required, and will provide leadership, management, and project oversight for the project. The COP is to be based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and will be responsible for the technical leadership and in-country management of the project and project team. S/he will oversee the long-term expatriate and local staff and short-term experts in achieving project results. The COP is responsible for ensuring compliance with all terms of the project agreement and all relevant donor rules and regulations.
Reporting and Supervision:
This position reports to the Practice Area Director in the Communities in Transition Division or his/her designee.
Expected Outcomes:
The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for the technical leadership and in-country management of the project. S/he will oversee long-term expatriate and local staff, as well as short-term experts, to achieve project results. S/he will regularly undertake assessments of the broader political environment of Côte d'Ivoire, supporting the creation and enhancement of local governance and resilience structures, with an emphasis on learning on ways to identify and understand the drivers of radicalization and vulnerability. The COP will be adept in programming skills to ensure flexibility, responsiveness and rapid re-prioritization of activities when necessary.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as Creative’s principle liaison with USG representatives, Ivorian government counterparts, representatives from the international community, and local community stakeholders on program communications and technical implementation of activities;
- Provide technical direction, leadership and oversight of all programmatic and administrative matters;
- Strategize, set priorities, lead implementation and review technical progress on program implementation;
- Provide program oversight and technical support to the team in all areas;
- Develop and design relevant activities, reports and work plans;
- Oversee implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities, ensure that project results are met, and adapt activities as necessary to achieve expected outcomes;
- Determine resource needs and seek opportunities to further leverage programming resources to strengthen anticipated outcomes;
- Supervise the development and submission of project deliverables, and provide timely and accurate reporting and briefings to USG and stakeholders on all program areas;
- Ensure compliance with all terms of the project agreement and all relevant USAID and USG rules and regulations;
- Oversee implementation of Creative’s security protocols and provide leadership in handling security-related issues; and,
- Manage the program team in a manner that is open, transparent and respectful and encourages professional development, and solicits constructive feedback and input.
- Foster excellent communications among all parties, including with Creative HQ project director and support staff;
- Monitor project budgets in conjunction with the Finance Manager and HQ finance team; and
- Develop policies and procedures that improves efficiency and quality of systems in conjunction with headquarters.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Master’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field is required;
- A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant work experience, including experience with a Contractor or international NGO with demonstrated supervisory experience;
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience working on a program with a Countering Violent Extremism component is highly desirable but not required;
- Significant experience in Francophone West Africa region is required; experience working in Côte d'Ivoire is preferred;
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge establishing systems and overseeing start-up under limited time constrains as well as program close-out;
- Experience in the hiring and supervising of host country local personnel and ensuring, when need arises, that they secure necessary training required to meet program needs;
- Financial management experience, including budgeting; financial management (tracking, reporting, and accounting); and procurement;
- Experience with activity design, development, and implementation;
- Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to mentor staff where necessary;
- Past representational experience with host governments, other donors, and civil society and demonstrated success with inter-agency coordination and joint programming;
- Fluency in French and English required; and
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and strong analytical capacity.
Position contingent upon donor funding.
