Malawi Deputy Chief of Party

Malawi - Deputy Chief of Party Malawi Teacher Professional Development Support (MTPDS) Activity

Education for Development Division

Start Date: August/September

Background: Creative Associates International, Inc. (Creative) is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, D.C., the firm has field presence in over 20 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Description: Creative is seeking a DCOP for its ongoing Malawi Teacher Professional Development Support (MTPDS) program. The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Malawian Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has funded the three-year Malawi Teacher Professional Development Support (MTPDS) Activity to support the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) in implementing teacher education support and systems management, with an emphasis on completing and reinforcing its introduction of the Primary Curriculum and Assessment Reform (PCAR). MTPDS activities are designed to: (i) strengthen teacher policy, support and management systems; (ii) enhance teacher performance through continuous professional development; (iii) improve early grade literacy and numeracy; (iv) improve early grade literacy and numeracy for out of school children and youth; (v) enhance quality of teaching and learning materials; and (vi) improve teacher education-PCAR M&E systems and quality. Awarded in February 2010, MTPDS is fully operational under all six program areas.

Position Summary: Reporting directly to the Chief of Party (COP) and the Project Director, the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will support the COP in the management of the MTPDS project and provide technical leadership and oversight, as needed, to the activities under all six Results Areas, noted above.

Reporting & Supervision: The Deputy Chief of Party will report to the Chief of Party.

Primary Responsibilities:
Support the COP in the development and implementation of the MTPDS components, including Continuous Professional Development, the PCAR M&E system and Quality as well as project's internal M&E activities.

Work with staff and external partners to ensure the improvement of instructional practices and learning environments in classrooms, building upon assessment data.

Manage project team in an open and respectful manner, working with local staff to build their competencies and capacity.

Maintain strong working relationships with project subcontractors.

Support the development of documentation and written materials relating to the project, related to program design, project reporting, communications materials and various other areas, as requested by Creative home office, USAID and the Ministry of Education.

Facilitate knowledge management, communications and information flow for the project, including liaising with home office.

Assist the COP and program staff in logistics and help solve implementation problems that arise in the course of achieving MTPDS objectives.

Assist in monitoring project progress against the work plan.

Support COP in oversight of program and office procurement and contracting procedures, supporting the adherence of these to Creative established policies and procedures for the MTPDS program, in keeping with USAID rules and regulations.

Serve as Acting Chief of Party when the Chief of Party is out of Malawi.

Respond to requests from USAID as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications: Master's Degree in Education or equivalent field.

Minimum of 6 years direct management experience implementing successful programs to improve educational development, including teacher training and student learning practices, school quality and assessment, school-based management and planning, decentralization, and/or ICT in education applications.

Familiarity with USAID's reporting, procurement, and project management policies and procedures.

Gender programming acumen.

Excellent team building and interpersonal skills.

Fluent English (spoken and written, ability to present and communicate fluently).

The candidate must be able to relocate to Malawi and work in Malawi or be able obtain a visa.

Application Instructions:

Send your résumé and cover letter by e-mail to Recruitment@CreativeDC.com with "Malawi - Deputy Chief of Party CODE:FLD48576" on the subject line. Please note only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please. Creative is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA).