Chief of Party, Bangladesh PROGATI Program

DAI

Location:

Bangladesh (Dhaka)

Website:

www.dai.com

Email:

fatima_albegonova@dai.com

Apply online:

Click here to apply online for this position >>

Description:

DAI works at the cutting edge of international development, combining technical excellence, professional project management, and exceptional customer service to solve our clients' most complex problems. Since 1970, DAI has worked in 150 developing and transition countries, providing comprehensive development solutions in areas including crisis mitigation and stability operations, economic and democratic governance, public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS, avian influenza control, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and host-country governments.

Objective:

DAI is seeking applications for the Chief of Party opening on the ongoing PROGATI project in Bangladesh. Ideal candidates will be available by October 1, 2011, for the 1-year assignment.

The project works to improve government oversight and expand opportunities for civil society to voice its concerns in the decision-making process. PROGATI is focusing on four key areas: media (including its role in investigative journalism), civil society (supporting coalitions and watchdog organizations), public institutions (strengthening the comptroller and auditor general functions), and parliament (creating/supporting a parliamentary budget analysis unit). The official project duration is through September 2011 but indications are that it will be extended for one year. The final year of the project may be expected to focus on training media in investigative reporting skills; enhancing civil society watchdog techniques, include use of social audits and citizen scorecards, utilizing nascent Right to Information Law and institution for anticorruption; build on work with Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), key ministries and their audit cells, the National Board of Revenue and the Anti-Corruption Commission to promote better communication and strengthened oversight over public resources.

Responsibilities:

The COP will be responsible for the technical leadership and in-country management of the project. S/he will oversee a long-term expatriate and local team and short-term experts in achieving project results. The COP will meet frequently with the technical team leaders to discuss achievements, plans, and options for meeting project challenges that arise during implementation. These regular meetings will facilitate coordination of the activities of the technical and support teams/offices. S/he will undertake regular assessments of the broader political environment within which the project operates to ensure flexibility and rapid reprioritization of activities when necessary.

The COP will have ultimate responsibility for achieving program results and reporting to USAID. S/he will:

• Serve as principal liaison with USAID, government counterparts and non-governmental stakeholders on program communications and technical implementation activities;
• Develop strategic partnerships with other USAID projects and international organizations to achieve program objectives;
• Provide technical and intellectual direction, leadership, and guidance in relevant program areas;
• Lead program implementation and oversee all technical and managerial decisions related to projects, partnerships, staffing, budgeting, finances, training and donor relations.
• Ensure adherence to the subcontracting and grants management plans and overall contract compliance, reporting, security policies, and program results;
• Help revise annual workplan, produce quarterly reviews, and updates, including technical programs with the technical managers in collaboration with USAID;
• Provide timely and accurate reporting to USAID on all program areas;
• Present findings in both written and oral presentations as required
• Be responsible for final delivery of all project results to USAID.

Qualification:

• Technical expertise and direct experience working with government institutions and/or with civil society organizations on anti-corruption initiatives is required;
• Previous international development program management experience in multiple countries is required;
• Previous Chief of Party experience managing similar USAID-funded projects for at least 3 years is strongly preferred;
• Strong understanding and knowledge of USAID and US Government regulations, administration, management, financial reporting procedures and systems; as well as experience managing USAID contracts and substantial grant and subcontract mechanisms is required;
• Diplomatic skills and ability to engage with senior leaders, both in the government and partner organizations;
• Creativity and vision, new ideas, and perspectives to expand the project work in the area of anti-corruption;
• Ability to motivate the program team and work in a collaborative manner;
• Advanced degree preferred, in political or social science, international relations, public administration, law, or another related field;
• Strong communications and technical skills, fluency in English, with excellent presentation skills.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the DAI website: http://www.cytiva.com/dai/daipro/detail.asp?jobid=dai2110 and indicate how soon they would be available to mobilize to Dhaka, if approved for the COP position by USAID.

Application deadline: September 1, 2011.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone inquiries, please.

DAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.