Chief of Party, Niger

Plan International is seeking applicants for a proposed Chief of Party (COP) position for a USAID/MCC-funded program in Niger. This project, which is a follow on project to an earlier one targeting education, will be part of Plan International’s strategic program of work in Niger and will support community and national level activities designed to improve education opportunities available to children while strengthening links between local communities and state structures. The project will stress several areas of activity at the community level: community engagement and mobilization, construction of boreholes and maintenance training, adult literacy programs, early reading, and teacher and leadership training.

Reporting to the Country Director Plan Niger, the COP will be responsible for overall management of this program including managing all activities of sub-recipients, and coordinating all program-focused strategic planning and decision making. The COP will be the key liaison with USAID and all other counterparts, implementing partners and alliance partners involved with the program. Primary responsibilities will include providing overall leadership management and general technical direction of the entire program, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the solicitation. The COP will be responsible for direct interface with the USAID Mission in all matters related to the program’s implementation.

This is a full-time position based in Niamey, Niger, with travel to project regions as needed. 4.5 year contract.

Dimensions of Role:

• Supervise project key personnel and other project staff.
• Manage and ensure delivery of program budget of approximately USD$7 million.
• Supervise all project related field operations, administration, logistics and procurement to ensure achievement of project objectives and targets.
• Coordinate of all project partnerships, including of several sub-recipient institutions.
• Review and approve project budget disbursements, including sub-grants.
• Develop and report against agreed project work plans, reporting to Plan management on a monthly and quarterly basis as required.
• Ensure compliance with donor and Plan policy requirements.
• Report on the progress of the project to key stakeholders.

Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position:

• The Program will be informed by and will follow a clear strategy for sustainable impact
• An effective program is delivered in which the impact on children can be clearly demonstrated
• A high performing project team will work together to deliver the project
• The project will be delivered to meet upward accountability to donors and downward to beneficiaries:

Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:

Knowledge

• Master’s Degree in Development Studies, Education or related field or equivalent; Ph.D. highly preferred.
• Demonstrable knowledge and programmatic experience of relevant program management and supervisory experience as Chief of Party in the education sector.
• Knowledge of key USG regulations including, but not limited to, USAID 22 CFR Part 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations, 22 CFR Part 145 Grants and Agreements with Non-Profits, OMB Circulars A-122, Cost principles for non-profit organizations and A-133 Audit of states, local governments, and non-profits preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrable experience in managing large education programs with significant experience in managing USAID funded programs; previous Chief of Party experience required.
• At least four years of progressive responsibility for grassroots, community development programs.
• Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to track program quality through donor approved monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Experience working and collaborating with diverse sets of stakeholders, such as local partners, government officials, donor representatives, and international staff.
• Ability to respond on short notice and plan and execute several activities at once.
• Ability to work under pressure, as part of a team or independently, and meet deadlines consistently.
• Proven experience hiring, training, and supervising teams of international and local staff.
• Proven leadership, inter-personal and cross-cultural skills, and ability to build and motivate diverse teams.
• French fluency; English proficiency, and proficiency in a relevant local African language (Hausa or Zarma).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Work experience in West Africa required, work experience in Niger preferred.

Behaviours

• Demonstrates Plan’s values of non-discrimination and the importance of children’s involvement in decisions affecting their lives
• Strives for high performance.
• Strongly drives performance forward in area of the business for which they are responsible
• Involves others in setting and achieving goals.
• Cross-culturally adept.
• Creates strong sense of purpose within own part of the business and with stakeholders.
• Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour.

How to Apply

Please submit a full CV and a comprehensive cover letter setting out your reasons for applying for the post and outlining the qualifications experience knowledge and skills that you feel you can bring to the role to:- recadmin@plan-international.org

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 20th March 2012
Please quote reference number WA027

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy.

Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.