Chief of Party, Nigeria

Nigeria – Chief of Party

Education for Development Division

Background:

Creative Associates International (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 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:

The anticipated project will focus on more than ten million out of school children in Nigeria. The project aims at expanding access to basic quality education for out of school children.

Position Start Date: Anticipated in 2013

Position Summary:

The COP will be the technical and administrative supervisor of all project activities and will be the senior in-country project representative with overall responsibility for supervising project staff and managing relations with partners and sub-contractors (both international and local). The COP will coordinate program activities among a diverse group of stakeholders and beneficiaries, including students, parents, teachers, school officials, Central and State Ministries of Education and USAID personnel. The COP will ensure timely project implementation and technical reliability, monitor project activities, manage project staff and subsidiaries at the various project sites, and ensure quality. The COP has ultimate responsibility for financial accountability and reporting to USAID and the Creative home office.

Reporting & Supervision: The Chief of Party reports to the Program Director at Creative headquarters.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for overall technical and financial performance of the contract.
• Manages/leads in-country staff to ensure that the project is achieving all deliverables.
• Ensures that technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to USAID and Creative's policies and procedures.
• Works in partnership with the Project Director.
• Engages in frequent, routine communication with the Home Office so that the Project director is aware of both progress and potential issues, and solicits assistance and input as needed to ensure that performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements.
• Manages subcontractors to ensure that their performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements.
• Responsible for maintaining and nurturing Creative's relationship with USAID, communicating at a minimum on a weekly basis.
• Responsible for successfully managing the project's relationship with local governments/ministries and other stakeholders.
• Prepares quarterly and annual reports.
• Oversees creation and implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Oversees the production of brochures, success stories, and other materials to promote the program's successes with USAID and the broader development community.
• Supports implementation of Creative's security protocols and provides leadership in handling security-related issues. Addresses local staffing and personnel issues related to security.
• Maintains a working knowledge of project financials, working with and supporting the Finance Manager to ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place and being followed.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master's degree in education or related field, PhD/EdD preferred
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in implementing and managing education improvement programs in developing countries
• Previous COP experience
• Experience in East Africa, particularly South Sudan, strongly desired
• Successful previous experience with USAID and/or other donors and familiarity with USAID policies and procedures
• Strong teamwork and management skills
• Demonstrated exemplary diplomatic, communication, and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent oral and written English.

Creative Associates International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. AA/V/D .