Deputy Chief of Party, USAID/Bangladesh Education Scholarship activity At International Research and Exchanges Board

About IREX:

IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, work in more than 100 countries worldwide with offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 600.

Summary of Position:

IREX seeks qualified Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) candidates for the anticipated USAID-funded Education Scholarship activity in Bangladesh. This activity will aim to assist aspiring teachers, existing teachers, and education administrators be competitively selected to obtain associates, bachelors, and master’s degrees at U.S. tertiary and community colleges. Based in Dhaka, the DCOP will support the Chief of Party in the management of the program and provide high-quality technical inputs to achieve program objectives.

Only citizens of Bangladesh or permanent residents with work authorization will be considered. This position is contingent on funding.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Support the COP in providing overall day to day management and coordination of project technical and administrative personnel and functions and serve as the Acting COP in the COP’s absence.
• Provide technical expertise across program activities ensuring coordinated excellence in delivering a high-quality scholarship program.
• Manage and supervise a team of technical and operations support staff.
• Facilitate dialogue and coordinated collaboration with U.S. and Bangladeshi higher educational institutions, schools, government actors, teachers and administrators, other donors and implementers to efficiently conduct impactful activities that align with local priorities and result in a cadre of high-capacity trained teachers and administrators
• Provide technical direction for effective competitive selection processes, pre-departure scholar support, host institution and scholar training and support during U.S. studies, as well as alumni programming. Oversee technical activities of local partner organizations.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning; program communications; and program reporting.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bangladeshi citizenship or residency with work authorization is required
• A master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in Bangladesh, experience working on programs focused on education, scholarship programs, and/or youth leadership and development; supporting USAID / other international donor-funded programs preferred; or bachelor’s degree with 10 years of relevant experience also considered.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in-service and pre-service teacher training; education administrator professional development; implementing international education scholarship or exchange programs including competitive selection processes, pre-departure scholar support, host institution and scholar training and support during studies in the U.S., as well as alumni programming; forging higher education institution linkages between the U.S. and other countries. Higher education experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success in establishing strong working relationships with senior government officials; higher educational institutions; civil society; international donors; and other stakeholders.
• Proven experience building consensus among diverse actors.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including governments, private sector, educational institutions, NGOs, donors, etc.
• Strong representational and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting in English is required.