Overview
Background:
Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland (within the DC metro area), this global development organization has a field presence in more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Position Summary:
The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will support the Chief of Party (COP) to ensure seamless programmatic implementation and ensure program targets are met. The DCOP is responsible for the technical vision and program strategy. S/he will ensure compliance with all terms of the project cooperative agreement and all relevant donor rules and regulations. The Deputy Chief of Party will support the COP by providing evidence-based analysis to inform the strategic direction of the Activity and providing technical advice across all Activity in the planning, designing and implementation of activities. S/he will bring technical knowledge in youth programming and implementation, specifically in the areas of youth employment and livelihoods, youth leadership and engagement, civic engagement, fostering social cohesion, Positive Youth Development, and institutional capacity building.
Reporting & Supervision:
The DCOP will report to the COP.
Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide technical oversight to ensure responsiveness to activity objectives and assurance that activities are carried out in a timely, effective, and efficient manner;
- Oversee monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting to ensure the program adapts as needed to meet objectives and learning is acquired and shared to maximize impact and sustainability;
- In collaboration with the COP, provide the technical vision and strategy for the Activity;
- Manage and mentor the Technical Leads, STTA, and MEL Lead to ensure innovative and impactful programming, aligned with the approved implementation approach and Work Plan;
- Collaborate with the COP and other team members on the development and submission of project deliverables and provides timely and accurate reporting and briefings to the donor on all program areas;
- Ensure youth activities, strategies, and adopted approaches adequately respond to youth needs and foster youth participation;
- Oversee innovative and relevant livelihood ventures that are market responsive and aligned with youth interest;
- Ensure inclusion and do-no-harm principles are incorporated and applies adaptive management practices to ensure responsiveness to the operating context;
- Lead the program’s strategic planning and delivery, including ensuring progress against approved annual work plans and performance reporting;
- Maintain oversight over all project activities and ensure compliance with contractual deadlines and indicator goals;
- Conduct research on innovative program approaches that could benefit program implementation; and
- Liaise with USAID AOR and relevant HQ staff.
Qualifications
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Masters’ degree in business, economics, education development or other relevant field (or, alternately, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5 additional years of relevant experience);
- At least 5-8 years of relevant work experience implementing and leading technical and program activities for donor funded youth programs;
- At least 10 years of experience in the education sector in Central America is required, with experience in project design, strategic planning, and implementation;
- Experience in workforce development and community participation are strongly considered;
- Prior relevant experience with USAID or any other donor-funded projects are required;
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of capacity development and professional development
- Strong management and leadership skills, including the ability to mentor staff;
- Experience managing projects and/or an office with culturally diverse teams and working with counterparts from other cultures;
- Proactive and self-directed leader with strong interpersonal skills;
- Experience in regional or remote management preferred; and
- Excellent oral and written English and Spanish required.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications:
- Project Management Standard (PMP, PM4R, Agile, or other) experience or certification will be viewed as an asset.
Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
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