Chief of Party At Search for Common Ground

Search Burundi is currently implementing a USAID funded three-year project “Tuyage” that aims at fostering an enriched information landscape and culture of open discussion on concerns that directly affect Burundians in their daily lives, with a focus on shared economic concerns and opportunities that will serve as a means of expanding civic engagement and increasing dialogue across divides.

The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible to provide strategic direction and oversee all aspects of the “Tuyage” project performance, both technical and managerial. S/he will coordinate the formulation of implementation strategies with partners and different economic actors engaged in the project, lead the development of project planning and project management tools, guarantee the quality of project implementation and reporting, and coordinate the effective monitoring of results and institutional learning. S/he is the primary focal point with the donor and the prime partner Freedom House.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide a clear strategic vision and oversight of the “Tuyage” project, including its economic, media, and gender inclusion components
• Guarantee an excellent implementation strategy and lead regular reflection exercises to ensure learning and adaption of the program, as the context evolves
• Oversee sound financial management of the project, including budgeting for activities, reviewing budget versus actual expenses, and monitoring burn rate
• Facilitate contacts with different economic actors in Burundi, both public and private, in light of their collaboration in the project, and coordinate with them planning, effective implementation and monitoring of their activities
• Facilitate regular coordination meetings and follow-up with project partners
• Conduct regular field visits, attending different project activities to ensure their quality, and communicating with the key local stakeholders to create/maintain trust and engagement
• Prepare narrative reports in English for internal monitoring purposes and for the donor, in compliance with Search and donor requirements and in collaboration with Search’s regional team
• Ensure the effective monitoring and evaluation of the project’s results, its economic component in particular, working with the DME Coordinator in Burundi, the Regional DME Specialist and local partners to ensure that M&E frameworks are in place and implemented
• Organize periodical performance assessment of the staff under his/her supervision, and plan for the capacity-building of staff and partners
• Lead the implementation of the branding and visibility strategy and activities of the project
• Maintain excellent relationship with the donor through regular meetings, information sharing, and involvement in the project’s key activities
• Ensure that managerial, administrative, and financial procedures comply with Search and USAID policies and procedures and that the project is implemented according to Search principles, policies and procedures; bring any issues of risk, liability, or fraud to the immediate attention of the appropriate staff

Qualifications:

• University degree in economics or other related field
• At least 8 years in project management, including experience working with an INGO
• Demonstrated leadership, management, strategic thinking, and training experience
• Experience managing USAID funded project, preferred
• Proven ability to manage all aspects of grant and contract administration
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and French, Kirundi desirable
• Proven ability to manage technical assistance teams and leading multidisciplinary teams while developing a common vision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, as well as social media platforms
• Cultural sensitivity and strong interest in dialogue, peacebuilding and conflict transformation
• Excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication with a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to maintain professionalism, creativity, and enthusiasm while working in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment with minimal supervision
• Show an entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to take initiatives
• Capacity to mobilize people, share information and work as part of a team
• Professional experience and knowledge of Burundi and the East Africa region
• Willingness to travel to remote areas in Burundi’s interior