Deputy Chief of Party, USDA McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program- Malawi At Counterpart International

Counterpart International is currently seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for its anticipated USDA funded McGovern-Dole Food for Education & Child Nutrition in Malawi. Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will support the Chief of Party in overall project management, will be responsible for the supervision and the proper implementation of project activities in field offices, and will oversee the commodity management team including Local Regional Purchase (LRP). The DCOP will provide technical oversight and ensure the overall quality of the program implementation. S/he will be expected to interact regularly with CSO partners, local government officials and all stakeholders to the program.

The position will be engaged though a host-country national (Malawian) contract with no assistance for relocation to Malawi and/or work permit.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chief of Party in the overall management of the program.
• Lead the development of program strategies, planning and implementation of program activities while ensuring cohesion among the program components.
• Guide and ensure the highest quality of project monitoring, evaluation, reporting and communications together with the MEL manager.
• Prepare and submit quality weekly and monthly project status reports within the given deadlines and maintain complete and accurate documentation of project tasks.
• Lead, manage, inspire and hold field staff to higher performance levels and Counterpart’s corporate values
• Collaborate with the Chief of Party in recruiting and training/coaching field employees with emphasis on building capacity of national staff.
• Ensure compliance with Counterpart and USG rules and regulations, particularly with respect to financial and grant management.
• Ensure strict compliance with the Organization’s security protocol and ascertain that safety practices are followed to create a healthy and positive working environment.
• Periodically visit project activities in schools and report on activities in detail.
• Perform project management tasks including project timeline estimation and task assignment.
• Prepare and hold regular staff check-in meetings to ensure that progress is made towards the project results framework and that all implemented activities are relevant to the mission and vision of the organization.
• Ensure the safe, judicious and efficient use of project resources.
• As designated by the COP, represent Counterpart to USG, local and national governmental authorities, local NGOs, community organizations, and other donor organizations.
• Supervise Commodities Manager, LRP Officer, and field office staff.
• Carry out any other task required by the Chief of Party.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in international development, rural or agricultural development, education and literacy, business administration, or other related field.
• Minimum 12 years of project management for donor-funded projects, including at least three (3) years with USG funded programs.
• Experience managing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects or school feeding programs, preferred.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated team leadership and management skills.
• Deep understanding of local Malawian context and current political and social conditions in Malawi.
• Eligible to work in Malawi.
• Professional written and oral fluency in English required.