Chief of Party, Madagasgar At FHI 360

Chief of Party

USAID Madagascar Early Grade Education Activity

FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with more than 4,000 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Chief of Party for the upcoming USAID-funded Madagascar Early Grade Education activity. This position will be based in Antananarivo, Madagascar and is contingent upon award.

Project Description

The anticipated project will address early grade education and seeks to improve students’ ability to master key skills (literacy and possibly numeracy) in the early primary grades. Activities may include pre- and in-service teacher professional development, PTA revitalization and improved use of data for decision making.

Position Description

The Chief of Party (COP) is responsible for providing overall leadership, management oversight, and technical direction for the program, ensuring an integrated vision across components and actors, with a focus on achieving the results defined in the award. The COP’s responsibilities include managing the annual work plan and budgeting process; creating/maintaining an effective project management team; overseeing an effective monitoring and evaluation system; and coordinating activities and sub-grantees to achieve results. This individual will be the primary liaison with the funder (USAID), key stakeholders, and other implementing partners. The COP will be expected to identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate program adjustments. They will supervise activity implementation and ensure activities meet stated goals and reporting requirements. The COP will have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides leadership to the project team, technical and operational aspects of the project, including planning and implementation of the project; ensuring clarity over plans and priorities, and models and facilitates effective teamwork
• Provides technical and managerial leadership, including capacity building to the project
• Oversees the development and implementation of program work plans and strategies aligned with donor and government priorities
• Collaborates with partner organizations (both public and private), local USAID Mission and other USAID/donor-funded projects to achieve the project’s objectives
• Coordinates and is responsible for the preparation of the annual work plans, budgets, and annual progress reports, in a timely fashion for submission to USAID
• Ensures high technical standards are used to guide the technical and programmatic aspects of work plans and activities
• Plans, directs, and coordinates activities to ensure that goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters
• Establishes project teams and standard operating procedures to meet project goals and ensure compliance with policies
• Responsible for induction of project staff, ensuring their familiarity with mandate values, quality standards, policies and program objectives and their individual responsibilities in upholding these standards and policies

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, public administration, international development, or related field from an accredited university; Ph.D. or Ed.D. is highly preferred
• Minimum 10 years of related experience in increasingly senior roles; at least five years managing education programs at a senior level (DCOP or COP equivalent); experience working in a non-governmental organization (NGO)
• Strong knowledge of, and commitment to, gender and social equity issues in education; expertise in gender equality and social inclusion preferred
• Relevant management, supervisory, technical experience working with programs that are of a similar scope and scale to this program
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, effective organizational development, partnership-building, capacity-building, managerial, teambuilding and communication skills
• Proven ability to coordinate and oversee a local partner capacity building activities, including technical, managerial and governance capacities
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines across a broad geographic area
• Proven ability to coordinate with government stakeholders, as well as non-governmental organizations
• Demonstrated knowledge of United States Government rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to project and program compliance and reporting
• Experience in the education sector in Madagascar or the region strongly preferred
• Oral and written fluency in English and French required; working knowledge of Malagasy preferred

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.