Deputy Chief of Party (D-COP) At International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.

The IRC began working in Niger in 2013, responding to the Malian refugee crisis in the Tahoua region. Since then, the IRC has expanded its programs to address the evolving needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters, including in Tillabery, Diffa, and Agadez regions. The IRC’s programming started in the Protection, Environmental Health, Health and Nutrition, and Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) sectors, before expanding into Education, Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRM) and assistance to returning migrants.

Scope of work

The IRC seeks a Deputy-Chief of Party (D COP) for an anticipated five-year USAID Basic Education activity in Niger. The overall objective of this $10-$25M project is to increase primary education completion and improve the acquisition of foundational skills for displaced and host community learners affected by crisis. The project will improve access to quality instruction for school-aged children in communities welcoming displaced populations and displaced populations. The project will improve education conditions and promote learners’ well-being in regions prone to insecurity, displacement and climate risks.

The DCOP will be responsible for supporting the Chief of Party (COP) in management of staff, capacity building and stakeholder engagement, and overseeing the project’s operations. S/he will coordinate the development, implementation, and reporting of operational management activities (e.g. procurement, grants management, and finance). The position is based in Niamey, Niger.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Responsibilities

• Ensure project delivery meets best practice standard operational policies and procedures for impact and compliance.

• Provide financial and operational management that optimizes resources through sound budgets, consistent financial tracking, and timely submission of reports to the donor.

• Create and cultivate efficient relationships with consortium partners.

• Ensure overall consortium coordination and information of partners.

• Oversee development, delivery, capacity building, and monitoring of subgrants.

• Oversee management of all procurement activities to ensure smooth and efficient implementation of project activities.

• Provide oversight of administrative teams.

• Manage consortium partnerships and maintain collaborative partner relations.

• Support reporting to USAID through annual and semi-annual reports, formal and informal debriefings, etc.

• Assist the COP in maintaining active and cooperative relationships with all key stakeholders, including Government officials, project partners, other implementing agencies, and related institutions.

• Represent the project and the organization in the public and ensuring the dissemination of information about project achievements and lesson learned.

• Support project staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility.

Requirements

• Minimum seven years of experience in managerial roles on similar programs in developing countries, including substantial supervisory experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, International development, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

• Significant previous experience managing operations in crisis-affected contexts, preferably in West Africa and/or Niger.

• Previous experience as DCOP of USAID-funded programs is preferred

• Substantial experience managing subgrantees required.

• Experience with projects designed to increase equitable access to quality education for school-aged children in host communities and displaced populations, build Ministry of Education capacities, and recovery of education systems preferred.

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience scaling up activities of similar scope and in similar contexts.

• Demonstrated success incorporating innovation and participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming into project implementation.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

• The candidate must be fluent in English and French.

The IRC and IRC workers must embody the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and implements policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.