Job Description

BACKGROUND

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 El Salvador in 1984 during the civil war, and returned in 2017 to respond to the violence and crisis of internal displacement. IRC has expanded programming to Guatemala and Honduras to support national partners in developing lasting solutions to challenges in countering gender-based violence, displacement, shelter and safety, health care, sanitation, emergency assistance, improved government services, and livelihoods. Prioritizing sustainability and long-term impact, the IRC engages civil society organizations, government, and other key stakeholders in partnerships and capacity strengthening to ensure lasting gains for communities in need.

SCOPE OF WORK

The IRC seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated five-year, multi-million dollar USAID education activity in El Salvador. The project will reduce dropout rates, improve performance, and help vulnerable children and youth gain better socio-emotional skills for a successful transition to high school, in support of the efforts and strategies led by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Technology (MINEDUCyT).

The COP will be responsible for ensuring the proposed project is implemented in accordance with the terms of the USAID award (cooperative agreement), USAID regulations, principles of IRC, and internationally recognized quality of assistance standards. The COP will be the primary representational link with USAID staff. The position will be based in San Salvador, El Salvador.

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

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide overall leadership and technical direction for the project, ensuring completion of project deliverables.

· Responsible for the overall planning, implementation, administration, and financial management of the project, as well as the achievement of all impact goals and objectives.

· Coordinate with government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure activities complement ongoing initiatives and adhere to country and global standards.

· Serve as the primary liaison with the donor and Salvadorian MINEDUCyT. Report to USAID through formal and informal debriefings, annual and semi-annual reports, etc.

· Represent the project and organization at regional, national, and international forums, including technical conferences and policy briefings, and share information about project achievements and lessons learned within the organization and wider development community.

· Oversee the development, review, and monitoring of yearly work plans and project strategy documents to ensure long- and short-term priorities are on track.

· Manage project staff and consortium partners to ensure proper reporting, financial management, and compliance.

REQUIREMENTS

· Minimum 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing large, complex projects that work specifically to support student retention and wellbeing, serve the needs of out-of-school children, and improve school governance and training.

· Minimum three years of senior project leadership experience on USAID activities; previous experience as COP of USAID-funded programs preferred.

· Master’s degree in education, international development, or related field is required.

· Significant previous experience working in conflict or crisis situations, preferably in Central America and/or El Salvador.

· Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders.

· Demonstrated ability to liaise with senior government officials, dignitaries, executives of NGOs, and senior members of the donor community.

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

· Experience working to incorporate issues of government accountability, transparency, and equity in education programs, including gender, ethnicity, and disability inclusion.

· Capacity to work well under pressure, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is critical.

· The candidate must be fluent in English and Spanish.

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Qualifications