Chief of Party

Job Description

BACKGROUND

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), founded in the United States in 1933, is one of the world's leading international non-governmental organizations providing relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement and advocacy for people affected by crises. IRC's mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are destroyed by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and take control of their future.

In Côte d'Ivoire since 2003, the IRC opened has helped the Ivorian population in the early hours of the political crisis. The IRC carries out its activities in close collaboration with civil society organizations, local authorities and the beneficiary populations. The IRC is present in Côte d'Ivoire to respond to humanitarian and development needs, particularly targeting those most vulnerable. The IRC works to defend and promote essential rights and fundamental freedoms through six outcomes: Health, Gender Inequality Reduction, Security (protection of rights), Power (of decision), Education and Economic Well-being. To this end, the IRC has developed in Côte d'Ivoire, within the framework of its 2015-2020 strategic plan, multisectoral community-based activities in the following areas: economic recovery and development; primary health, including child and obstetric health; access to water, hygiene and sanitation; the fight against infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS; the protection of girls, women and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV); and education and child protection; the promotion of human rights and social cohesion; good governance and strengthening of civil society.

The IRC is recognized for its work in the humanitarian-development nexus, and for its collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The IRC has been selected as the implementing agency for several USAID projects - including Nigeria Opportunities to Learn (OTL) – a $17m education activity, USAID research and education (RETO) activity for the Norther triangle in Central America, and a $32 million community health project in Liberia.

As part of these governance and civil society strengthening interventions, the IRC is planning to implement a project called « Ensemble Soutenons la Paix et Œuvrons pour l’Inclusion et la Réconciliation (ESPOIR) », to be funded by USAID.

This project aims to reduce the likelihood of inter-communal violence by building trust between groups and strengthening the resilience of women and youth in localities in the south (Dabou, Bonoua), centre (Daoukro, Toumodi, Botro, Sikensi) and east (Bongouanou, M'batto, Bocanda, Prikro and M'bahiakro). This project will be implemented over a period of 4 years with an expected start in December 2022.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Chief of Party shall serve as the primary point of contact with USAID. The Chief of Party shall serve as the lead manager responsible for the overall program implementation and quality control, including technical leadership, management of human resources, physical assets, financial oversight and communications. The Chief of Party will work under the supervision of the Economic Recovery and Development Sector Coordinator, in charge of the technical support of the project.

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. 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.

EXPERIENCES AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· At least ten years of experience managing public or private international programs in peace promotion, countering violent extremism, conflict mitigation, or governance-related programs, preferably including previous experience in Francophone West Africa

· Previous experience as a Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party on a donor-funded project with a strong reputation for developing excellent collaborative working relationships with counterparts, other contractors and international organizations and donors. This also entails monitoring, evaluating and documenting progress toward meeting project objectives evaluating contractor and grantee activities through consultative meetings, site visits and reporting requirements working out solutions to keep activities on track; and providing overall guidance and direction focusing the activity team on achieving agreed targets and long-term strategic objectives.

· At least a graduate degree in a relevant social, technical, or political science (e.g, conflict management and peacebuilding, communications, public administration, business administration, international relations, political science, law etc.)

· Demonstrated skills in effectively working, coordinating, and negotiating with donors, other USAID projects, U.S. embassies, and host-country governments and organizations

· Ability to successfully manage and develop staff in a multi-country and multi-cultural setting as demonstrated by experience

· Ability to manage USAID awards and all required reporting requirements

· Must have demonstrated experience managing programs that effectively address gender issues and advance women’s empowerment.

· Must demonstrate significant governance and conflict expertise

· Professional proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English, professional proficiency in French.

· Technical experience in one or more of the other areas mentioned in this RFA- such as CLA, communication, or economic opportunities or one of the other disciplinary areas will be taken into consideration.

IRC, FROM HARM TO HOME

The IRC is an organization that is committed to compliance with non-discrimination legislation in employment. The IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

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Qualifications