The Organisation
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.
We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
The Opportunity
Plan International seeks a dynamic leader and project strategist to fill the role of Chief of Party (COP) for USAID’s anticipated Enhancing Resilience of OVC Getting to Zero in Zimbabwe, an anticipated cooperative agreement with an expected budget between $50-100 million over five years.
The program will aim to reduce HIV impact, vulnerability and risk and increase uptake of and retention in high impact HIV services among orphans and vulnerable children and adolescents in targeted communities in Zimbabwe. The strategic objective of Getting to ZERO is improved health, nutrition, psycho-social well-being and educational outcomes; and reduced abuse of children affected by HIV in Zimbabwe. The program seeks to advance local ownership of a comprehensive, integrated, community-based AIDS response to mitigate the impact of HIV on orphans and vulnerable children. The program will support families and communities to increase the resilience of vulnerable children and other family members and to reduce susceptibility to HIV infection. The program will contribute to achievement of PEPFAR and UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals by strengthening community platforms to engage with and support the devolution and scale up of clinical services at the local level.
The COP will lead and oversee all aspects of this high-profile project, including directing strategic planning and decision making, providing technical guidance, managing the activities of sub-recipients, and supervising staff. Serving as the key liaison with USAID, the Government of Zimbabwe, implementing partners, and other stakeholders, the COP will also establish and maintain an integrated vision among different actors while ensuring adherence to all project objectives, performance requirements, and donor regulations.
Consideration for this pivotal role will be given to development professionals with 1) a clear understanding of OVC programming in Zimbabwe or a similar social context; 2) experience in USAID project management and administration policies, procedures, and reporting requirements; and 3) the ability to meet rigorous timelines, track results, effectively manage staff and multi-stakeholder relationships, and influence decision-making at the local and national level to create positive change.
Responsibilities
Provide overall technical and managerial oversight and leadership for the project.
Ensure efficient management of financial resources, including the review and approval of program budgets and monitoring expenditures.
Supervise field operations, project administration, logistics and procurement.
Oversee the delivery and monitoring of sub-grants.
Supervise program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting and ensure quality control and timeliness of all deliverables as required by the grant and donors.
Ensure full compliance with all USAID, Plan, and other fiduciary regulations.
Serve as the principal liaison with the Government of Zimbabwe; USAID and other donors; and project partners and stakeholders to ensure effective program implementation and build lasting relationships.
Requirements
Possess at least a Master’s Degree in social sciences, public health, management, business administration, or a related field.
Proven experience in managing complex orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) programs, social services programs, and/or public health programs of similar scope and size
At least seven years demonstrated state-of-the-art experience as senior staff in at least three of the following areas: child protection, economic strengthening, social protection, education, health and nutrition including HIV/AIDS care and support; social service systems strengthening; quality improvement/quality assurance; M&E and operations research.
Significant experience managing large-scale, multi-year US government-funded programs, with a strong track record of successfully managing USAID-funded programs including previously serving as COP in East Africa.
Demonstrated knowledge of USAID project management, including USAID rules, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Demonstrated knowledge of gender and proficiency in managing development projects that mainstream gender.
Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to track program quality through donor-approved monitoring and evaluation systems.
Ability to work under pressure, as part of a team or independently, and meet deadlines consistently.
Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, such as local NGOs, government officials, donor representatives, and local and international staff.
Ability to respond to requests on short notice and simultaneously plan and execute several activities.
Proven experience hiring, training, and supervising teams of international and local staff.
Proven leadership, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills, with the ability to build and motivate diverse teams.
Excellent command of English, with strong verbal and written communication skills;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Type of Role: 5 year Fixed term contract
Location: Zimbabwe country office
Salary: Competitive Salary
Reports to: Country Director with strong links to US national office
More Information
- Job City Harare
