Category: Manager
Req ID: CHEIF01858
Posted Date: 2019-12-10
Schedule: Full Time
Location: Bamako, Mali MLI

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for its Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation Project. This project is a 5-year (2018 – 2023) program which aims to improve prospects for long-term peace, security, and reconciliation by strengthening the positive resilience of communities working in partnership with their elected officials.

Position Summary:

The COP will be the principal liaison with both the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and other U.S. Government Officials as required, and will provide leadership, management, and project oversight for the Peacebuilding, Stabilization & Reconciliation project. The COP should therefore have an advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, and strong communication, management, and interpersonal skills are required.

Reporting:

This position reports to the Practice Area Director or their designee in the Communities in Transition Division.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for the technical leadership and in-country management of the project. S/he will oversee long-term expatriate and local staff, as well as short-term experts, in achieving project results. S/he will regularly undertake assessments of the broader political environment of Mali, with an emphasis on peacebuilding and stabilization efforts, to ensure programmatic flexibility, responsiveness and rapid reprioritization of activities when necessary.

The COP will:

• Serve as Creative’s principle liaison with U.S. Government representatives, Mali government counterparts, representatives from the international community, and local community stakeholders on program communications and technical implementation of activities;
• Provide technical direction, leadership and oversight of all programmatic and administrative matters;
• Strategizes, sets priorities, leads implementation and reviews technical progress on program implementation;
• Provide program oversight and technical support to the team in all areas;
• Develop and design relevant activities, reports and work plans;
• Oversee implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities, ensure that project results are met, and adapt activities as necessary to achieve expected outcomes;
• Determines resource needs and seek opportunities to further leverage programming resources to strengthen anticipated outcomes;
• Supervise the development and submission of project deliverables, and provide timely and accurate reporting and briefings to U.S. Government and stakeholders on all program areas;
• Ensure compliance with all terms of the project agreement and all relevant USAID and U.S. Government rules and regulations;
• Oversee implementation of Creative’s security protocols and provide leadership in handling security-related issues; and,
• Manage the program team in a manner that is open, transparent and respectful and encourages professional development, and solicits constructive staff input.
• Foster excellent communications among all parties, including with Creative HQ projector and support staff;
• Monitor project budgets in conjunction with the Finance Manager and HQ finance team; and
• Develop policies and procedures that improves efficiency and quality of systems in conjunction with headquarters.

  Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and seven (7) years of experience or bachelor’s degree and ten (10) years of experience in democracy and governance programming, civic engagement, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, countering/preventing violent extremism or related field;
• Significant experience in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa preferred;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead and manage challenging projects in conflict areas or areas at-risk of conflict;
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, technical and analytical skills, including an ability to interact effectively with government counterparts and civil society;
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French; and
• Previous Chief of Party experience.
  Regional candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.

This is an unaccompanied post.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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