Partner Security Liaison Operations (PLSO) – Ethiopia
The Mitchell Group, Inc. (TMG), an international development consulting firm based in Washington, DC, is currently seeking applications from qualified international experts to serve as Chief of Party (COP) to lead the USAID/Ethiopia-funded Partner Liaison Security Operations” (“PLSO”) Project, based in Ethiopia .
The purpose of the PLSO project is to serve as a liaison to and facilitate communications between USAID/Ethiopia’s 110 Implementing Partners (IPs) and USAID/Ethiopia to enable IPs to better use and share publicly available information as a decision support mechanism. This will entail proactive engagement on the part of the PLSO including meetings, site visits, and written communications. PLSO efforts will assist in a more effective delivery of U.S. Government funded assistance, as it will enhance the IPs’ ability to stay abreast of security concerns and better secure their operations so that IPs can more aptly perform and advance development objectives under their respective agreements.
The Chief of Party (COP) is responsible for managing the overall project and monitoring critical information related to safety, security and operational activities including, but not limited to:
● Responding to USAID IP safety and security needs.
● Providing decision support for the IP community and USAID Mission with regard to programmatic and operational initiatives, through the gathering, analysis, and reporting of political, security sector, economic, social/humanitarian, infrastructure, and informational issues.
● Perform as a liaison between the USAID Mission, Regional Security Office (RSO), and IPs on security related matters.
● Become a subject matter expert on political, security sector, and economic issues within Ethiopia as they are relevant to the USAID Mission and IPs
● Developing and managing a cascade communications system for USAID IPs to ensure all partner employees are accounted for during emergency situations if possible.
● Meet with Chiefs of Party and Security Directors; assess security plans; review site security measures as requested
● Address IP security concerns or questions; and write detailed reports based on the site visits.
● Reviewing, providing detailed feedback on, and approving all security plans provided by IPs and grantees within five business days upon receipt of plans from the Office of Acquisitions Assistance (OAA) as requested.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Education
● University degree in a relevant field of study (i.e. humanitarian work, international development, administration, transportation logistics, security operations, crisis management, development planning, etc.)
● Special relevant experience can be substituted for the full ten-year requirements with justification and verification.
Work Experience
● 10 or more years of demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with clients (Embassy, Mission, and Implementing Partner personnel) and with host country counterparts and international donors on programming and/or IP operations. .
● Demonstrated experience of working within the Implementing Partner community in a developing context in a country similar to Ethiopia.
● Demonstrated experience to gather information and provide analysis and potential courses of action in conflict zones.
● Experience in managing remotely-based field projects in non-permissive environments.
● Demonstrated experience supervising foreign nationals.
● Experience with the State Department Office of Diplomatic Security (DS) or USAID preferred, but not required.
● Minimum three years of experience working in developing countries in a management capacity as a COP or DCOP or similar position managing a donor grant or contract.
●Specialized expertise in managing the safety and security operations in Ethiopia and/or E. Africa of a USG agency, bilateral or multilateral organization, international non- governmental organization or private company is highly desirable.
● Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with stakeholders and develop a communications network.
● Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing is required.
Language
● Fluency in English is required.
● Proficiency in Microsoft suite of products specifically including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Specific Skills (preferred, not required)
● Knowledge of U.S. Embassy RSO operating policies and procedures.
● Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Ethiopian culture and context.
● Understanding of social media.
Location: Ethiopia
Anticipated Start Date: September 2020
Period of Performance: One (1) base year; with one (1) option year (if exercised by USAID).
How to apply
Required Application Materials:
- CV in English
- 1420 Biodata form (dated & signed)
- Three (3) professional references
Please send relevant CV/resumes and application materials to [email protected] and [email protected] . In the subject line, please indicate “Chief of Party/Ethiopia / (Last Name)”. CV/resumes will be reviewed as they are received, early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.
More Information
- Job City Ethiopia
