Overview

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and 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.

Position Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a Deputy Chief of Party Technical (DCOP-T) for an exciting, unique, anticipated USAID-funded education project that seeks to improve learning outcomes in primary education for children across the country of Mozambique through innovative program models and sustainability driven designs. The program is an exciting opportunity to improve on existing activity models and introduce new innovative ways to partner with Government and local level bodies for change in education.

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) Technical should be a vibrant individual who is able to manage technical, operational and administrative deliverables for a large program set to bring rapid change in the sector. The DCOP works in tandem with the Chief of Party (COP) to oversee the development and implementation of high quality education activities across a number of program areas with the goal of transforming the learning experiences of children across the target areas. S/he will support the COP in representing the program in donor, ministry and partner meetings (at the national and sub-national levels), and will engage regularly with sub-contractors, local partners and staff.

S/he will be based in Maputo, Mozambique and will work with the CoP to lead the technical program planning for timely development of products and delivery of services, including annual work planning and progress reporting.

Reporting & Supervision:

The DCOP Technical will report directly to the COP and is solely authorized by Creative to act programmatically, administratively, or financially on the COP’s behalf. The DCOP will also supervise certain program technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Work under the leadership of the COP to support the technical teams in the design and delivery of programs to improve the education of children and youth;
• Provide technical direction and guidance to core technical team members;
• Support development of implementation strategies and work plans, and coordinate the day-to-day management of technical staff and technical management of the program in the field offices;
• Facilitate knowledge management, communications, and information flow for program implementation;
• Support timely report preparation, including quarterly and annual reports and ensure compliance in reporting to USAID, Creative Associates, and Mozambique government counterparts.
• Maintain a working knowledge of workplan budgets and expenditures, and assist the technical teams to set up and implement appropriate systems for program implementation;
• Build strong technical team management structure that enable teams to function productively and collegially with program partners and stakeholders; and
• Represent the project in local, national, and international meetings and events, in the absence of the COPQualifications
• A Masters’ degree in education, or a directly relevant field, from an accredited university required;
• Minimum 8 years of experience in relevant management, supervisory, technical experience working with programs that are of a similar scope and scale to this project is required.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in the education sector or related social sector in Sub-Saharan Africa is required.
• Experience working in Mozambique is preferred.
• Technical program/project management experience working with rural, ethno-linguistic underserved populations is required, as is demonstrated experience and knowledge of capacity building and professional development.
• Experience managing evidence-based education or related social sector programs is required.
• Previous experience with USAID-funded programs is required.
• Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in English required, Portuguese preferred.