Program manager | Burkina Faso | 2020 87 views2 applications

Chemonics seeks a program manager for the ongoing USAID/OTI Burkina Faso Regional Program (BFRP). A task order under the SWIFT IV IQC, the program is a quick-response mechanism to support activities that maintain and deepen stability in Burkina Faso, neighboring countries, and the broader Sahel region by addressing the threat posed by violent extremist organizations (VEOs). The program manager will manage the development, implementation, and evaluation of grants and other project activities in the country’s Nord region, in close collaboration with the project’s senior management team in Ouagadougou. This position will be based in Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the Ouahigouya office and programming in the Nord region, including supervising day-to-day operations of the office and overseeing activities
• Serve as primary senior management team representative at the regional level, and the national level as required, in collaboration with the team under his/her direct supervision in Ouahigouya, senior project leadership in Ouagadougou, and USAID/OTI
• Develop and deepen relationships with local government stakeholders, grant recipients, and local government/project beneficiaries in the Nord region
• Provide guidance to the program team on translating program strategies from the national to local level
• Oversee the development of grants activities in accordance with the project’s strategic framework as determined by USAID/OTI, under the supervision of the deputy chief of party
• Prepare, analyze, and evaluate documents related to grants activities, including concept proposals and subgrant agreements, to ensure compliance with the project’s strategic framework
• Supervise the development, implementation, and conclusion of multiple grants activities on a continual basis in a dynamic environment
• Advise the chief of party and senior project leadership on the evolution of the local security situation and suggest ways to constantly adapt to ensure that the program remains relevant and effective
• Coordinate and ensure fluid and productive collaboration between team members including program development officers, grant managers, MEL staff, procurement staff, and accountants to ensure effective grant implementation while maintaining compliance
• Evaluate progress of grant activities and coordinate with sub-grantees, program staff, and MEL staff to ensure activity tracking and evaluation data is used to guide future activities
• Review, provide feedback, and approve grant file closures and final activity evaluation reports
• Lead analysis and discussion of key lessons learned on a monthly basis to inform regular cluster evaluations, in coordination with MEL staff program development officers, the chief of party, and USAID/OTI
• Supervise and provide mentorship to all staff in the Ouahigouya office;
• Act as a liaison between the project and USAID/OTI’s country representative and deputy country representative

Qualifications:

• University degree required, graduate degree highly desired
• Minimum of six to eight years of experience in designing, managing and implementing programs related to community stabilization, social cohesion, peacebuilding, and resilience to effects of violence in the Sahel or similar contexts
• In-depth understanding of regional conflict dynamics and drivers of Violent Extremism
• Experience with OTI projects, principles, and operational procedures, including the activity cycle
• Experience in program, operations and personnel management, and strong ability to build interpersonal relationships needed to be effective with stakeholders
• Strong organizational, management and administrative skills, strong writing and reporting skills, experience with monitoring and evaluation
• Demonstrated analytical ability and understanding of the local and regional political context, with the ability to think about and conceptualize relevant grant activities
• Proven knowledge of local and international NGOs and community-based organizations implementing relevant activities and programs in the country, as well as key government stakeholders and stakeholders, with an accurate understanding and knowledge of the political environment and social conditions in Eastern Burkina Faso
• Experience working with local organizations to implement participatory activities
• Experience with donor-funded programs is highly preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
• Fluency in French is essential and proficiency in English and relevant local languages is highly desired