Job Description

Job Summary

• The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) works under the leadership of the Chief of Party (COP) to support technical and operational oversight of an anticipated education access project in Northeast Nigeria.
• The DCOP will also serve as the gender and social inclusion lead for the project, ensuring these considerations are effectively integrated throughout the implementation of all IRs and may serve as a state team lead dependent upon project location and design.

Reporting & Supervision:

• Reports to the Chief of Party.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of technical implementation through leadership and management of project components in the following areas: Non-formal education; community outreach and engagement; systems strengthening; gender and social inclusion
• Ensure that cross-cutting educational technical areas such as gender, social inclusion, and conflict sensitivity are integrated into design and implementation of all components of the project and all staff SOWs, and ensure synergies and cohesion between the various components and activities;
• Ensure that program components are results-oriented and ensure high-quality deliverables and relevant and timely reporting;
• Lead the project’s team of technical staff across multiple offices, and lead all aspects of project implementation in one or more state offices as assigned;
• Work in collaboration with the MEL Director and team to ensure programmatic monitoring and evaluation in accordance to the award;
• Support the COP in programmatic representation, strategic development and quality control duties; and liaise with USAID and government stakeholders to respond to their informational, data and monitoring requirements;
• Assist the COP in developing scopes for and managing international and local partners and grantees to ensure that their performance meets or exceeds technical agreement requirements;
• Provide technical oversight over and contributions to procurement, grants, communications, and knowledge management;
• Ensure that technical and operational activities are carried out according to USAID and Creative’s policies and procedures;
• Maintain a working knowledge of project financials, working with and supporting the COP ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place and being followed;
• Support the COP in the preparation of annual work plans and ensure technical quality and cooperation with project staff, USAID, and government representatives;
• In absence of the COP, serve as acting COP of the project.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Education or another relevant field;
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in developing countries, and specifically in areas relevant to basic literacy and numeracy acquisition, non-formal education, and gender-equitable programming;
• At least five (5) years of experience managing sizable budgets ($25M) and leading large teams (25+ staff);
• Demonstrated exemplary diplomatic, management, communication and interpersonal skills to ensure internal coherence among diverse team members, as well as relations with the client, sub-recipients, government, donors and the international community;
• Previous experience in Nigeria is required; and
• Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Hausa, Kanuri, and/or other languages spoken in the region strongly preferred.