Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters.
We are currently recruiting for a Chief of Party (COP) for a USAID-funded girls’ education program in Malawi. The goal of the $10.4m, four-year project is to improve the achievement of girls in upper primary and secondary schools and will focus on: 1) Improved reading skills for girls in upper primary school; 2) Adoption of positive sexual and health-care seeking behaviors; and 3) Decrease in key structural and cultural barriers that limit girls’ access to schooling. With a primary focus on Basic Education the ASPIRE program will include elements of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) as well as HIV/Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
Responsibilities The COP will be responsible for providing technical leadership and overall management direction for the project. S/he is also responsible for project inputs, program strategy, external representation and coordination with project counterparts, USAID, Government of Malawi, other donors within the sector and other programs as necessary. The COP is ultimately responsible for compliance with the agreement results and the oversight of project activities which will meet the stated objectives of the project.
Requirements
- A Master’s or PhD in at least one of the following fields: education with a specialty in reading and literacy education, curriculum and instruction, elementary teacher education, education policy, linguistics or other relevant international development field with bias toward education and development is required;
- Technical understanding of girls’ education issues is preferred;
- At least 10 years demonstrated technical and management experience in education, with experience in sub-Saharan Africa preferred;
- Technical and/or COP experience in education with an emphasis on girls’ education strongly preferred;
- At least 8 years of demonstrated excellence in senior level management and leadership, including direct supervision of professional and support staff, evaluation of staff performance, and contract/grant management is preferred.
- Experience in institutional capacity building of government counterparts at the national and/or local level is preferred;
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-million dollar complex projects is preferred;
- Ability to identify, address and resolve communication issues within the activity and with external stakeholders is required;
- Demonstrated problem solving skills, a collaborative and flexible manner, creativity and willingness to innovate;
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with USAID/Malawi, host government partners at the national and district levels, and personnel within the activity is required;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations;
- Strong working familiarity with USAID regulations and policies;
- Fluent oral and strong analytical, written English communications skills is required;
- Proven track record of effective and convincing negotiation skills is preferred.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates should apply directly through the website at: www.savethechildren.org, under the Careers page and select “US Jobs” and then Malawi. EOE
