We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Regional Chief of Party (COP) for an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region entitled the USAID LAC Regional Fund for Basic Education. The USAID LAC Regional Fund for Basic Education project will work to address existing systemic barriers and improve access and foundational learning outcomes specifically for marginalized and vulnerable groups. This position will be based in the LAC region and is contingent upon award.
Position Description:
The Regional Chief of Party (COP) will lead the design, development and implementation of a project to support local innovation and scaling of successful basic education interventions in the region. In this role, they will catalyze, leverage, and mobilize resources and actions, orchestrating the efforts of NGOs, private sector actors, and other donors to prove the possibility of accessible education for all children and youth in the region. The Regional COP will oversee a substantial grant program, as well as craft research and evidence initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms to amplify the reach and impact of the project. Their leadership will unite a diverse team of educators, researchers, communicators, administrators and managers to ensure impact, efficiency, and accountability.
The Regional COP is responsible for the overall implementation and oversight of the project, including managing the annual work plan and budgeting process; creating/maintaining an effective project management team; overseeing the collaboration with and leveraging of other donor activities; overseeing an effective monitoring and evaluation system; and coordinating technical activities and sub-grantees to achieve results. In their role as the primary liaison with USAID (including the LAC Bureau in Washington, DC as well as individual USAID Missions), other donors and key stakeholders, and implementing partners, their diplomacy, strategic acumen, and respect for local knowledge and experience will be crucial.
The Regional COPโs primary responsibilities are to provide overall leadership, management oversight, and technical direction for the program, ensuring an integrated vision across components and actors, with a focus on achieving the results defined in the cooperative agreement. This individual will be expected to take a proactive approach to identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate program adjustments. They will supervise activity implementation and ensure activities meet stated goals and reporting requirements. The Regional COP will have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines.
Specific Responsibilities:
Providing leadership and management to establish the direction of the project;
Building strategic partnerships with local USAID Missions, local governments, and program partners;
Leading strategies to build on existing donor initiatives in the region and catalyze new efforts with donors and private sector stakeholders to support foundational learning in the region;
In collaboration with USAID, setting a clear strategic vision, plan, develop, and coordinate training activities and corresponding budget(s) to meet project objectives and goals;
Supporting the recruitment and hiring of local and regional staff and providing capacity building of the local in-country team(s) including coaching and mentoring to ensure high quality of and timeliness of deliverables;
Overseeing the design and implementation of efficient, results-oriented, cost-effective interventions to improve organizationsโ human and/or institutional capacity, including administering academic education and technical training of mid- to high-level professionals;
Overseeing the management of all sub-awardees ensuring compliance for subaward development, implementation and close-out;
Overseeing in-country finances, budgeting and procurement, ensuring that all finance and procurement are compliant with USG and FHI 360 policies and procedures; and