Chief of Party, Mali

Work Location : Mali - Bamako Type of Post : Other Possible Location : Funding : THIS POSITION IS PENDING DONOR APPROVAL Expected Travel : Type of Contract : Language Requirement : Application Deadline : Employee Duration : Full-Time

CARE is dedicated to ending poverty and improving the lives of women, girls, and vulnerable populations around the world. We do this through meaningful partnerships with social justice movements, local civil society groups and broad networks of organizations focused on social inclusion. We are locally led, globally connected, and committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of marginalized, under-represented populations around the world. We believe the inclusion of every individual, regardless of their identity, is essential in helping to transform societies and improve quality of life.

CARE seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID-funded Cross-Sectoral Youth activity in Mali . The project will enable vulnerable and marginalized Malian youth in the regions of Bamako, Mopti and Segou to become educated, healthy, and productive citizens while building their resilience to recurrent crises. The Activity will focus on an integrated program that includes basic education, workforce development, media literacy to counter disinformation, youth entrepreneurship, and reproductive health.

The COP is accountable for the vision and leadership of the project and is responsible for results. The COP will be the Activity’s primary representative, overseeing staff and implementation while managing relationships with USAID. The COP will possess considerable experience managing programs, finances, and operations of USAID- or other international donor-funded projects.

This activity is expected to be a five-year program in the $25 million range.

This position is subject to project award and funding. National and international candidates are encouraged to apply. The position will be based in Bamako, Mali.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Provide strategic guidance to consortium partners responsible for implementing various project components.

· Provide leadership to technical experts and bring dynamic leadership for effective implementation to achieve desired outcomes.

· Act as the main focal point for USAID and government stakeholders at national level

· Ensure Positive Youth Development (PYD) approaches are embedded and implemented in all aspects throughout the project cycle management.

· Ensure Gender Integration approaches are effectively embedded and implemented.

· Foster active collaboration with youth leaders and youth networks, so that they become a driving force in project learning and decision making.

· Develop, track and adapt project workplans, implementation progress and performance in consultation with consortium members.

· Oversee financial management as per USAID and CARE policies.

· Ensure strong collaboration with Women and Girls Empowerment Program and other USAID projects of CARE Mali for alignment.

· Ensure program activities are implemented on schedule and within the approved budget.

· Ensure that CARE’s PSHEA and safety & security policies and procedures are applied to all program and staff operations.

· Promote a culture of reflective learning and adaptation across the broad spectrum of partnerships and project teams.

· Develop, supervise, and manage a diverse group of experts and program staff.

· Oversee the timely and accurate preparation and submission of all project reports and deliverables as specified in the agreement.

· Represent the project at high-level meetings, conferences, and other fora.

· Motivate teams to deliver results by establishing a strong team dynamic, open communication, and leading by example.

· Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in internal operations, management, and program implementation.

· Identify problems and risks associated with the timely implementation of activities and suggest appropriate adjustments to activities.

· Guide team members to fulfill the project’s strategic goals and objectives.

· Recruit, lead and mentor senior staff, upholding CARE values and creating a collaborative, high-performing, and engaged team.

Qualifications:

· Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (international development, political science, business, or related field) from an accredited academic institution.

· At least twelve (12) years of relevant experience leading programs focused on youth leadership and engagement, youth economic empowerment/workforce development, youth civic education, or civil society strengthening. USAID program management preferred.

· Previous Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, or senior management experience required.

· Proven exceptional leadership in the design, management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of similar-sized international donor-supported programs, with skills in strategic planning and thinking, management, supervision and budgeting, and experience managing complex activities involving coordination with multiple program partner institutions.

· Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining relationships with host governments, donors, stakeholders, local organizations, and partners.

· Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrated interpersonal and negotiation skills.

· Experience in developing a project vision, aligning key stakeholders with that vision, and ensuring that vision is translated into achievable strategies.

· Experience recruiting, developing, and leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, managing complex programs, and ensuring project staff meet the highest standards for quality, relevance, and on-time delivery.

· Significant previous experience working in conflict, crisis situations, or volatile operating contexts.

· Experience working in Mali or within the West Africa region on economic recovery and positive youth development programming.