Deputy Chief of Party

Job Description

Deputy Chief of Party, USAID-Tunoze Gusoma (Schools and Systems) Project

FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment, and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with more than 4000 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multidisciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities, and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Chief of Party for the USAID Tunoze Gusoma Schools and Systems project in Rwanda.

Project Description

The USAID Tunoze Gusoma (Schools and Systems) activity is working to strengthen the education system to enable all pre-primary and lower primary school and classroom environments to be of high quality, inclusive, and focused on the learning of foundational reading skills.

Specifically, the five-year activity is working to improve learning outcomes by focusing on increasing Kinyarwanda literacy skills of boys and girls through primary 3 (P3) through four intermediate results: (IR1) Pre-primary education system enhanced to develop, promote and improve emergent literacy, (IR2) Lower primary reading classroom instruction improved, (IR3) School environments improved for increased lower primary reading outcomes, and (IR4) Education management systems strengthened for improved literacy outcomes.

Position Description, general duties, and responsibilities:

The Deputy Chief of Party-Program Management (DCOP-PM) is responsible for coordinating program planning and implementation in close collaboration with the Chief of Party and technical leads; all programmatic operations related to engagement of external stakeholders in programming; implementation of crosscutting components such as communications, social behavioral change, and gender and social inclusion; and integrated troubleshooting efforts to ensure timely resolution of implementation challenges.

S/he works closely with the COP, the Technical Leads, and the MEL Director to effectively coordinate the implementation of technical activities and to ensure that project components are results-oriented, deliverables are of high quality, the project is producing relevant and timely deliverables, and that the project’s objectives are met through effective joint program planning and project implementation with government agencies (REB and NESA) and consortium partners. S/he also works with different technical team leads to develop activity budgets ensuring accurate cost projections which will enable the Associate Director of Finance and Operations to ensure stable cashflows in program implementation and the Chief of Party to ensure a results-oriented budget reflective of project technical objectives.

In addition, in coordination with the Chief of Party, the DCOP-PM actively manages the participatory development of the annual work plan and the preparation of quarterly and annual reports by ensuring coherence of input from the four project result areas. S/he also deputizes the Chief of Party and uses delegated authority to contribute to the efficient running of the project office.

Job Summary/Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Chief of Party (COP) and technical leads to ensure effective program planning and implementation.
• Provide guidance and supervision to technical staff implementing cross-cutting components of Communications, Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Social Behavior Change (SBC) in coordination with the COP and Technical Director, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities and maintaining clear lines of communication with project team members.
• Manages and facilitates work planning processes ensuring active participation of the integrated project team members in Rwanda, and internationally (including FHI 360 HQ and appropriate consortium members) and national education stakeholders.
• Facilitates and moderates regular technical meetings involving consortium organizational partners and other stakeholders to promote effective program implementation.
• Provide support to the overall COP’s leadership and management of the project, ensuring strategic program direction, managed growth, and compliance with organizational policies, procedures and donor regulations.
• Conducts quarterly reviews of pipeline of expenditures with Finance Director, confirming major expenditures (committed and anticipated) are in line with yearly workplan budget, and alerting the COP of significant deviations and supports strategic changes to yearly budget as needed.
• Works closely with the Communications Advisor to ensure production of quality communication deliverables to be approved by the Chief of Party.
• Manages written communication to external stakeholders purposefully engaging them in project implementation.
• Manages the participatory and iterative process of writing quality program deliverables and ensuring their timely submission.
• Participates in the recruitment, hiring, and management of technical staff and consultants.
• Coordinates with Associate Director of Finance and Operations to ensure timely and effective payment of program participant expenses.
• Supports the performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.
• Represents the project in external technical meetings, conferences, and coordination platforms.
• Serves as Acting COP and the primary technical program representative in the absence/temporary leave of the COP.
• Executes all other tasks and assignments requested by the supervisor.

  Required Qualifications

  • Master’s degree (preferred) in education, social sciences, or related field.
  • Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible technical management experience in support of large-scale international development programs.
  • Experience with USAID-funded projects preferred.
  • Proven leadership in implementation of similar-sized international donor education- related technical assistance projects, preferably in Rwanda or the region.
  • Effective strategic planning, program evaluation
  • Proven track record in project management skills, including budget development and oversight experience, technical and budget alignment, and strengthen in assuring operational compliance, and logistical planning.
  • Strong consultative and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to build positive working relationships with local communities, government officials, and donor representatives.
  • Ability to analyze and establish effective and supportive cross-program coordination, organizational procedures, and management systems;
  • Must have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines;
  • Experience in the education sector in Rwanda or the region strongly preferred.
  • Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda required.

    This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

    Typical Physical Demands:

    • Typical office environment.
    • Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
    • Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
    • Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

      Technology to be Used:

      • Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

        Travel Requirements:

        • Less than 25%

          This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

          FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

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