Pact is an international nonprofit that works in nearly 40 countries building solutions for human development that are evidence-based, data-driven and owned by the communities we serve. Founded in 1971, Pact works with partners to build resilience, improve accountability, and strengthen knowledge and skills for sustainable social impact.
Department Programs - Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The Programs Team helps realize this objective by bridging program management, technical support, and business development, enabling Pact to achieve its global strategy. We ensure program excellence through continuous learning, monitoring and evaluation and provide organizational and industry-wide thought leadership by leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary skills, expertise, and experiences. The Programs team: influences progressive change through the development and implementation of global and regional strategies and business plans; supports advancement of innovative solutions; pursues new business opportunities; and drives effective internal and external engagement to maximize Pact’s impact across the globe. Across all aspects of its role, the Programs Department adheres to and promotes a culture of inclusion, accountability, and respect.
Position Overview
Pact seeks an experienced Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the anticipated USAID-funded DRC Enseignement Technique pour Opportunités Inclusives, Lucratives et Équitables (ETOILE) Activity, which aims to enhance inclusive workforce development to improve livelihoods for Congolese youth, particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds, to improve social mobility, economic livelihoods, and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2023-2028). This position is contingent upon award.
Key Responsibilities
The DCOP will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP) to oversee all programmatic aspects, ensuring that objectives are met on time and within budget. S/he will oversee program implementation, compliance, financial management, security, operations and logistics. S/he will ensure rapid startup; day-to-day implementation of activities; and working with the COP, oversee the finance, grants, and administrative unit of the activity, as well as sub-grantees, sub-contractors, and consultants. S/he is responsible for training and mentoring staff on policies and procedures, donor regulations, new systems, and financial best practices is expected, as well as working closely with the COP and US-based personnel to ensure compliance with all donor regulations and effective and proactive management. S/he will be the primary point of contact with USAID in absence of the COP with regard to day-to-day implementation and management matters related to the agreement.
The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are listed below:
- Under the guidance of the COP, ensure high-quality technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the program's strategic objectives and adhering to expected technical quality and reporting requirements.
- Participate in the project’s technical and programmatic design; represent Pact in negotiating with donors and partners.
- Help manage project planning, including the production of annual workplans; help guide and oversee the alignment of the budget to expected results, and review and approve annual budgets and quarterly reports.
- Support the implementation of a highly adaptive, context-driven programmatic approach.
- Ensure the cost-effective use of Pact resources.
- Ensure compliance with Pact and USAID requirements, policies, and regulations.
- Under the guidance of the COP, liaise with Congolese government officials.
- As relevant, manage all local grantmaking mechanisms, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and Pact policy; coordinate and/or conduct monitoring visits to grantee programs.
- Provide training and mentoring to partners to strengthen capacity for technical service delivery and compliance with donor rules and regulations.
- Under the guidance of the COP, help recruit and directly supervise project staff in line with Pact HR policies; Oversee the management and development of project office human resources to ensure a diverse, skilled, and productive workforce, an effective leadership team, and an organizational culture where Pact's values are practiced.
- Deliver technical presentations on program achievements to implementing partners, civil society organizations, government officials, donor, and other organizations.
- Support with other tasks, as assigned by the COP.
- Employee complies with all company policies and procedures, including completing all compliance training topics by the deadline to satisfy each and receiving the corresponding acknowledgment statement that the training has been completed.
- All other duties as assigned
Basic Requirements
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in social sciences, law, development studies or a relevant field. Master’s degree and 9+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, including 5 years of management experience.
- At least eight years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to livelihoods activities; three years of which shall have been in senior program management including direct supervision of professional and support staff.
- Technical expertise in capacity development (CD), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and/or sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
- Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners with conflict sensitivity.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including local organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and funders.
- Demonstrated skills in problem solving, negotiating, decision-making, and consensus building.
- Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of the DRC.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Fluency in English and French (oral, writing, and reading) required.
- Ability to travel within the DRC and occasionally internationally.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements and/or knowledge of USAID rules, regulations, and policies.
- Demonstrated experience implementing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying systems-driven approaches and/or thinking and working politically (TWP) principles.