Chief of Party

The role

In the DRC, at the national level, only 8% of children aged 7 to 14 have a functioning reading level, and 1% can calculate (MICS 2018), while the attendance rate at the provincial level ranges from 57% to 92%. Among all these children, there are disparities in access, quality of education, experiences in and out of school, and demands and risks in communities. Sexual violence, early marriage or childbirth, mine work, and recruitment and use for armed groups are among the most severe risks for children in the DRC.

The Chief of Party (COP) will oversee an anticipated 5-year USAID-funded Child and Youth Education Response (CYERA) program in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. The program focuses on increasing access to responsive education services for crisis- and conflict-affected Congolese children and youth as well as improve the delivery of quality, gender- and crisis-responsive foundational instruction for communities of Ituri, North, and South Kivu. This senior leadership position will provide overall project management, leadership, technical and strategic guidance, representation and support to the Activity at the country level. The COP is accountable for Activity quality, compliance with USAID regulations and SC policies and procedures, and financial and operational management. S/he will also provide technical assistance on formal and non-formal education opportunities in crisis- and conflict affected areas to increase learning including appropriate teaching and learning materials. The COP will be Save the Children’s primary point of contact with USAID and all relevant stakeholders. S/he will collaborate with the Ministry of Education and other critical partners to provide high-level support for effective capacity building at the local level and sustainability of the project interventions. The COP will oversee a team of experts and support staff, prepare reports and annual operating plans, align project initiatives with in-country priorities and ensure the program is compliant with USAID and Save the Children’s regulations. The project will be designed to align closely with the current objectives of the Government of DRC so that activities are complementary and create sustainability.

Qualifications and Experience

Master’s Degree in relevant areas of expertise, including education or international development is preferred; Bachelor’s Degree is required

Minimum 10  years’ of professional experience designing, managing and implementing large and complex programs in education or education in emergencies

At least five years of senior program experience working and living in a developing country; ideally within this region/country location

In-depth knowledge of USAID approaches and regulations

Prior experience as Chief of Party or Deputy COP preferred

Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations

Creative problem solving skills with the ability to work effectively in resource-constrained environments is important

Experience of working within a complex national program in the context of an emergency intervention or in contexts of conflict or fragile state

Experience with and commitment to approaches of accountability to populations, including children, affected by crises or conflicts.

Experience in high-level representation.

Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and English.

Demonstrated ability to influence change at an operational and strategic level.

Sensitive to political and cultural issues, and able to demonstrate patience, tact and diplomacy.

Ability and willingness to be very flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes dangerous working circumstances.

Commitment to SC goals and principles. A perfect understanding, in particular, of SC’s mandate and the priority given to children, and the ability to ensure that it remains at the heart of the assistance we provide.

 Desirable

Language skills in Swahili, Nande or other eastern languages of the country are an advantage.

Knowledge of gender equity and transformative concepts

Contract length: 05 Years

 The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday

All children learn from a quality basic education and that,

Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Applicants are advised that Save the Children International does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as contrary to the values and practices of our organization.

6 Jan 2020 – 23:59 UTC

Nord Kivu, Location

Programme Operations

Fixed-term contract

Full-time