CARE seeks an education expert to serve as Chief of Party (COP) on the anticipated USAID-funded Somalia Accelerated Basic Education Activity. This $23-$30 million activity will build upon USAID/Somalia’s investment in non-formal education and increase access to education for the nearly four million out-of-school children and youth in Somalia. The Activity will expand access to education in communities where current demand is not being met, and a free, public option is needed. The activity also aims to improve the overall quality of education by increasing teacher capacity and further developing evidence-based teaching and learning materials.

This position is pending donor approval and funding.

Location: Mogadishu, Somalia. This is an unaccompanied post location.

Specific duties and responsibilities:

·Oversee the overall management and implementation of the project including project results and deliverables, in accordance with the project work plan.

·With staff and partners, translate project goals and objectives into implementable strategies and plans.

·Manage operational, financial, and administrative priorities.

·Build partnerships among national- and community-level actors.

·Function as the primary liaison between all project stakeholders.

·Maintain productive working relationships with USAID clients, project partners, and key counterparts.

·Mentor and coach staff to deliver impact within agreed timelines.

·Clarify roles, delegating responsibilities to senior staff, and clearly communicating expectations for staff contribution to project activities.

·Supervise performance of all long- and short-term advisors, consultants, and staff.

·Supervise staff and partners in identifying the project’s technical assistance needs, developing suitable scopes of work, recruiting consultants, and executing technical assistance contracts.

·Create management systems and internal controls in line with CARE’s standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency with project needs.

·Design and oversee annual project cycle in accordance with USAID’s annual planning cycle.

·Direct planning and budgeting processes.

·Prepare quarterly and annual project activity reports.

Qualifications:

·University degree required. Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (social science, education, development studies, business administration or related field) from an accredited academic institution preferred. Work experience may substitute for advanced degree.

·Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible senior experience in international development as Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, or senior management experience on large Education, development, or humanitarian relief projects.

·Deep technical experience with and understanding of USAID education programming.

·Experience managing USAID cooperative agreements and/or contracts as well as the implementation of donor priorities including localization preferred.

·At least 3 years’ experience working in/on fragile or post-conflict states, Somalia preferred.

·Experience managing complex activities involving coordination with multiple program partner institutions.

·Demonstrated commitment to principles of Gender Equity, Diversity, Belonging and Inclusion.

·Demonstrated commitment to Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Harassment (PSEAH).

·Experience managing required programmatic and financial reporting requirements.

·Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations, and partners.

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

·Experience recruiting, developing, and managing staff and teams.

·Fluency in English required; Somali language skills preferred.

·Previous experience in project country and/or comparable international experience.

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