Chief of Party Malawi Early Grade Reading Activity

Background:

Creative Associates International (Creative) is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, D.C., the firm has field presence in 20 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Description:

Creative seeks a qualified COP for an anticipated education project in Malawi. The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) aims to assist the Government of Malawi (GoM) to improve the reading abilities of Malawian learners in Standards 1-3. The overall objective of the program is to support the Government of Malawi to improve quality and relevance of education and thus reduce dropout and repetition and promote effective learning. Activities are designed to: (i) provide quality reading instruction for early grades students; (ii) institutionalize provision of teaching and learning materials on reading; (iii) increase parental and community engagement to support student reading; and (iv) improve policy environment to support early grade reading.

Project Duration:

3 years

Position Summary:

Based in Lilongwe, Malawi, the Chief of Party will be the technical and administrative supervisor of all project activities. S/he will be the senior in-country project representative and will have overall responsibility for guiding and coordinating program activities at the highest levels among a diverse group of local stakeholders and beneficiaries. The Chief of Party must be able to provide technical assistance to the government ministries and local officials, and USAID personnel on reading, while supervising partnering organizations and sub-grantees. The COP will oversee and ensure timely project implementation, monitoring of activities, grants management, and management of project staff and subsidiaries. The COP has ultimate responsibility for project financial accountability and reporting to USAID and Creative Associates home office.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Chief of Party will report to the Project Director at Creative headquarters.

Primary Responsibilities:

Provide technical leadership and quality assurance in the design, delivery and evaluation of all technical assistance and capacity building;

Assist the Ministry to implement programs and confront challenges faced on teaching reading;

Provide direct managerial oversight to long- and short-term consultants and staff working on this project;

Accountable to USAID for the quality and timeliness of deliverables and results that this project aims to achieve;

Ensures that technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to USAID and Creative's policies and procedures;

Works in partnership with the Project Director. Engages in frequent, routine communication with the Home Office so that the Project Director is aware of both progress and potential issues, and solicits assistance and input as needed to ensure that performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements;

Manages subcontractors to ensure that their performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements;

Responsible for maintaining and nurturing Creative's relationship with USAID, communicating at a minimum on a weekly basis;

Responsible for successfully managing the project's relationship with local governments/ministries and other stakeholders;

Prepares quarterly and annual reports;

Oversees creation and implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities;

Produces brochures, success stories, and other materials to promote the program's successes within USAID and the broader development community;

Supports implementation of Creative's security protocols and provides leadership in handling security-related issues. Addresses local staffing and personnel issues related to security; and

Maintains a working knowledge of project financials, working with and supporting the Finance Manager to ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place and being followed.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Education, International Development, or related field (PhD preferred);

A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience managing implementation of large education related programs, experience in Sub-Saharan Africa preferred;

At least 15 years of experience in teacher training, learner assessment, and/or teaching of reading;

Experience working with USAID or other international donors;

Experience working with Ministry officials;

Organizational acumen;

Excellent team building and interpersonal skills;

Cultural sensitivity; and

Excellent oral and written English communication skills required, Chichewa an added bonus.

Creative Associates International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. AA/V/D.

How to apply: 

To apply, please visit the Careers section of our website.