RTI International is
seeking candidates for Deputy
Chief of Party, Operations (DCOP, Operations) for USAID’s
MERIT: Malawi Early Grade Reading Improvement Activity. This activity will
assist the Government of Malawi’s efforts to improve the reading abilities of
Malawian students in Standards 1-4. MERIT provides technical assistance and
support to the Ministry of Education
Science and Technology to implement the
National reading Program (NRP). MERIT will improve early grade reading
achievement through improved early grade reading instruction, supporting the
Malawi Institute of Education (MIE) in the development and provision of reading
and instructional materials, greater parental and community engagement in
providing reading support, and building pathways to the sustainability of
improved reading outcomes at district and national levels. It will also advance
the USAID/Malawi Country Development Cooperation Strategy priority for
integration. This position is based in Lilongwe and will report to the Malawi
MERIT Chief of Party.
The DCOP will
assist the Chief of Party to ensure timely project implementation and technical
reliability, monitor project activities, and ensure quality.
S/he will supervise
the planning and delivery of project operations to ensure smooth running of
Division and District level implementation of technical activities and ensure
that project staff cooperate and support effectively with their government
counterparts.
Primary
Responsibilities:
· Maintain oversight
of District level implementation of activities to ensure a coordinated and
timely approach to achieving NRP goals across all activity objectives.
· Facilitate
coordination with other Finance and Administration aspects of MERIT to ensure
District level implementation is well planned and efficient.
· Support the Field
Operations Coordinator and Division and District level staff to manage
effective working relationships with District level stakeholders that supports
effective implementation and capacity building and sustainable NRP outcomes.
· Ensure effective
coordination and synergies between policy–level, school based, and community
based activities.
· Maintain oversight
of ME&L activities and ensure compliance with USAID reporting requirements.
· In conjunction
with the COP and RTI evaluation advisors and statistical staff, identify, plan
and manage implementation of critical studies and other learning activities
that provide the MoEST, USAID and RTI with impact analysis and lessons learned
which will inform quality project improvements, sustainability, and policy
outcomes.
· Working closely
with the MERIT ME&L subcontractor and MERIT database specialist, to ensure
that data collected outside of the MERIT M&E activity are collected,
managed, analyzed and disseminated appropriately so as to provide meaningful
information to project staff, USAID and to Ministry counterparts.
· Ensure that
evidence based results are used to inform effective implementation of the NRP
and promote policy and technical improvements that support improved literacy
outcomes in Malawi.
· Track and report
monthly and quarterly on programmatic achievements as required for project
deliverable reporting. Produces technical and/or operational reports and
updates for deliverable reporting and project success stories, including
submissions in the USAID portal Devresults
· Provide technical
and/or operational guidance and serve as a subject matter expert in assigned
area or responsibility
· Serve as Acting
Chief of Party as necessary
· Support the COP to
manage project personnel as assigned.
Required
Skills and Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s Degree
in relevant social science or related field and 12 years of related work
experience; or Master’s Degree in relevant social science or related field and
9 years of related work experience; or Ph.D in relevant social science or
related field and 6 years of related work experience.
· A minimum of five
(5) years of operation management experience.
· Knowledgeable and
experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures,
specifically USAID.
· Demonstrated
managerial skills.
· Ability to build
consensus and demonstrated ability to develop high performing teams.
· Experience in
Malawi and in Early Grade Reading preferred.
· Strong leadership
skills across various levels of staff and locations.
· Strong ability to
work across technical and operational areas within business group and
corporate.
· Familiarity with
international development systems, policies, finances and management in
developing countries.
· Excellent
knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.
· Ability to
multi-task.
· Ability to work
well with others.
· Strong
communication, both oral and written, strong interpersonal skills, and the
ability to develop excellent relations with donor officials and key local
stakeholders.
· Strong
interpersonal skills and ability.
· Culturally
sensitive and respectful. ]~V
To Apply: Qualified candidates are
invited to apply at www.rti.org/job17307.
Candidates are
encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.
RTI is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.
