Chief Of Party, Conflict Management And Peacebuilding Project , Nairobi, Kenya

Devex is assisting a leading humanitarian organization in its search for a Chief of Party for a USAID-funded Conflict Management (“PEACE III”) project in Horn of Africa.  The COP would be based in Nairobi, Kenya for a minimum of 2 years (up to 5 years).

This organization responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and provides assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. It is at work in 40 countries and 22 cities in the United States. It responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. It is currently preparing a proposal in response to a USAID Request for Applications (RFA) entitled “PEACE III”. The proposed project will aim to strengthen cross-border conflict management in the Horn of Africa by 1) improving responsiveness of regional and national institutions to cross-border conflict, and 2) strengthen local cross-border conflict management.

This position is contingent on the organization being awarded funding and is anticipated to begin around July 10, 2013.

Position Summary:

 The COP will provide overall leadership and oversight for the proposed project. He/she will be responsible for ensuring that the proposed project is implemented in accordance with the cooperative agreement, USAID regulations, and internationally recognized quality of assistance standards. The COP will be the primary representational link with USAID staff. The COP will work closely with the USAID/East Africa Mission to provide project updates and discuss strategies, obstacles, performance plans, and indicator success. In addition, the COP will liaise with government offices and inter-governmental bodies, USAID contracting officers, technical support staff, outside contractors, and implementers of other USAID-funded initiatives as required. The COP is the chief representative for the project with all key stakeholders, government officials, and donors at coordination fora and other related seminars and meetings. The COP will ensure that project initiatives adequately address the needs of the beneficiary population in the most cost-effective manner. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction, define and implement activities to achieve the greatest coverage and impact possible;
• Review, in coordination with key project staff, yearly work and performance plans to ensure that long-term and short-term priorities are on track;
• Manage the overall project by planning, monitoring, and evaluating project activities in accordance with the cooperative agreement; 
• Manage relations with partners;
• Work with all key staff to identify technical assistance needs and arrange for the provision of assistance;
• Oversee project management team, including direct reports, and evaluate project staff performance;
• Maintain an ongoing dialogue with USAID, including reporting to USAID through both formal and informal debriefings, as well as periodic reports;
• Maintain solid cooperation with partner organizations and government officials;
• Manage external relations by representing the project and the organization at public fora and ensuring the appropriate distribution of information about project achievements and lessons learned.

Education:

Advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent, or higher) in peace-building and conflict management, social sciences, international development, political science, or other related field;

Experience

• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience managing and implementing peace-building and conflict management projects with experience in the Horn of Africa strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage staff working in multiple locations affected by conflict;
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and partner with communities, government representatives, donors and other stakeholders;
• Demonstrated exemplary diplomatic, management, and interpersonal skills;
• Previous experience as COP of USAID-funded programs preferred;
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders;
• Demonstrated innovation and success in staff capacity-building and in participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming and implementation; 
• Strong track record in working in partnership with diverse organizational stakeholders, developing and implementing appropriate and targeted learning and capacity development activities in support of programmatic partnerships;
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written;

Language: 

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

To be considered for this position, please click “Apply Now” or send your CV and cover letter to jobs-2@devex.com. So that we may best assess your skills and experience in relation to this opportunity, please submit a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience for this position.