Overview
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 conflict and post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, D.C., the firm currently has field presence in over 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 Associates International (Creative) is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID-funded Bridge to Middle School Project in Morocco. Based in Rabat, the project will support the Ministry of Education (MOE) in improving students' ability to master keys skills in the upper primary and middle school grades (junior secondary). The project will: a) improve the ability of teachers to teach critical thinking, literacy, math, and science skills in upper primary grades; b) support the MOE's ability to provide high quality literacy and instruction in Arabic and English in middle school; and c) support the MOE's ability to provide high quality science, technology, and math in middle school.
Project Duration: 5 years
Position Start Date: Anticipated March 2022
Position Summary: The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the project and will be the senior in-country project representative with overall responsibility for supervising project staff and managing relations with USAID, partners, and sub-contractors, both international and local. The COP will oversee and ensure timely project implementation, monitoring of activities, and management of project staff and subsidiaries. The COP has ultimate responsibility for project financial accountability and reporting to USAID and Creative's home office.
Reporting & Supervision: The position reports to the Project Director in Washington, D.C.
Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee project implementation to improve critical skills at upper primary grades and middle school (Arabic and English literacy skills, critical thinking skills, science, technology and math) through enhanced instructional programs and assessment, and improved learning delivery systems
- Provide overall strategic leadership to collaborate and coordinate with the Moroccan Ministry of Education (MOE), USAID/Morocco and other donor-funded activities in Morocco
- Provide overall technical, administrative, and financial oversight of the contract, including program planning, budgeting, and MEL
- Oversee the development and submission of project workplans, quarterly and annual reports, and other program materials and coordinate program activities across Morocco
- Manage in-country staff to ensure that the project is achieving all deliverables on time and with quality
- Ensure that technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to USAID and Creative's policies and procedures
- Ensure the appropriate implementation of accounting, personnel, IT, and operating procedures are consistent with Creative's policies as well as tailored to meet local needs
- Serve as the legal representative for the project and the local Creative office to oversee and ensure compliance with local laws and fiscal laws and regulations.
- Work in partnership with the Project Director in the Home Office. Engage in frequent, routine communication so that the Project Director is aware of both progress and potential issues, and solicit assistance and input as needed to ensure that performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements
- Recruit, hire, and manage staff and consultants as needed to carry out activities
- Manage subcontractors, both international and local, to ensure that their performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements
Responsible for maintaining and nurturing Creative's relationship with USAID and for successfully managing the project's relationship with local governments/ministries and other stakeholders
Oversee creation and implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities
Support implementation of Creative's security protocols and provide leadership in handling security-related issues.
Maintain a working knowledge of project financials, working with and supporting the project's financial personnel to ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place and being followed
Represent the project in local, national, and international meetings and events as appropriate**Qualifications**
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- A minimum of 15 years of experience working with USAID-funded educational programs, five of which have been spent as a COP, Deputy Chief of Party, or their equivalents
- Demonstrable management experience on US government projects, including U.S. government (USG) policy, procedures, and reporting requirements
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in overseeing project start-up
- Experience hiring and supervising personnel and ensuring they acquire the necessary training and skills to meet evolving program needs
- Strong leadership, program, organizational management and communication skills with prior experience in managing 10 staff or more
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, and ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders
- Advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) is required. Preference for a degree in an education-related field or experience equivalent
- Previous experience working in Morocco, North Africa and/or the Middle East and fluency in local languages (Arabic and/or French) is required
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
- Moroccan nationals and residents are highly encouraged to apply
- Fluency in English is highly preferred.
- Prior work in educational programs with experience in literacy is a strong asset
PI141351901
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