About IREX:
IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, works in more than 100 countries worldwide with offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 600.
Summary of Position:
IREX seeks qualified Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) candidates to support the USAID-funded Promoting Positive Information (PRO-INFO) Activity. This five-year activity aims to address issues related to information disorders leading to the erosion of democratic values in Sri Lanka, with possible extension to Maldives. This would be achieved through the free flow of credible and accurate information from diverse media actors and sources while proactively countering information disorders by equipping citizens with the tools to consume media content and news critically and responsibly. Based in Colombo, the DCOP will support the Chief of Party in the management of the program and provide high-quality technical inputs to achieve program objectives.
Only citizens of Sri Lanka or permanent residents with work authorization will be considered.
This position is contingent on funding.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership to and general oversight of the program’s operations and administrative staff
- Monitor budget and provide required reporting in close coordination with IREX/DC
- Provide leadership in financial reporting, audit reviews, and assessment processes
- Ensure that all operations are in compliance with IREX, USAID, and Sri Lankan regulations
- In coordination with IREX HQ and the Chief of Party, establish and ensure implementation operational policies and procedures for the program.
- Provide direction, guidance, training and coaching to operations staff to ensure procedures are aligned with best practices as well as IREX and USAID rules and regulations
- Review and approve grant agreements and/or subcontracts.
- Work with the COP, key project staff, and local partners to develop and implement strategies and activities with media, media-related commissions and agencies, and organizations that support public and independent media, freedom of expression, and access to information
- Provide technical support, training and mentoring to local partners.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key government officials, other donors and implementers, civil society partners, program beneficiaries and media and information stakeholders.
- Ensure project activities are implemented on schedule and are on track.
- Help draft project deliverables such as work plans, proposals, and reports for USAID.
- Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities.
- Manage effective communication and coordination within MEND and with IREX’s home-office team.
- Supervise staff, oversee hiring and termination of field office staff.
- Oversee on-boarding and training of inexperienced staff.
- Other administrative and programmatic duties, as needed, and other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications:
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Sri Lankan citizenship or residency with work authorization is required.
- Master’s degree in a related field such as international development, journalism, etc.
- At least eight (8) years of progressive experience, including management experience, in international development, with experience working in Sri Lanka and/or the region strongly preferred.
- Experience working on international donor-funded development projects, with experience with the US government (USAID) and on media development projects strongly preferred
- Strong familiarity with the Sri Lankan and/or Southeast Asian media sectors.
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience providing direct supervision of program, administrative, human resources, or finance staff, as well as direct supervision of professional and support staff responsible for complex programs in developing countries
- Demonstrated ability to successfully manage and mentor staff in a multi-cultural setting
- Excellent oral, written, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to productively interact with a wide range and levels of organizations (government, private sector, NGOs, implementing partners and other donors)
- Professional fluency in English in both written and oral communication. Ability to speak Sinhala and/or Tamil is preferred.