Deputy Chief of Party- Operations

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Summary:

The USAID West Africa mission intends to fund a five-year Strengthen Resilience and Learning to Countering Violent Extremism in Cote d’Ivoire Northern Border Areas program in August 2020.

Position Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for an upcoming donor-funded project in Cote d’Ivoire. The DCOP’s location will be in Abidjan (possibly Korhogo); he/she will ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project. The position is responsible for day-to-day oversight and management of all Cote d’Ivoire operations staff in collaboration with technical backstops at the Headquarters level; and ensuring effective logistic management and implementation of a variety of operations and procurements in support of the project. The DCOP will have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments and manage diverse teams to deliver impact.

Reporting & Supervision:

The DCOP-Operations will report to the Chief of Party (COP). S/he will manage operations staff on the project.

Primary Responsibilities:

• As a member of senior project management, actively participate in all project work planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting processes;
• Manage the contractual implementation of program activities, to include oversight of procurement processes, development of service agreements, and milestone verification;
• Ensure project activities are implemented in accordance with established policies, procedures, and practices, in coordination with project and client staff;
• Manage all Cote d’Ivoire project operations staff, in collaboration with technical backstops at Creative HQ;
• Provide overarching activity-based operations and procurement support to all project components;
• As needed, support the revision and/or creation of new project standard operating procedures for implementation of activities;
• Review draft activity budgets to ensure that costs are reasonable and allowable;
• Provide direction to the other project teams on activity budgets, timelines and feasibility;
• Working in collaboration with the DCOP-Programs, ensure staff are effectively implementing administrative and financial procedures compliant with Creative and donor policies;
• Mentor, develop, train and lead Operations staff;
• Provide policy guidance and interpretation for both vendors and staff involved in vendor relations;
• Oversee the solicitation, award and management of subcontracts, purchase orders, and other procurements;
• Oversee the solicitation, award and outputs of sub-awards to partners in collaboration with the COP and DCOP-Programs;
• Identify potential and actual activity-based risks and take appropriate mitigation measures;
• Investigate, identify and implement new ways of achieving activity efficiencies; and
• Coordinate as necessary and in coordination with other members of the project management team, with other implementing partners operating in the same fields of operation.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• At least five (5) years of experience working on donor-funded projects in a related role and with demonstrated supervisory experience;
• Demonstrated experience managing diverse staff;
• Relevant work experience in Cote d’Ivoire;
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills with international donor policies and procedures relative to subawards and sub-contracts, financial management, procurement processes, and management systems; and
• Fluency in written and oral English and French.

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.