Chief of Party

The IRC began working in Mali in 2012 in response to the political crisis. The IRC has provided lifesaving assistance to over half a million displaced Malians displaced by conflict and facing severe food shortages. The crisis in Mali has also led to a collapse of basic public services such as health care and education.

To help the country recover, the IRC is focusing our efforts by providing emergency relief; supporting village savings and loan associations and income-generating activities, especially for women; providing clean drinking water, water treatment kits, water-point rehabilitation, and health care supplies; providing vital health care services and training community health workers; providing children and parents with psychosocial support to help them heal from trauma; and training teachers and reopening schools for children affected by conflict.

Scope of work

The IRC seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated five-year USAID community-based education activity in Mali. The project will improve early-grade reading and math skills of young learners (equivalent to grades 1-4) in the regions of Koulikoro, Sikasso, Segou, and Bamako District with a focus on improving the quality of instruction, boosting community demand, and broadening safe, equitable formal and non-formal education services. The end goal of the $25-$50M project is expanded access to educational pathways and improved reading and math outcomes, especially for girls and marginalized children.

The COP will be responsible for ensuring the proposed project is implemented in accordance with the terms of the USAID award (cooperative agreement), USAID regulations, principles of IRC, and internationally recognized quality of assistance standards. The COP will be the primary representational link with USAID staff. The position will be based in Bamako, Mali.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Job responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and technical direction for the project, ensuring completion of project deliverables.

• Responsible for the overall planning, implementation, administration, and financial management of the project, as well as the achievement of all impact goals and objectives.

• Coordinate with government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure activities complement ongoing initiatives and adhere to country and global standards.

• Serve as the primary liaison with the donor and Mali’s Ministry of National Education. Report to USAID through formal and informal debriefings, annual and semi-annual reports, etc.

• Represent the project and organization at regional, national, and international forums, including technical conferences and policy briefings, and share information about project achievements and lessons learned within the organization and wider development community.

• Oversee the development, review, and monitoring of yearly work plans and project strategy documents to ensure long- and short-term priorities are on track.

• Manage project staff and consortium partners to ensure proper reporting, financial management, and compliance.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing large, complex projects that work specifically to support out-of-school children and youth through high-quality formal and non-formal education.

• Minimum three years of senior project leadership experience on USAID activities; previous experience as COP of USAID-funded programs preferred.

• Master’s degree in education, international development, or related field is required.

• Significant previous experience working in conflict or crisis situations, preferably in West Africa and/or Mali.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to liaise with senior government officials, dignitaries, executives of NGOs, and senior members of the donor community.

• Demonstrated success incorporating innovation and participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming into implementation.

• Experience working to incorporate issues of government accountability, transparency, and equity in education programs, including gender, ethnicity, and disability inclusion.

• Demonstrated experience in policy dialogue and education reform working with government and civil society organizations.

• Capacity to work well under pressure, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is critical.

• The candidate must be fluent in English and French.

Professional standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation