Creative Associates International
Overview
Background
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democraticinstitutions,and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative hasa 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.
Program Description
In close coordination with USAID, the Central America Regional Initiative (CARI) program will contribute to US government efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, including increasing community and institutional resilience.
Reporting & Supervision:
The Regional Director reports to the CARI Sr. Project Director and coordinates with CARI Chiefs of Party (COPs) on program and operational priorities. They provide oversight to the Regional Security Manager and the Regional Communications and Reporting Officer.
Expected Outcomes:
- Works with CARI COPs to identify bottlenecks in areas of program and operations in each CARI country and develop solutions jointly with USAID/OTI
- Advise CARI COPs to incorporate programmatic and operational lessons learned to apply to other CARI countries and inform program strategy
- Develop a regional strategy for country activities and programming in coordination with CARI COPs
- Analyze and report on regional contexts to inform activity planning and best practices
Position Summary
Creative is seeking a Regional Director for the Central America Regional Initiative (CARI) program to support US government efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Regional Director will be based in Central America or the US and will be responsible for the regional technical leadership and management of regional activities and staff. They will oversee regional staff and short-term experts in achieving project results. The Regional Director ensures compliance with all terms of the project contract and all relevant rules and regulations. The Regional Director will coordinate with CARI COPs and engage representatives from regional organizations, and other implementing partners as appropriate.
Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:
Project Coordination
- Serves as the primary point of contact for the USAID/OTI Regional Advisor
- Supports USG regional efforts as directed by the USAID/OTI Regional Advisor;
- Deploys to CARI countries to support field programs in areas of programs and operations.
- Coordinates with Chief of Parties and Operations Managers to troubleshoot and develop solutions jointly with USAID/OTI.
- Contributes to the development and implementation of program Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (MEL) and ensures that project results are met
- Coordinates with the Chiefs of Party and Operations Managers to ensure that program implementation is in accordance with USAID regulations and procedures and the specifications determined in the SOW. This will include monitoring grantee relationships , ensuring that all procurement processes are perceived as transparent by beneficiary communities, assuring fair and transparent procurement processes, review of financial management, and monitoring grant implementation.
- Coordinates support provided by STTA at regional and home office level, including consultants and Creative’s Center for Migration and the Development Lab;
- Supervises the CARI Regional Communications & Reporting Officer, and Regional Security Manager;
- Coordinates with Home Office-based Finance, Procurement, Grants and Communications staff, providing direct support to CARI regional efforts;
- Supervises development and submission of regional project deliverables and provides timely and accurate reporting and briefings to Donor/Stakeholders on all regional program areas;
- Coordinating with the Contractor Home Office on all compliance issues, seeking legal and policy guidance on sanctions and other applicable restrictions.
- While not directly responsible for overseeing activity development, the Regional Director will be expected to have a good grasp of the programmatic aspects of the program and be prepared to step in as needed to support the COP and other program staff in activity development aspects of the project while staying apprised of the evolution of the local political, legal, and economic situation and on how to continuously adapt the program.
- The Regional Director may be required to serve as acting Chief of Party or Operations Manager when needed
Activity Support
- Coordinates with USAID/OTI Regional Advisor to develop regional program strategy and activities;
- Liaises with COPs to support the development of activities, including yellow lights, green lights, implementation, close-out and learning in coordination with the Sr. Knowledge Management Managers (SKMM);
- Reviews CARI activities and conducts research to inform learning in coordination with the SKMMs, as needed;
- Coordinates with COPs and SKMMs to develop feedback loops that inform activities, CARI learning and knowledge management strategy among the three countries.
- Works closely with the USAID/OTI Regional Advisor to develop regional contextual analysis to inform activity development;
- Serves on the SMT and advises COPs, supporting idea and activity development;
- Provides technical direction, leadership, and oversight of all regional technical and administrative matters;
- Ensures technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to Creative’s policies and procedures and consistent with donor regulations;
- Oversees implementation of project regional monitoring and evaluation activities and ensures that project results are met;
Qualifications
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field is required; Master’s degree is preferred;
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant experience working in international development, including knowledge in the Contractor’s and USAID’s rules, regulations and policies in regard to human resources, financial management, financial reporting, and procurement processes, systems, and grants management;
- Experience in security-governance and experience with a Contractor or international NGO with demonstrated supervisory experience;
- Experience working in Central America, particularly in one or more of the following the countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala;
- Experience working in migration policy, climate change, crime and violence, gender inequality, and/or development and with a diverse population;
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge establishing systems and overseeing start-up under limited time constraints as well as program close-out;
- Financial management experience, including budgeting, financial management (tracking, reporting, and accounting), and procurement;
- Experience with activity design, development, and implementation, preferably in short-term and fast-paced programs;
- Strong management and leadership skills, including the ability to mentor staff;
- Past representational experience with host governments, regional organizations including bi-laterals and other donors, and civil society and demonstrated success with inter-agency coordination and joint programming;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Strong analytical capacity; and
- Excellent oral and written English and Spanish (F5 for both languages).
Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. #LI-NB1
Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
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