Deputy Chief of Party Operations

Overview

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.

Position Summary:

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will support the Chief of Party (COP) in remote project management, particularly in the seamless management of all operational aspects of project implementation including communications, finances, office administration, human resources, security, procurement, local subcontractors, and grants in compliance with Creative and USG policies and procedures. It is expected also the DCOP will assist the COP with overseeing the strategy and activity implementation of one or more components to meet the objectives of the program.

Reporting & Supervision:

Reporting directly to the COP, the DCOP will support the COP in the remote management of program operations, communications, and provide technical leadership and oversight, as needed. S/he will directly supervise the grants and procurement team, finance team and will collaborate with technical oversight of STTA as needed. While not directly responsible for overseeing activity development, the DCOP 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.

Expected Outcomes:

• Seamless management of all operational aspects of project implementation including finances, office administration, communications, human resources, security, procurement, local subcontractors, and grants (if required) in compliance with Creative and USG policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the COP, ensure that the program is delivered according to the contractual requirement with the donor and Creative policies i.e. that all activities and deliverables are completed within the agreed timescale and budget, reports are submitted as per agreed schedules and any other requirements or criteria are fulfilled;
• Collaborate with the COP in the process to design and regularly update detailed annual work plans and ensure these are used by the team appropriately to monitor progress towards completion and achievement of program objectives;
• Ensure that programmatic and financial reports for the donor and Creative are prepared as required, ensuring these are of the highest quality and submitted in a timely manner;
• Be fully aware of the grant compliance regulations of Creative Associates as well as the donor;
• Assist with the preparation and revision of a realistic budget, authorizing and monitoring expenditure in line with the budget, donor guidelines and Creative’s grant management and financial regulations;
• Manage and motivate direct reports to achieve their work plan objectives, and to contribute to the achievement of the overall program goals;
• Ensure streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations;
• Provide administrative and logistical oversight to the portfolio of programs;
• Ensure an in-depth awareness of operational issues in the context of target country and regions;
• Streamline and maintain procurement processes to meet grant deliverables and milestones;
• Manage and oversees staff responsible for arranging travel and logistics for staff and project equipment and inventory;
• Provide timely and accurate reports on location of staff and assets and maintains proper hard and soft copy files for each. Reports may be requested by HQ or donor;
• Responsible for program compliance with Task Order, USG rules and regulations, and Creative policies and procedures;
• Support COP in all operations tasks and duties;
• Manage, trains, and mentors key team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, procurement, budgeting and finance; and
• Respond to requests from donor and supervisors as needed. Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• At least a Masters’ degree in business, economics, development or other relevant field (or, alternately, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5 additional years of relevant experience);
• At least 5-8 years of relevant work experience, including experience with a contractor or international NGO managing an office or program;
• Prior relevant experience with USAID or any other donors-funded projects is required;
• At least 5 years of experience in senior management, operations and/or finance role on large scale projects, including a significant grants component;

• Experience managing projects and/or an office with culturally diverse teams and working with counterparts from other cultures;

• Experience in regional or remote management preferred; and

• Excellent oral and written English required.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

• Technical expertise in Positive Youth Development (PYD), community development and engagement, civic engagement, youth engagement, gender and inclusion, youth livelihoods development, and/or workforce development; and
• Project Management Standard (PMP, PM4R, Agile, or other) experience or certification will be viewed as an asset.

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran.

PI138895054

Apply Here