Chief of Party- Rwanda

Save the Children is seeking Chief of Party (COP) candidates for several upcoming opportunities to lead and manage all aspects of education and health/nutrition programming within Rwanda. This senior leadership position will provide overall strategic direction in the design, management, implementation and overall quality assurance of the project. The COP will be Save the Children’s primary point of contact with USAID and all relevant stakeholders. This position will collaborate with the local government and other critical partners to provide high-level support for effective capacity building at the local level and sustainability of the project interventions. The COP will oversee a team of experts and support staff, prepare reports and annual operating plans, align project initiatives with in-country priorities and ensure the program is compliant with USAID and Save the Children’s regulations.

This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

The COP is responsible for developing a strong, coherent vision and initiating innovative strategies across the program activities. They will act as the key liaison between the donor and all other counterparts, including government officials. The COP will lead and/or participate in strategic and high-level policy forums and meetings with various actors and advocate for broader technical issues. The COP will also ensure adherence to overall technical and programmatic quality in implementation and the timely submission of all deliverables to the donor.

• Develop strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, and overall management of the program in line with USAID guidelines to achieve project objectives;
• Ensure high quality technical leadership and oversight is in place for the program;
• Lead the team to provide proper coordination and guidance among local government, country-wide initiatives, community partners, NGOs and other key stakeholders;
• Support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools and efficient systems to ensure high quality implementation;
• Establish compliance with USG regulations, procedures and Save the Children guidelines;
• Represent Save the Children with partners and key stakeholders, maintain positive relationships with USAID, local ministries, and the country office team;
• Establish effective communication and coordination with personnel from the government in order to implement interventions and incorporate country-wide priorities;
• Actively participate as a member of the Country Extended Senior Management Team (ESMT), contributing to country strategic plans;
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where the project team strives to achieve excellence;
• Incorporate SC’s vision and values and full adherence to Code of Conduct principles;
• Closely monitor security dynamics in the project areas and report to the Country Director on significant changes in the security context.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in international development, nutrition programs, youth, education or related field required
• Minimum of eight years of progressively international work experience in managing and implementing USG programs in Eastern Africa
• Proven senior management experience in nutrition, education, gender mainstreaming and working in a multi-cultural environment. Previous COP experience preferred
• Proven ability in understanding, creating and implementing solutions in order to achieve measurable results within development projects
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, mentoring, motivating and supervision over multi-cultural teams within a dynamic setting
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with the private sector, local NGOs and government officials
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations
• Solid oral and written communication and interpersonal skills in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as Chief of Party or Deputy COP
• Knowledge of local language preferred.

What’s In It for You

• Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
• A family friendly work environment
• Highly collaborative and innovative teams
• Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
• Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance

• Retirement savings account with matching company contributions

• Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers

• Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities and with the American Management Association, as well as language learning opportunities

Qualified local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for the children it serves and helping protect the children with whom Save the Children is in contact. All Save the Children representatives are explicitly prohibited from engaging in any activity that may result in any kind of child abuse. In addition, it is Save the Children’s policy to create and proactively maintain an environment that aims to prevent and deter any actions and omissions, whether deliberate or inadvertent, that place children at the risk of any kind of child abuse. All our representatives are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this commitment and obligation. Any violations of this policy will be treated as a serious issue.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Save the Children complies with all applicable laws.