Counterpart International helps people build better lives and more durable futures, community by community. We equip individuals, organizations and communities-our counterparts- to become solution creators in their own families, communities, regions and countries. We work with them in some of the world’s most challenging places to tackle social, economic, environmental, health and governance issues that threaten their lives and undermine their futures.
For more information on Counterpart, please visit our website at www.Counterpart.org
SUMMARY:
Counterpart International is currently seeking a Program Officer (PO) for the Africa portfolio. This is a full-time position based in Arlington, Virginia, that will include the provision of technical and administrative support to Counterpart programs. The PO reports to the Senior Program Manager for Africa at HQ. The Program Officer provides HQ oversight support and management to Counterpart’s projects in Malawi, Burkina Faso and Niger. In consultation with the Senior Program Manager for Africa and Regional Director for Africa, the PO will provide technical and operational guidance to field leadership as well as support for program implementation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• In coordination with the rest of the Africa team provide overall quality assurance to the program portfolio, including aspects of both technical and operational quality.
• Under SPM leadership and oversight support development and implementation of the annual work plans. Support the field team in, collecting and maintaining the program monitoring records, and under SPM leadership and guidance support drafting and/or editing program and financial reports. Provide operational guidance to field leadership such as advice on USG policies and Counterpart procedures.
• Under SPM leadership maintain knowledge of issues facing relevant country offices including the operational environment and potential risks associated with the implementation of awards, such as activity contingency planning in unstable environments.
• Under SPM leadership and oversight support monitor program performance against Annual Work Plans and Budget Projections through regular tracking and analysis of financial, programmatic reports, M&E data, regular communication with the field teams, and periodic travel to country:
o Support the SPM in Monitoring program finances and monthly pipelines, and provide guidance to field teams concerning program expenditures and budget projections while working closely with HQ accountants and field finance managers;
o Support the SPM in reviewing and evaluating program work plans, program performance and evaluation plans and ensuring their timely implementation;
o Conduct quarterly or as needed monitoring trips to the program site.
• Monitor the grant making and management cycle:
o Review sub-recipient grant packages for quality control in format and content before they are processed by Compliance, Grants and Contracts for signature;
o Review the grant tracker to ensure timely reporting on advanced disbursements;
o Ensure updates to Counterpart’s KM Portal through working with the M&E HQ and field teams and assisting with the review of the PMEP;
o Ensure the cost share requirement is met and booked appropriately.
• Provide support to Africa team; manage headquarters recruited consultants and manage daily correspondence
• Support coordination of program implementation activities with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Participate in recruitment of potential candidates for field and HQ positions.
• Support SPM in compiling, distributing and integrating program best practices, lessons learned, success stories and impacts in other programs and across the organization; liaise with Communications team for program outreach and business development purposes.
• Represent Counterpart at conferences, professional forums, workshops, events related to Africa programming,
• Help plan, facilitate, and report on meetings and events associated with the portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.
RequirementsRequired
• Bachelor’s Degree, plus a minimum of five years relevant experience is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work and educational experience including at least two years of experience managing or backstopping USAID-funded programs
• Previous work experience on projects focusing on democracy and governance programming, civil society programs, advocacy and political process, organizational capacity building preferable but not required.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility and integrity.
• Ability to perform well, producing high quality deliverables throughout project cycle from planning, management, and execution to troubleshooting.
• Experience in project start-ups, close-downs, budget monitoring and realignment.
• Sound and demonstrated project management experience, including budget and financial management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with M&E and program planning, implementation and reporting.
• Strong internet and computer software skills, including MS Office Suite program, and web-based research tools.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural and multi-lingual settings.
• Strong and demonstrated inter-personal and negotiation skills, sound judgment, ability to manage diverse teams.
• Proven multi-tasking skills and attention to detail under time-pressure and on short-deadlines required.
• Ability to travel internationally, often under conditions of hardship, required.
Preferred:
Advanced degree in international development or related field is preferred but not required.
• Fluency in French preferred.
Flexibility and adaptability to rapidly changing environments would be an asset.
• Prior experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or on African project(s) is preferred.
Please apply online at www.Counterpart.org. No calls or emails please.
Counterpart International is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of Counterpart International to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
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