SUMMARY: The goal of the program is to strengthen public accountability in Mali by increasing citizens’ role in the governance process. Increasing the ability of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Mali to engage citizens (including those who have been traditionally marginalized), represent their interests, and provide oversight of governance processes, will improve citizen oversight and engagement in governance. In support of the goal, the program will focus on three objectives: (1) strengthen mechanisms of bottom-up accountability; (2) strengthen CSO partnerships with government and private sector to develop public policy and advance issues of common interest; (3) strengthen citizen’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities, and feelings of empowerment to engage with government.
This is a full-time position based in Arlington, Virginia, that will include the provision of technical support to Counterpart programs with governance and political transition components. The PM reports to the Regional Director for Africa at the HQ. The Program Manager (PM) provides HQ oversight support and management to Counterpart’s PCEEP and PRG programs. The PM will serve as an integral member of the HQ Senior program leadership team and will have line management responsibility for mid to junior level program staff. In consultation with the Regional Director for Africa and VP of Programs, the PM will provide strategic, technical and operational guidance to field leadership as well as broad managerial support for program implementation. S/he will also provide leadership and support to the development of new business in Africa and other countries as appropriate.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• In coordination with the rest of the Africa team members, provide overall HQ program leadership, strategic planning, management and quality assurance.
• Support development and implementation of the annual work plans. Support the field team in establishing programmatic targets, collecting and maintaining the program monitoring records, and writing program and financial reports.
• Provide strategic, technical and operational guidance to field leadership in governance, political transition, increasing political participation of marginalized groups, civic engagement, grant making, civil society organization and capacity building, youth development, and other technical support as needed.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance through regular tracking and analysis of financial, programmatic reports, M&E data, regular communication with the field teams, and periodic travel to country:
o Monitor program finances and monthly pipelines, and provide guidance to field teams concerning program expenditures, budget projections working closely with HQ accountants and field finance managers.
o Review and evaluate program work plans, program performance and evaluation plans; ensure their timely implementation;
o Review and evaluate biweekly, quarterly and final program reports.
o Conduct quarterly or as needed monitoring trips to the program site.
• Identify best practices and lessons learned, and based on that learning, develop suggested amendments/revisions to Counterpart’s methodologies as appropriate.
• Monitor the grant making and management cycle:
o Ensure that RFAs are strategically designed to contribute to the overall programmatic goal;
o Review sub-recipient grant packages for quality control 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 the cost share requirement is met and booked appropriately.
• Provide leadership to the headquarters team; manage headquarters recruited consultants; manage daily correspondence and oversight of international implementing partners.
• Engage in personnel decision-making: screen and interview candidates for key field personnel, HQ positions, and potential new staff for proposals.
• Support coordination of program implementation activities with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Identify and recommend relationships with strategic stakeholders, corporate, non-profit or governmental partners and donors, and with the Director, support negotiations to achieve program excellence.
• Support the expansion and diversification of Counterpart’s Africa portfolio by:
o Identifying opportunities for growth of the portfolio;
o Cultivating and leveraging strategic donor relationships;
o Promoting the organization’s ability to meet existing donor and beneficiary needs.
• Maintain knowledge of issues facing relevant country offices including the operational environment and potential risks associated with the implementation of awards.
• Participate in the proposal review and development of budget process.
• Represent Counterpart at conferences, professional forums, workshops, events related to Africa programming, and/or technical practices relevant for current program portfolio.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
• Minimum of a Bachelor Degree plus 10 years of relevant work and educational experience, including at least two years of experience managing or backstopping USAID-funded programs, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Sound and demonstrated project management experience, including budget and financial management, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal government regulations (FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB)
• Ability to produce high quality deliverables throughout the project cycle from planning, management, and execution to troubleshooting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with M&E and program planning, implementation and reporting.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office Suite program, and web-based research tools.
• Strong and demonstrated inter-personal skills, sound judgment, ability to work with diverse teams.
• Proven multi-tasking skills and attention to detail under time-pressure and on short-deadlines.
• Ability to travel internationally, often under conditions of hardship.
• Fluency in English and French
Preferred:
• An advanced degree in international development or related field.
• Prior experience working in Africa or on African project(s).
• Demonstrated understanding of political processes, governance and civic participation.
• Candidates from the Region with the current authorization to work in the USA are highly encouraged to apply.
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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