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 Senior Program Officer (SPO) for an anticipated good governance program in Mali. This is a full time position based in our headquarters in Arlington, VA. The SPO is expected to supervise and mentor a highly accomplished Program Officer in the Africa team. This position will report to the Regional Director.
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.
The successful candidate is expected to join Counterpart in late June or early July 2016. The position will provide comprehensive support and management to the field office to help meet program goals and objectives. The candidate will also provide leadership and support to the development of new business in Africa and other countries as appropriate.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Along with the Program Officer, serve as a primary interface with the Chief of Party (COP) and local staff to support the implementation of projects within budget, established time frames, standards of quality, and donor satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain productive working relationship with field staff, headquarters staff, implementing partners and consultants.
• Support, monitor and evaluate program performance through regular tracking of financial and programmatic reports, M&E data, communication with the field teams, and periodic travel to the country.
o Monitor program finances and monthly pipelines, and provide guidance to field teams concerning program expenditures, and 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 quarterly and final program reports.
o Conduct monitoring trips to the program site as needed.
• Support the development and implementation of annual work plans. Support the field team in establishing programmatic targets, collecting and maintaining the program monitoring records.
• Troubleshoot project problems, and identify and implement creative solutions where needed.
• 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 Grants and Contracts for signature;
o Review the grant tracker to ensure timely reporting on advanced disbursements;
• Engage in personnel decision-making: screen and interview candidates for key field personnel, HQ positions, and potential new staff for proposals.
• 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.
• Represent Counterpart at conferences, professional forums, workshops, events related to Africa programming, and/or technical practices relevant for current program portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.
RequirementsRequired:
• Minimum of a Bachelor Degree plus 7 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.
- 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.
EmoticonEmoticon