DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE PARTY PROGRAM, NIGER – Niger

CARE is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) program for the upcoming USAID-funded Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) in Niger. This activity aims to improve and sustain food and nutrition security of vulnerable populations by addressing the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition. The activity will work at the individual, household, community, and institutional levels to address the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition and strengthen transformative opportunities. It is designed to strengthen the resilience of populations vulnerable to acute, chronic hunger and malnutrition; recurrent shocks, stresses, and crises; and to reduce the need for ongoing or future emergency food assistance.

The DCOP Programme will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP) and DCOP Operations to ensure quality, efficiency, integrity and learning throughout the project lifecycle. The DCOP Programme will provide strategic oversight and technical guidance, address implementation challenges and support the integration of cross-sectoral activities that reflect the Programme’s Theory of Change, Logical Framework, Monitoring and Evaluation and relevant Work Plans. This includes continuously monitoring programme activities against objectives, ensuring efficiency in project staffing and defining and using standard operating procedures. In collaboration with the COP and DCOP Operations, the DCOP will be accountable for the successful execution of the project as defined in the Programme Work Statement.

This activity is expected to be a five-year program with a budget of $50-100 million.

This is a Key Personnel position, subject to approval by USAID. It is also subject to project award and funding. National and international candidates are encouraged to apply. This position will be based in Niamey.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the COP and DCOP Operations to provide overall leadership and technical direction to the project. Serve as acting COP in their absence.
• Provide technical leadership in the design, implementation and monitoring of food security and livelihoods interventions, in accordance with project objectives and USAID guidelines.
• Provide technical expertise in food safety, nutrition and livelihoods and ensure that project activities comply with industry best practices and standards.
• Oversee budget planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure project activities are executed within approved budgets.
• Promote gender equality and social inclusion when designing and implementing programme activities.
• Work closely with the M&E team to establish and implement a comprehensive M&E framework, overseeing the collection, analysis and reporting of data on performance indicators to track project progress and inform adaptive management.
• Contribute to the development of innovative approaches, methodologies and tools to improve the impact and sustainability of projects.
• Build strong relationships with implementing partners, local communities, government partners and the private sector to foster collaboration and synergy.
• Prepare and submit to USAID timely and accurate reports highlighting project achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Ensure that project activities comply with USAID, host country, and CARE policies and procedures.
• Guide and supervise project staff and promote a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Lead the capacity building of project staff, partners and beneficiaries and ensure the transfer of technical knowledge and skills.
• Lead the periodic evaluation and revision of the project’s Theory of Change, working closely with other key personnel and technical staff.
• Ensure that all activities are conducted in a manner that maximizes return on investment for participants and donors.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in development studies, international relations, agriculture, economics, project management, business administration, economic development or a related field.
• 8-10 years of relevant senior experience in international development as deputy leader or in a senior management role on large humanitarian or development projects of $50 million or $10 million per year.
• Experience in managing USAID cooperation agreements and/or contracts.
• Experience working in Niger or the Sahel region is an advantage.
• Certification in project management (e.g. PD Pro) desired
• Technical experience and in-depth knowledge of one or more of the following sectors: food security, agricultural resilience, rural development and sustainable livelihoods
• Experience in recruiting, developing and managing staff and teams.
• Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining relationships with host governments, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations and partners.
• Fluent command of French and English required (spoken and written).
• Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrable intercultural, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to PSHEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment and Abuse).
• Demonstrable commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion (DEBI).
• Extensive experience in overseeing M&E systems for USAID projects, including Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) principles and approaches.
• Ability to travel and work within Niger as required.