We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Chief of Party, Technical Lead for an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity in Rwanda entitled the Schools and Systems Activity: LEARN. This position will be based in Rwanda – in Kigali or field offices in the project’s target states – and is contingent upon award.
Project Description:
The anticipated Rwanda Schools and Systems Activity: LEARN will strengthen the education system to enable all pre-primary and lower primary school and classroom environments to be of high quality, inclusive, and focused on learning of foundational reading skills. Specifically, the anticipated five-year activity will improve learning outcomes by focusing on increasing Kinyarwanda literacy skills of boys and girls through primary 3 (P3) through four intermediate results: (1) Pre-primary education system enhanced to develop, promote and improve emergent literacy, (2) Lower primary reading classroom instruction improved, (3) School environments improved for increased lower primary reading outcomes, and (4) Education systems management strengthened for improved literacy outcomes. The Schools and Systems Activity will include a focus on learning for children with disabilities to ensure project approaches reach all children.
Position Description
The Deputy Chief of Party, Technical Lead, works in close coordination with the Chief of Party and is responsible for managing the quality and timeliness of the project’s overall technical workstream. S/he will supervise the technical team, liaise with technical partners, relevant national stakeholders, beneficiaries and the funder, as needed.
Job Summary/Responsibilities
- Coordinate closely with the Chief of Party (COP) on all technical matters;
- Provide technical expertise and leadership for the design and implementation of the technical program areas and daily oversight of project activities;
- Provide guidance and supervision to technical staff and ensure clear roles and responsibilities and maintain clear lines of communication with project team members;
- Collaborate with in-country technical advisors and headquarter-based technical staff to ensure the project is implemented according to organization and industry best practices, program framework, and regulations;
- Oversee technical outputs of all partner organizations through regular field visits and facilitate work planning and regular technical meetings for all consortium partners;
- Provide support to the overall leadership and management of the project, ensuring strategic program direction, managed growth, and compliance with organizational policies and procedures and donor regulations;
- Oversee project monitoring and evaluation activities in collaboration with the relevant team lead;
- Promote sustainability of project activities with effective networking, coordination and linkages to other programs, partners and counterparts, capacity building of project staff, and institutional strengthening of implementing partners and community-based organizations;
- Contribute to timely and accurate donor reporting;
- Supervise the recruitment, hiring, and management of technical staff and consultants;
- Support performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support;
- Represent the project in technical meetings, conferences, and coordination platforms;
- Serve as the primary technical program representative in the absence/temporary leave of the COP.
- Ensure compliance with the US Government and Government of Rwanda rules, regulations and policies regarding contracts and grants, procurements, financial management, etc.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree (preferred) in education, social sciences, or related field;
- Minimum of 9 years of progressively responsible technical management experience in support of large-scale international development programs;
- Experience with USAID-funded projects preferred;
- Proven leadership in implementation of similar-sized international donor education-related technical assistance projects, preferably in Rwanda or the region;
- Effective strategic planning, program evaluation, and project management skills;
- Strong consultative and negotiation skills;
- Ability to build positive working relationships with local communities, government officials, and donor representatives;
- Ability to analyze and establish effective and supportive cross-program coordination, organizational procedures, and management systems;
- Must have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines;
- Experience in the education sector in Rwanda or the region strongly preferred.
- Fluency in English required; fluency in French preferred.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
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