🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ DAI – 4 Positions

DAI is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Deputy Chief of Party
2.) Director of Finance and Operations
3.) Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor
4.) Chief of Party

Organization and Values

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more liveable world.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.




DAI is currently seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) / Senior Technical Advisor for an anticipated five-year USAID-funded Strengthening Integrated Health Services Activity (SIHSA) in Sierra Leone. The Deputy Chief of Party/ Senior Technical Advisor will work closely with and report to the COP to provide technical oversight for the activity. The DCOP will directly oversee the three result components of the activity. In the absence of the COP, s/he is expected to be the direct link with the AOR. This position will be located in Freetown, Sierra Leone but could travel extensively among the provinces and is contingent upon donor approval and funding.

SIHSA’s Objectives Are

The Sierra Leone Strengthening Integrated Health Services Activity (SIHSA) aims to contribute to the Government of Sierra Leone’s overarching goal of improving the health of adolescents, pregnant and postpartum women, and children under five years old.

• Improve the quality of family planning; maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health; and malaria services sustainably.
• Promote the adoption of crucial health behaviors.
• Strengthening the stewardship and governance of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (at central- and district- levels) so that is better prepared to plan, budget, allocate resources, and monitor health programs.

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Deputy Chief of Party

Key Roles And Responsibilities

• In coordination with the COP and working collaboratively with the team, provide technical leadership for the activity’s results and cross-cutting elements.
• Supervise technical leadership for the three results components and cross-cutting elements of the activity. Manage long- and short-term technical assistance (STTA), including the development of their scopes of work (SOWs) and ensuring the final reports are accurate, well-written, and meet expectations.
• Lead development of the activity’s annual work plans, annual and quarterly reports, and other requests that may come from USAID or DAI, reviewing all aspects of the program and progress towards delivering program outputs and outcomes. Ensure submission of quality timely deliverables.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance for overall program planning, technical and operational approaches (including adaptive management), monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and feedback loops required for program delivery and success.
• Provide overall coordination of the capacity strengthening of public and private sector institutions at the national and provincial levels to strengthen and expand access to and utilization of quality FP/MNCH services across the public and private sectors.
• Build and strengthen relationships between and among DAI, USAID, other donors, policy makers, key program stakeholders, technical and implementing partners, national and local FP/MNCH networks disseminating accomplishments and key lessons learned.
• Manage all key risks related to the program, including compliance with USAID rules and regulations and DAI policies.
• Keep the COP regularly informed on all activity matters, and assist the COP in meeting various technical, governmental, DAI, and USAID deliverables as requested.
• With COP, technical team, and M&E team, communicate the activity’s successes, best practices, and lessons learned.
• Ensure all actions and interventions adhere to USAID and DAI technical guidance and align with global best practices, including the training of staff as required.
• In the absence of the COP, represent the program with USAID, Government of Sierra Leone, donors, partners, and other key stakeholders supporting similar interventions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in successfully advising on the management of FP/MNCH programs in developing countries. Prior experience as Deputy COP or Senior Technical Advisor is ideal.
• Proven track record of building teams and fostering collaboration in order to achieve goals, meet milestones, and produce high quality written qualitative, quantitative, and narrative deliverables.
• Demonstrated effective personnel management, coordination, and decision-making skills, with an ability to be accountable for all aspects of the activity.
• Experience in successfully establishing and managing collaborative relationships and partnerships with government counterparts at national and provincial levels, other implementers, donors, and other stakeholders, including the private sector.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills to fulfill the diverse technical managerial requirements of the program description.
• Strong working familiarity with USAID regulations and policies.
• Experience in Sierra Leone preferred.
• Ability to travel (as COVID-19 situation allows).

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.

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2.) Director of Finance and Operations

Key Roles And Responsibilities

Program Management

• Design and implement program management systems, policies, and tools for effective and efficient operations for activity implementation.
• Coordinate with technical leadership and manage program operations to ensure an integrated vision and successful achievement of program objectives.
• Identify risks related to program implementation and suggest appropriate program adjustments.
• Work with local partners and grantees to build capacity and ensure they are successfully achieving their SOWs.
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of IT systems.
• Manage the annual performance assessment and staff talent development process.
• Support the COP to produce high quality deliverables and meet client reporting deadlines.
• Identify short term operational consulting requirements and draft SOWs as needed.
• Serve as principal liaison with DAI home office project management team and security focal point.
• Coordinate closely with program staff and Provincial Coordinators to ensure technical activities are implemented in accordance with finance and procurement protocols, as well as that financial transactions and banking systems are coordinated.

Procurement Management

• Establish systems and policies for local procurement to promote expediency, accountability, and transparency while minimizing risk.
• Manage and oversee procurement efforts for the program including selection and negotiation with vendors, and management of subcontractors on the activity in compliance with USAID and procurement regulations.
• Ensure that procurement is at all times conducted in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI policies and documented clearly and accurately.

Financial Management

• Create and maintain financial reporting and tracking systems, provide financial performance updates on activities. Guide the administrative team on annual work planning, and ensure submission of quality operational plans, budgets, and reports.
• Maintain, regularly update, and ensure that the budget and audit projections, expenditure, tracking and reporting are in accordance with DAI and USAID requirements, procedures, and practices for compliance and audits.
• Contribute to project pipeline analysis, providing input into the quarterly review process and budget realignments.
• Provide oversight for grants management and sub-agreements in accordance with USAID and DAI policies and regulations, ensuring grantees achieve agreed outcomes in support of the activity objectives.
• Direct and monitor the management of cash and other assets to ensure integrity and efficiency in the use of financial resources.
• Ensure compliance with USAID, local laws, and DAI policies and regulations at all times.
• Establish and implement a sound internal control system to ensure all the reliable, timely and accurate financial data.
• Conduct regular internal audit of financial transactions, make recommendations and implement follow up actions.
• Supervise finance, operations, and administrative personnel to ensure efficient and effective management of the program, ensuring alignment with DAI’s Diversity, Equity, Engagement, and Inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting.
• At least six years’ experience managing finances for large donor-funded NGO programs.
• Knowledge of USAID policies and business practices and with direct experience managing the finances and administration of a USAID-funded project is preferred.
• Experience in Sierra Leone is highly preferred.
• Excellent financial management skills and knowledge of latest project management tools and computer applications such as Microsoft Office and Quickbooks.
• Extensive experience with project financial management, including financial controls, accounting, and audit, as well as reporting on accruals, pipeline, and expense validation and reimbursement to service providers.
• Demonstrated effective personnel management, including staff based across multiple locations.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver under tight deadlines on a continual basis.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.

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3.) Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor

Key Roles And Responsibilities

• Develop MEL systems and plan in consultation with the Chief of Party (COP) and technical leads, ensuring compliance with activity needs and USAID requirements.
• Create and implement data collection tools, surveys, and guides to ensure accurate and compliant data collection.
• Develop and oversee quality assurance processes for project deliverables.
• Continually monitor MEL capacity gaps and advise on strategies to address them.
• Review the progress of the M&E framework to ensure effective implementation of the activity.
• Update the annual AMELP, including theory of change, performance monitoring, indicators for each result with baseline and targets, and tools for collecting feedback from key stakeholders and program participants to improve implementation.
• Work with the COP, technical team, and M&E team to periodically review performance data in the context of the activity work plan and integrate recommendations to ensure adaptive management and assure that the activity is advancing in its metrics for the sustainability of successful interventions introduced with program support.
• Supervise and mentor M&E officers, including remote, field-based staff, to meet program needs and deliverables.
• Serve as a central point for data requests during review missions (e.g. baselines, assessments, annual reviews).
• Responsible for monthly, quarterly, annual, and final progress reporting.
• With the support of the Chief of Party, guide collaboration, learning, and adaptation and ensure the project continually uses evidence-based learning to inform implementation and adaptation. Facilitate regular external learning forums and knowledge sharing through multiple channels.
• Lead the design and implementation of baseline, mid-term, and end-line assessments and coordinate effectively with USAID identified evaluators as needed.
• Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to gather and analyze data from partner activity reporting and program participants, providing mentorship as needed and ensuring compliance with ethical research and personal identifiable information guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party.

Qualifications

• At least a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation of large-scale development programs.
• Prior experience in a senior M&E position, preferably for a USAID- or other donor-funded health program; experience managing multisectoral health programs preferred.
• Prior experience managing a rigorous M&E system, including a strong focus on gender, is necessary.
• Knowledge of data collection protocols to ensure accurate data collection and verification is essential, as well as an ability to identify data trends and communicate this information to allow for changes in program implementation.
• Familiarity with USAID ADS 201 including reporting requirements and systems.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills to manage project communications and disseminate project information are required.
• Prior experience leading and building the capacity of M&E officers, including remote, field-based staff, to meet program needs and deliverables is desired.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistical analysis, and data analysis software.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.

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4.) Chief of Party

The COP will be responsible for providing strategy, technical leadership and overall management direction for the program. This position will be responsible for project inputs, program strategy, external representation and coordination with project counterparts, USAID, the Government of Sierra Leone, and other donors within the sector, and other programs as necessary. The COP is ultimately responsible for compliance with the agreement results and the oversight of program activities which will meet the stated objectives of the program. The COP will have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments and manage diverse and substantial teams to deliver impact.

• Lead the accurate and quality implementation of the program and its agreed workplans, ensuring the program is flexible, responsive, innovative and adaptive to change.
• Work closely with the team to provide technical direction, review all aspects of the program and progress towards delivering program outputs and outcomes, as well as financial (monitoring and forecasting), risk, and USAID satisfaction.
• In coordination with the team, develop effective relationships with key stakeholders including Government of Sierra Leone officials at the national and provincial levels.
• Lead overall program planning, putting in place team structures, technical and operational approaches, infrastructure, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and feedback loops required for program delivery and success and submission of quality timely deliverables. Oversee the timely submission of all agreed deliverables to USAID.
• Manage, lead, and oversee all long- and short-term staff, and partners in achieving program results, ensuring alignment with DAI’s Diversity, Equity, Engagement, and Inclusive culture.
• Provide overall coordination of the capacity strengthening of public and private sector institutions at the national and provincial levels to strengthen and expand access to and utilization of quality FP/MNCH services across the public and private sectors.
• Build and strengthen relationships between and among DAI, USAID, other donors, policy makers, key program stakeholders, technical and implementing partners, national and local FP/MNCH networks disseminating accomplishments and key lessons learned.
• Ensure that efficient systems to support all aspects of the program (including sub-grant management, financial, capacity building, performance monitoring and reporting) are in place and support the effective use of project resources in compliance with USAID rules and regulations and DAI policies.
• Identify and effectively manage all key risks related to the program, including compliance with USAID rules and regulations, local laws, and DAI policies.
• Represent the project with USAID, Government of Sierra Leone, donors, partners, and other key stakeholders supporting similar interventions.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in managing progressively complex health programs. Prior experience as COP or Deputy COP is ideal.
• Experience implementing complex and multi-faceted projects is required, with demonstrated skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Proven strategic vision, leadership qualities, depth and breadth of technical expertise and experience to fulfil the diverse technical managerial requirements of the program description.
• Prior experience delivering large-scale family planning (FP) and maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services) and/or health systems strengthening (HSS) projects of similar or related nature, size, and complexity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral presentation skills to fulfil the diverse technical managerial requirements of the program description.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills and a proven track record of interacting with other projects, high-level host country governments and international agencies.
• Proven track record of working effectively with government counterparts at various levels, preferably, within the context of Sierra Leone.
• Demonstrated effective personnel management, including large interdisciplinary teams, coordination, creativity and willingness to innovate, and decision-making skills along with an ability to troubleshoot.
• Strong working familiarity with USAID regulations and policies.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.

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