Job Vacancy @ International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Chief of Party (COP)

IRC is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID-funded 5-year project in Sierra Leone to improve public health outcomes, the Strengthening Integrated Health Services Activity (SIHSA). The COP will be responsible for ensuring that the proposed project is implemented in accordance with the terms of the USAID award (awarding mechanism to be determined), USAID regulations, and internationally recognized quality of assistance standards. The COP will work closely with IRC country program, regional, and HQ leadership to ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with IRC policies and principles.

In addition, the COP will be the primary representational link with USAID staff for the Activity and will liaise with the Mission to provide project updates, discuss strategies, obstacles, performance plans, and progress against targets. The COP will liaise with USAID agreement/contracting officers, technical support staff, partner organizations, outside contractors, and implementers of other USAID-funded initiatives as required. The COP will represent the project to all key stakeholders, government officials, and donors at coordination fora and other related meetings and will ensure that project initiatives achieve the expected results.

The position will be based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval. The project is anticipated to begin in February 2023.

• Provide strategic and administrative leadership and direction, define and implement activities to achieve the greatest impact toward project goals and objectives.

• Oversee technical direction and project delivery to ensure activities are in line with the performance framework and meet all standard operational policies and procedures.

• Oversee development, review, and monitoring of yearly work plans, project strategy documents, implementation measures, knowledge management, and sustainability efforts to ensure long- and short-term impact goals are achieved.

• Manage consortium partnerships and maintain collaborative partner relations, ensuring that all partners are aware of the project’s expectations and are actively involved in achieving the objectives while using the project management tools developed or adapted for the consortium.

• Support the Deputy COP (DCOP) in managing partners and providing financial and operations support that optimizes resources through sound budgets, consistent financial tracking, and timely submission of reports to the donor.

• Report to USAID through both formal and informal debriefings, annual and semi-annual reports, ensuring timely submission of high-quality content.

• Maintain active and cooperative relationships with all key stakeholders, including government officials, project partners, other implementing agencies, and related institutions.

• Represent the project and the organization in national, regional, and international fora, including technical conferences and policy briefings, and share information about project achievements and lessons learned within the organization and wider development community.

• Support project staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility.

• Advanced degree (PhD or masters degree) from an accredited university in public health, global health, international development, or related field; equivalent experience may be substituted for graduate degree.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in similar public health intervention activities, and experience managing complex international donor-funded development activities in challenging environments; previous experience as COP or DCOP of comparable USAID-funded programs.

• Experience working in the West Africa and/or Sierra Leone on health programming, including health system strengthening, health financing, improving quality of and access to care, and sexual and reproductive health.

• Proven experience in administrative and financial management for large projects and significant knowledge of USAID compliance, rules and regulations

• Good understanding of the Sierra Leone national health policies.

• Proven experience in developing and maintaining strong and effective partnerships.

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders.

• Substantial experience managing diverse sub-grantees/sub-contractors, including INGO, NGO, local FBO and private sector actors.

• Demonstrated innovation and success in staff capacity-building and in participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming and implementation.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

• Fluency in English required; proficiency in local languages desirable.

Local candidates in Sierra Leone strongly encouraged to apply!

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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