Chief of Party

The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with a presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.

The IRC began working in Somalia in the early 1980s, initially to assist people seeking refuge in the aftermath of the Somalia-Ethiopian conflict. The focus of IRC Somalia programming is on Health, Nutrition, Economic Resilience, Recovery and Development, Governance, WASH, Women’s Protection and Empowerment interventions to crisis affected communities in most of the targeted locations. With headquarters in Mogadishu, the IRC oversees field offices in Dhusamareb, Gaalkayo and Garowe in Puntland, Galmudug and Benadir Region. IRC programming in Somalia adopts an integrated approach, in which each sector provides mutually reinforcing services to at-risk populations.

Objective

The IRC seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated five-year, multi-million-dollar USAID People Centered Governance Activity to promote more effective and legitimate local governance that offers a credible alternative to Al-Shabaab rule in southern Somalia. The project seeks to: 1) Enhance legitimacy of the Somali state by supporting districts to prevent and manage conflict impartially and promote greater participation of citizens in decision-making, particularly among women, youth and historically marginalized communities, and 2) Improve the performance- or effectiveness – of the Somali state by supporting districts to mobilize and manage resources and identify and respond to citizen priorities.

The COP is responsible for ensuring the compliant implementation of the proposed project in accordance with USAID award’s terms (cooperative agreement), USAID regulations, IRC rules and guiding principles, and internationally recognized quality of assistance standards. The COP is the primary representational link with USAID staff.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the overall leadership, planning, implementation, administration, and financial management of the project, as well as the achievement of all impact goals and objectives.

• Oversee the 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 project staff and consortium partners to ensure proper implementation, reporting, financial management, and compliance.

• Oversee the development, review, and monitoring of the implementation of yearly work plans and project strategy documents to ensure long- and short-term priorities are on track.

• Report to USAID through formal and informal debriefings, annual and semi-annual reports, etc.

• Serve as the primary liaison with USAID, the Somalia Government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure activities complement ongoing initiatives.

• Represent the project and organization in regional, national, 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.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in management of large-scale and complex projects with a focus on , peacebuilding, local governance and community participation initiatives.

• Minimum three years of senior leadership experience at INGOs, international contractors, international organizations or other relevant organizations. Significant previous experience working in protracted crisis and development contexts, preferably in Eastern Africa and/or Somalia.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders, including CSOs.

• Demonstrated ability to liaise with senior government officials, dignitaries, executives of NGOs, and senior members of the donor community.

• Experience working to incorporate issues of government accountability, transparency, and equity in protection and health/education programs, including gender, ethnicity, and disability inclusion.

• Demonstrated experience in policy dialogue and reform working with government and civil society organizations; knowledge of protection related policy frameworks in Somalia is desirable.

• Capacity to work well under pressure, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is critical.

• The candidate must be fluent in English..

• Master’s degree in international development, public administration, social sciences, law, governance, or related field is required.

Please note that the JD is high level and indicative only at this stage and may be subject to change once the Terms of Reference for the programme is released and as the opportunity develops. This position will be contingent on the outcome of the bid.

Safety & Security Situation

All staff must comply with all IRC Somalia security policies and procedures.

Standards for Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, 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.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

How to apply

https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/36725?c=rescue