Chief of Party at RTI International

Position Description

RTI is seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated follow-on to the USAID-funded Kenya Tusome Early Grade Reading Activity. RTI has been implementing this project since 2014, reaching all public schools nationwide to improve learning outcomes for children in grades 1-3. The anticipated follow-on activity will likely continue and expand EGR support to schools, strengthen education system capacity, and address other needs in the community. The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution ensuring all project deliverables are accomplished within budget and in compliance. The COP will build and maintain strong and favorable client, partner, community, home office and team relations. They will provide technical assistance and coordination with the government and technical partners. The position will be based in Kenya and recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and final USAID approval.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination of program activities among a diverse group of stakeholders and beneficiaries including the Ministry of Education, Teachers’ Service Commission, various parastatals, county level officers, civil society, and other activity partners.
• Manage project activities: 1) through the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) by creating/maintaining an effective management team; and 3) through effective monitoring and evaluation and the use of collaboration, learning, and adapting principles
• Manage technical and administrative personnel, as well as subcontractors and grantees in the implementation of a large, complex activity to improve student learning outcomes.
• Initiate and drive coordination with other education activities implemented by other education stakeholders, such as USAID-funded partners, GPE, UNICEF, African Development Bank, and the World Bank.
• Ensure that all activities conform to the terms and conditions of project requirements, including cost, schedule and quality parameters.
• Serve as primary liaison to USAID/Kenya and the Ministry of Education on management and strategic issues to maximize impact at scale, minimize costs, and maximize efficiency and sustainability in achieving project requirements.
• Represent RTI, USAID and the project with key beneficiaries and stakeholders in public and international forums.
• Provide overarching leadership and direction across all technical and functional areas including technical implementation, monitoring and evaluation, finance, operations, reporting, communications, and human resources.
• Manage and control funds and other resources for the project and associated sub-contracts and grants under contract as required.
• Prepare status reports, budget information and other documentation as needed.
• Develop and implement practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.
• Remain in close contact with the home office, providing regular presentations and updates about the project’s progress.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors’ degree in education, international development, or other relevant field and 15 years of experience, or Master’s and 12 years of experience, or PhD and 8 years of experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex international donor-funded development activities. This experience should have direct oversight and accountability for project deliverables and should include experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of international development contracting policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to travel and work throughout Kenya.

Desired Qualifications

• Preferred experience in similar international education intervention activities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Preferred 5 years of experience managing project deliverables for international education programs, including experience working with Ministries of Education, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders that work in education programming.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of capacity development and professional development is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of USAID policies and procedures
• Oral and written communication skills in Kiswahili preferred.