Chief of Party

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Position Title: Chief of Party
Location: Islamabad
Country: Pakistan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates in over 40 countries, driven by the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1986, Mercy Corps began its operations in Pakistan in response to the Afghan refugee crisis. Over the years, the organization has evolved to support not only Afghan refugees but also local communities, focusing on increasing access to quality healthcare, livelihoods, and education. Mercy Corps has implemented over $140 million in humanitarian and development programs in Pakistan, primarily in public health, including maternal, neonatal, and child health, malaria control, and emergency health interventions. The organization collaborates closely with the national Ministry of Health and various provincial Departments of Health, ensuring that all programs are designed and implemented in partnership with local stakeholders. Since 2007, Mercy Corps has been a Principal Recipient of Global Fund grants for tuberculosis, highlighting its commitment to addressing critical health issues in the region.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party (CoP) will be responsible for the successful delivery of the anticipated USD 50-100 million USAID-funded Flagship TB program in Pakistan. This role requires strong leadership, management, and strategic vision to ensure that the program meets its targets and deliverables on time and within budget. The CoP will serve as the primary point of contact with USAID and will supervise key program staff, ensuring accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor regulations. The CoP will also manage consortium-related aspects of the program, ensuring effective collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, partners, and other implementers. The position demands a proactive approach to developing and implementing program strategies that align with national health agendas while promoting gender equity and social inclusion throughout the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party will lead the development of the overall program strategy and design, ensuring that actions and resources are prioritized to achieve program objectives. Responsibilities include supervising program staff, overseeing program management and administration, ensuring compliance with donor regulations, and maintaining effective communication among program partners and stakeholders. The CoP will also be responsible for developing partnership frameworks, integrating community approaches, and ensuring that all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy and Do No Harm principles. Additionally, the CoP will manage the overall program budget, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. The role requires the CoP to document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices, represent Mercy Corps at coordination meetings, and promote a work environment of mutual respect and accountability among team members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Public Health or a related field, with an MBBS or MD preferred. A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in implementing public health programs, including at least 5 years in a senior management position, is required. Experience managing tuberculosis programs is a significant advantage. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in strategic visioning, leadership, and team management, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence stakeholders effectively. Knowledge of donor compliance issues, particularly with USAID, is essential, as is a commitment to obtaining internationally recognized qualifications in project or program management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Public Health or a related field, with a preference for candidates holding an MBBS or MD. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of public health program management and implementation, particularly in the context of tuberculosis and other health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in public health program implementation, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. Candidates with previous experience as Chief of Party or Team Lead for large donor-funded development programs in Pakistan will be preferred. Demonstrated experience in managing tuberculosis programs will be considered a significant asset, as will a strong understanding of the local health landscape and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written and oral communication skills, including report writing. Proficiency in local languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves significant leadership responsibilities, including supervisory roles over program staff such as the Deputy Chief of Party and Technical Experts. The Chief of Party will report directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and will work closely with various teams, including finance and operations, to ensure the successful implementation of the program. The role may involve travel within Pakistan and requires a commitment to organizational learning and accountability to beneficiaries.