Chief of Party

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Chief of Party
Location: Bamako
Country: Mali
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. In Mali, Mercy Corps has been active since 2012, focusing on supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women, men, and youth, to address issues such as food insecurity and conflict-induced challenges. The organization aims to integrate humanitarian, development, and conflict prevention programming to foster sustainable improvements in stability and development in conflict-affected areas of Mali.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party (CoP) will manage and lead the anticipated five-year USAID/Mali Local Governance program, which aims to strengthen government service delivery institutions to be efficient, inclusive, and responsive to citizens. The CoP will provide overall leadership, management, and strategic vision for the program, ensuring that it meets its targets and deliverables on time and within budget. This role involves supervising all program staff, ensuring accountability to Mercy Corps policies, and representing the program to stakeholders, including USAID and government entities. The CoP will also play a crucial role in developing a vision and strategy for the program, identifying new initiatives, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party will be responsible for providing overall technical and administrative leadership, managing program implementation, and ensuring that all assistance provided is technically sound. Key responsibilities include leading the development of detailed implementation plans, overseeing program start-up and management, ensuring responsiveness to community needs, developing equitable partnership frameworks, and integrating community approaches into all activities. The CoP will also manage the program's consortium, develop team capacity, oversee learning and M&E efforts, ensure compliance with donor regulations, and represent Mercy Corps at various events. Additionally, the CoP will work closely with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security teams to promote the safety of all team members and ensure that programs are designed with a clear understanding of security.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development, or a relevant field. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required, including at least 7 years in a senior management position. Prior experience as a Chief of Party is highly beneficial. Candidates should have proven expertise in civic engagement, good governance, youth development, civil society strengthening, and/or peacebuilding. Experience leading large, complex USAID-funded programs is essential, along with strong strategic visioning and leadership skills. Effective personnel management, coordination, and decision-making skills are also necessary, as well as a strong understanding of USAID compliance issues.

Educational Background:
The position requires an MA/S or equivalent degree in social science, management, international development, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage complex programs effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 7 years in a senior management role. Experience in leading large, complex programs, particularly those funded by USAID, is crucial. Previous roles as Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, or Program Director are preferred. The candidate should also have experience in managing consortium arrangements and a proven track record in strategic visioning and leadership.

Languages:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French are mandatory. The ability to communicate persuasively in both languages, including report writing, is essential for this role. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bamako, Mali, and is classified as unaccompanied. The role is eligible for individual housing and rest and recuperation (R&R) benefits. The Chief of Party will be required to travel approximately 30% of the time to field offices and areas that may lack basic services. Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance of professionalism and respect for local laws and customs, and team members are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.