Chief of Party (COP)

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Position Title: Chief of Party (COP)
Location: Mogadishu
Country: Somalia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting global poverty and providing lifesaving assistance in emergencies. Established in 1945, CARE operates in over 100 countries, with a mission to empower women and girls and ensure that they have equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. With a workforce of thousands of employees worldwide, CARE focuses on long-term development programs, emergency response, and advocacy to influence policy changes that benefit marginalized communities.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party (COP) for the USAID/Somalia Accelerated Education Activity will play a pivotal role in transforming education for marginalized children and youth in Somalia. This position is designed for an experienced leader who is passionate about improving educational access and outcomes in fragile contexts. The COP will oversee the implementation of a program aimed at increasing access to quality accelerated basic education and non-formal education for out-of-school children and youth. The role involves strategic leadership, technical oversight, and operational management, ensuring that the program meets its objectives and delivers impactful results. The COP will work closely with USAID, the Somali government, and various stakeholders to foster community engagement and build government capacity to deliver quality education services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As the Chief of Party, the individual will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and technical oversight for the USAID/Somalia Accelerated Education Activity. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the successful implementation of the program, ensuring timely delivery of quality results.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including USAID, Somali government ministries, and local partners, to maximize program impact.
• Managing a consortium of partners, ensuring effective collaboration and decision-making.
• Overseeing program staff and ensuring compliance with CARE and USAID regulations.
• Monitoring financial management and program expenses to align with work plans and budgets.
• Developing and implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation plan to measure program progress and outcomes.
• Championing gender equality, social inclusion, and child protection throughout the program's design and implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience in development or humanitarian leadership roles, or a Master’s degree with 10+ years in similar positions. Additionally, a minimum of 5+ years of experience in Chief of Party or equivalent roles is required, with a strong background in foundational education, youth development, and gender programming. Proven experience working in Somalia or similar fragile environments is essential, along with expertise in engaging with host-country governments and civil society.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as education, international development, or social sciences, along with extensive experience in leadership roles. A Master’s degree is preferred and may substitute for some years of experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5+ years of experience in a Chief of Party role or equivalent, with a strong emphasis on foundational education, youth development, and gender programming. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing large-scale, complex programs, particularly in challenging contexts like Somalia.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication with international stakeholders and reporting. Proficiency in Somali is highly preferred, as it will facilitate engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact education initiative in Somalia, a context that is both challenging and rewarding. The role is full-time and involves significant collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and civil society organizations. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and aligned with CARE's organizational standards.