Chief of Party (CoP) - Food for Education

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 Pakistan, Mercy Corps has been operational since 1986, initially responding to the Afghan refugee crisis and later expanding its focus to include health care, livelihoods, and education. The organization has implemented over $140 million in humanitarian and development programs, emphasizing public health, nutrition, and education, particularly for vulnerable populations such as Afghan refugees and girls.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party (CoP) will be responsible for the successful delivery of the five-year USDA McGovern-Dole Food for Education (FFE) program in Pakistan, which aims to reduce hunger and improve literacy and nutrition among school-age students, especially girls. The CoP will serve as the primary point of contact with USDA, providing leadership, management, and strategic vision for the program. This role involves supervising key program staff, ensuring accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor regulations, and managing consortium-related aspects of the program. The CoP will develop and implement the overall program strategy, engage with government and non-government stakeholders, and ensure that gender equity and social inclusion are integrated throughout the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party will lead the development of the program's vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Responsibilities include providing strategic leadership and oversight for program activities, managing technical and operational aspects, overseeing program start-up and administration, and ensuring timely implementation within budget. The CoP will also develop monitoring systems, integrate community approaches, and ensure adherence to Mercy Corps’ policies and standards. Additionally, the CoP will represent Mercy Corps in partnerships with donors, government entities, and other stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration. Team management, financial oversight, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management are also key responsibilities of this role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in program management, particularly in food security, nutrition, and education. Proven experience in leading large-scale programs, managing diverse teams, and engaging with stakeholders is essential. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and build partnerships. A deep understanding of the local context and challenges in Pakistan, particularly regarding education and nutrition, is crucial. Familiarity with USDA regulations and compliance is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as international development, public health, education, or a related discipline is required. Additional certifications or training in program management, food security, or nutrition would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing large-scale development programs. Experience working in Pakistan or similar contexts is preferred, along with a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead diverse teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Urdu or other local languages is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The contract duration is contingent upon securing donor funding and approval. The Chief of Party will report directly to the Mercy Corps Pakistan director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and will work closely with various teams, including finance, operations, and technical leads. The role involves significant travel within Pakistan to oversee program implementation and engage with stakeholders.