Chief of Party

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, focusing on disaster response, community development, and humanitarian aid. With a mission to help people triumph over adversity, Mercy Corps has been active in Pakistan since 1986, initially responding to the Afghan refugee crisis. Over the years, the organization has implemented over $140 million in humanitarian and development programs, emphasizing public health, education, and community resilience.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party (CoP) will be responsible for the successful delivery of the USDA McGovern-Dole Food for Education program in Pakistan, which has a budget of USD 20 million. This five-year program aims to reduce hunger and improve literacy and nutrition among school-age students, particularly girls. The CoP will serve as the primary liaison with USDA, providing leadership, management, and strategic vision for the program. The role involves supervising program staff, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps policies and donor regulations, and managing consortium-related aspects of the program. The CoP will also develop and implement the program strategy, engage with stakeholders, and ensure that gender equity and social inclusion are integrated into all program activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the development of the program's vision and strategy, prioritizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Providing strategic leadership and oversight for program activities in collaboration with stakeholders, including government officials and partner organizations.
• Ensuring effective program management, including adherence to timelines, budgets, and monitoring systems.
• Developing partnerships and managing relationships with consortium partners, donors, and local governments.
• Supervising program staff, fostering a collaborative work environment, and promoting accountability.
• Ensuring compliance with donor regulations and Mercy Corps policies.
• Integrating community approaches and gender sensitivity into program activities.
• Overseeing financial management and ensuring transparent use of resources.
• Promoting safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security for all team members and ensuring that programs are designed with security considerations in mind.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as education or public health. A minimum of 15 years of senior leadership experience in similar projects is required, with preference given to those who have previously held positions such as Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party on large donor-funded programs in Pakistan. Strong skills in strategic visioning, leadership, and team inspiration are essential. Technical expertise in school meals programming, education, child nutrition, and food security is preferred. Candidates should also have experience in commodities management and a proven track record of working with government and community actors. Effective personnel management, coordination, and decision-making skills are necessary, along with a strong understanding of US government compliance issues.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as education, public health, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Chief of Party has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively lead the program and address the complex challenges associated with food security, nutrition, and education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of senior leadership experience in managing large-scale development programs, particularly those funded by donors such as USDA. Previous experience in Pakistan is highly desirable, especially in roles that involve managing teams across multiple locations and engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities and community organizations. The candidate should have a proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex projects effectively.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan, with potential travel to other locations, including areas with limited amenities and security challenges. The role requires up to 40% travel to support country programs. Housing for this position is provided, and staff will have access to good medical services. Mercy Corps promotes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.