Chief of Party

Overview:

Chemonics International seeks a Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID-funded Benin Northern Economic Livelihood for Youth (NELY) Activity. The NELY activity specifically targets young people living in northern Benin, particularly those who are vulnerable for recruitment to violent extremist groups. This proposed activity will listen to young men and women and work with them to design locally specific interventions that target improved livelihood opportunities, purchasing power, developing self-sufficiency, and improving inclusion in the modern economic marketplace. This will be done through introducing relevant technologies, partnering with the private sector, providing business coaching, and activities to improve social cohesion. As a result of co-creation, young men and women will work together, develop interconnectedness, mutual interdependence, and stronger community resilience as well as have meaningful life experiences that invest them in the development of their communities.

The Chief of Party will oversee project implementation, providing overall leadership, management, and technical direction to achieve project objectives. The Chief of Party will also serve as the key liaison between USAID, Beninese governmental counterparts, civil society organizations, and other public and private sector stakeholders. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Chemonics International’s project team and serve as the primary point of contact with USAID regarding the day-to-day activity implementation and management matters relating to the agreement.
• Oversee technical implementation and ensure project activities are of high technical quality and delivered on time and on budget.
• Manage and supervise the work of experts/personnel provided under the agreement.
• Demonstrated capability to develop solid working relationships with a broad range of high-level host country governments, and international agencies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for information on the progress and status of all activities under the award.
• Ensure technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to Chemonics’s policies and procedures and consistent with donor regulations.
• Establish appropriate monitoring mechanisms to ensure that activity progress and specific implementation concerns are regularly and promptly reported and that project objectives are met.
• Facilitate ongoing project learning and adaptive management.
• Ensure that solid relationships are built and maintained between and among Chemonics and sub-awardee project staff, USAID, and key local stakeholders and partners.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience working with youth, social cohesion, economic policy, and/or peacebuilding in developing countries. At least five years of this experience shall include managing field operations.
• Degree in international development, economic development, business, conflict resolution, peace building or another relevant field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in stabilization, transitions, or post-conflict environments particularly with program and project management in these environments highly desired.
• Experience with job creation, economic development and/or vocational training highly desired
• Experience implementing/leading USAID projects, or other donor-funded projects with a contractor or international NGO
• Experience in the hiring and supervising of host country local personnel and ensuring, when need arises, that they secure necessary training required to meet program needs.
• Financial management experience, including budgeting; financial management (tracking, reporting, and accounting); and procurement.
• Experience with activity design, development, implementation and an understanding of CLA and MEL
• Experience working in or supporting programs in the West Africa region, preferred.
• Position likely based in Cotonou, with significant regular travel to Northern Benin expected
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French
• Beninese nationals encouraged to apply