Deputy Chief of Party, Technical

Overview:

Chemonics International seeks a Deputy Chief of Party Technical 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 young men 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 improving purchasing powers, developing self-sufficiency, and improving inclusion in the modern economic marketplace. This will be done through introducing relevant technologies, partnering with the private sector and seeking out solutions that engage young vulnerable men and women. 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 Technical Deputy Chief of Party will support the Chief of Party in attaining project goals and objectives by providing technical advice and direction and for supporting the COP to ensure successful performance of the technical assistance team. They will oversee day-to-day planning, design, and operations of project and technical teams to ensure effective project implementation. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities:

• Provide overall program, managerial, and technical support to the COP, oversees technical staff.
• Coordinate the technical team and subcontracts for fully and accurate implementation of the activities to achieve the Program results and objectives while complying with USAID rules and regulations.
• Ensure that all assistance provided is technically sound and appropriate to meet activity objectives.
• Build partnerships with key stakeholders, including local implementing partners, government officials, and USAID.
• Oversee annual work planning, performance management, and strategic communications. Ensure successful collaboration between project technical staff that design strategy and achieve activity-wide goals and objectives.
• Ensure that lessons learned from project implementation are across components and are fed into quarterly reports, annual reports, and the annual work plan.
• Review and comment on draft reports and deliverables prepared by technical staff. Seek buy-in and negotiate agreements with Beninese counterparts needed to implement Program objectives.
• Manage technical oversight of Program partners in their technical activities.

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, conflict resolution, peace building or other 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 implementing USAID projects, and with a Contractor or international NGO managing an office or program.
• 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, and implementation.
• Experience working in or supporting programs in the West Africa region, preferred.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French
• Position likely based in Cotonou, with significant regular travel to Northern Benin expected