Overall Description:
Save the Children Federation, working with its sub-recipient World Vision International (WVI), is implementing the Livelihoods, Agriculture and Health Interventions in Action (LAHIA) project, a five-year, $29M integrated USAID funded Title II food security program in Niger concentrating efforts in the Maradi Department. The priority components of the program include reducing chronic malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women and children under five years of age with a focus on children under two as well as increasing local availability and access to nutritious food by diversifying agricultural productivity, rural households’ income and increasing resilience to shocks. Gender and environment are themes that run throughout all program interventions. Critical components also include coordination with other stakeholders and donor funded food security and resilience programming as well as identifying and capturing learning opportunities.
Based in Maradi, the LAHIA Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) provides overall technical leadership for the non-emergency Title II food security program at the country level, including managing the response to food and nutrition related emergencies which may occur in the target area, or as requested/instructed by Food for Peace. The Deputy Chief of Party is accountable for the quality and timeliness of programming. This senior staff member will work closely with a team of agricultural, income generation, MCHN, WASH, disaster prevention and/or risk reduction specialists implementing activities that will be integrated within communities to improve synergistic effects and provide greater impact. The Deputy Chief of Party will also serve as a field liaison with district host government representatives, donors, partner agencies and local institutions and communities. S/he will be expected to play a pivotal role in the development of future funding proposals.
Key Functions:
Program Implementation
- In collaboration with the COP, ensure that the program is on schedule and meeting deliverables according to the agreements with the donor and government.
- Design and regularly update detailed annual work plans and ensure these are used by the team appropriately to monitor progress towards completion and achievement of program objectives
- Work with program staff and Save the Children Technical Advisors based in the Niamey and US Offices to identify the technical support needs of the program and ensure this support is provided.
- Ensure integration across program components to maximize results and identify cost savings; ensure strategies reflect cross-sectoral needs, including but not limited to, the collaboration between health and nutrition and commodity management.
- Work closely with the National MEAL Advisor and LAHIA MEAL Coordinator to develop appropriate monitoring and evaluation plans. Ensure that targets are being met, that reporting is based on auditable results, and that M&E information is being used for program management and learning.
- In collaboration with the COP, contribute to the timely fulfillment of all project programmatic reporting requirements.
- Attend and actively participate in periodic program meetings and ensure a summary of progress and challenges are prepared and presented with follow-up actions as required.
Personnel and Administration
- Supervise staff as determined by the Chief of Party but which may include SO Program Manager, MEAL Advisor, Gender Coordinator and Environmental Coordinator. Ensure that there are updated job descriptions for each position, conduct annual performance evaluations, identify staff skills development needs and assist the CD to meet these needs, provide management support to staff as needed, maintain office policy of respect and communication between supervisors and subordinates.
- Ensure that all food security staff are aware of and understand SC policies and procedures; take appropriate disciplinary measures as needed.
- Working with the Operations Manager, support the timely recruitment, orientation, and training of new staff as needed. Assess training needs to further develop the skills of project staff, local organizations and government.
- Ensure all administrative procedures are followed, such as those regarding vehicle use and procurement; ensure logistics/administrative staff provide sufficient and timely support to programs and partners.
- Ensure coordination with Operations Manager on use of resources, compliance and other issues to ensure technical approaches are in line with available resources as well as donor and organization regulations and policies.
Representation and Leadership
- Working with the COP, ensure regular, transparent, equitable and timely communications with partners.
- Maintain good working relationships with local officials and local NGO community, among community leadership structures and community-based organizations, and with visiting donor teams and other key contacts. Keep abreast of NGO, government, and donor initiatives relevant to SC’s work.
- Maintain focus on SC program principles.
- Encourage teamwork, openness, and honesty among project staff and between SC and its partners.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the COP.
Qualifications:
- Masters degree in international development, agriculture or related field
- 7-10 years progressively advanced management experience in field based food security and emergency programming.
- Experience in managing large field programs with multiple local and international partners, with expertise in scaling up programs in complex environments, including demonstrated skills in strategic planning, management, and budgeting
- Familiarity with USAID regulations and policies; familiarity with Title II preferred.
- Demonstrated skills in leadership and supervision, with an ability to develop a common vision among partners and lead and be a member of multi-disciplinary teams
- Proven ability in promoting and collaborating closely with multi-level stakeholders
- Creative problem solving skills with the ability to work effectively in resource constrained environment
- Strong analytical skills and excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations
- French language skills required
HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply directly at the Save the Children website here:https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SAVETHECHI...
