Chief of Party - Nigeria Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) at Palladium Group

Ref.: req7938
Duration: 5 years (anticipated start in September 2020)

Background

• The objective of the SCALE Activity is to support civil society organizations (CSOs) and business membership organizations (BMOs) across all of USAID/Nigeria’s programmatic sectors with a basket of managerial, business strengthening, and advocacy capacity-building interventions aimed at advancing Nigerian CSO sustainability combined with targeted grants to advance mutually agreed upon priorities
• The activity is designed to enhance local civil society organizations’ ability to be positive and responsible change agents in Nigeria.

Purpose of Position 

• The Chief of Party is the senior leader position serving as the primary point of contact with USAID and with overall responsibility for meeting program objectives, oversight of operations, direction, and delivery of technical assistance. This position is contingent on funding.

Role and Responsibilities

• Provide technical vision and lead strategic development and support of programming in collaboration with USAID and key stakeholders;
• Develop and implement a plan of activities to meet program objectives with USAID and team;
• Serve as Palladium’s primary liaison with donor(s), and other partners including civil society, government, and other related programs and projects;
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with development partners such as government institutions, private sector, civil society, media, etc.;
• Communicate and implement an integrated vision among different components and actors
• Enable identification, sharing, and application of international best practices and lessons learned;
• Build local partners and local staff capacities; 
• Ensure quality control and overall responsiveness of TA provided under SCALE;
• Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate adjustments
• Comply with USAID and Palladium reporting requirements on program impact and implementation;
• Manage and mentor project staff or key stakeholders;
• Oversee financial and administrative management of the program in close coordination with home office;
• Manage effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of program activities.

Position Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs, Public Administration, Policy, Social Sciences, Law, Development Studies or related field;
• At least ten (10) years of progressive relevant international development programming experience – at least five (5) years of which must be in senior program management, experience in managing and leading civil society or similar donor programs in developing countries, preferably in Africa;
• At least three (3) years of experience working in Nigeria
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience building capacity in CSOs and similar organizations
• Demonstrated capability to lead/supervise a diverse team with different development partners, donors, CSOs and host country government counterparts. 
• Strong technical expertise in advocacy/accountability/research/media campaigns and program development.
• Experience working in gender, vulnerable populations (including children) and/or human rights desired
• Prior experience in a senior leadership role for a USAID funded program highly desired
• Fluency in English.