Chief of Party - Plan International - Pakistan

Plan Pakistan is looking to receive expressions of interest for a Chief of Party.  This position will be dependent on the necessary grant being secured and a start-date is yet to be confirmed. Plan has been operating in Pakistan since 1997 and has active programming in education, health, governance, livelihoods, and disaster risk management. The Sindh Community Mobilization Programme project will engage communities to consolidate, design, and build new schools, and to increase girls’ enrolment and improve the nutrition status of children. Serving as the key liaison with USAID, the COP is responsible and has authority and oversight for the entire programme, ensuring high quality implementation, achievement of project objectives, and donor and Plan compliance. The COP provides managerial and technical support throughout the implementation of the project, including management of key personnel and sub-grantees,  ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and ensuring achievement of project requirements. Dimensions of Role To ensure the delivery of programme quality including donor requirements and delivery of outcomes, either directly or through partners, in line with agreed strategy and operational plans. Leadership and direction of SBEP-CM team (approximately 20-25 staff from both programme and operations) Serves as principal liaison to USAID for the project Oversight of the full disbursement and correct use of the five-year budget of approximately US$20million Has a delegated authority to meet expenditure for the project. Responsibility for the full delivery and quality of the project. Oversight of the disbursement of all funds for activities as indicated in the contract and project plans and to ensure maximum programme quality. Responsibility for ensuring that grantees and sub-grantees meet donor (USAID) and programme requirements. Management and supervision of productive partnerships across the project consortium and sub-grantees. Reporting on and compliance with USAID rules and regulations. Adherence to Plan’s policy provisions and standards, including CCCD approach, Child Protection and internal M&E system (PALS). Main Responsibilities The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that; The whole Programme is designed and planned for effective delivery with the strategic engagement of all stakeholders. Development and submission of the Annual Country Operating Plan (COP), Annual Programme Reports (APR) and Semi-Annual Programme Reports (S/APR) and requests for supplemental funding. Coordination of all programme-focused strategic planning and decision making involving key stakeholders and beneficiaries. Regular and structured analysis and updated operational, programmatic and environmental risk assessment to propose amendments where needed. Programme meets Plan policies and standards, including CCCD approach. The Programme team is performing to the best of its ability in the delivery of and communication about a quality programme. Performance management of the team against group and individual key performance indicators (KPIs) linked to project outputs. Recruitment and selection of new staff is timely, efficient and effective and supports delivery of project targets. Creation of conducive and favourable operational environment for the effective implementation of the project (including health and safety and security hazards). Full compliance with Plan’s Child Protection Policy across all partners. Provision of technical advice and leadership. Development needs of staff are identified and they are supported to fulfill their personal development goals. Implementation of the project using a rights-based approach. COP role models Plan’s leadership behaviours. Project communication and media strategy that supports country priorities and donor requirements is in place and effectively carried out. Programme assets are procured, utilised effectively and secured in a manner compliant with contract and Plan regulations. Oversight of fully compliant systems covering all aspects of programme management, including procurement, financial management, HR, admin and information management. Close oversight of the financial progress and all contractual compliance. Establishment and regular reporting on disbursement in relation to project outputs and KPIs. The Programme is monitored and impact assessed to ensure on-going learning and development with the full participation of beneficiaries. Establishment of and adherence to quality project indicators. Plan’s corporate programme accountability and learning system framework is adhered to; project planning, monitoring, review and evaluations are of the highest quality and meet corporate standards. Leadership of programme M&E in relation to requirements of the project. Regular and timely analysis and reporting on findings to project stakeholders in line with USAID and Plan requirements. Adjustments of implementation and operational plans as required. The programme is linked to and respected by key stakeholder entities. Representation and coordination with donor representatives regarding the programme. Clear guidelines for working in partnership with communities, government and civil society partners are in place and adhered to. Regular interfacing with national and local authorities, including at all relevant Ministries Dealing with Problems Demonstrate the ability to solve problems objectively and equitably, thinking strategically while introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable internal and external employment environment. Represent Plan and the project at all levels and among all partners and sub-recipients and ensure that information/agreements are communicated and implemented accordingly. Manage complex relationship with sub-grantees, the donor, state actors, and communities to achieve high productivity and efficiency. Ensure effective programme implementation while working with multiple project partners that may operate on different policies and systems. Motivate and inspire staff to high levels of performance though a creative and effective management styles. Communications and Working Relationships Internal Regular collaboration with country management team members for strategic decision making related to project strategy and implementation (High). Coordination with Plan International Pakistan staff (i.e. Technical Specialists, Finance teams, Programme Unit Managers, People and Culture department) as needed for effective programme implementation and coordination with existing programmes (High). Coordination with Plan International USA backstopping managers and Finance and Compliance teams to ensure achievement of all donor requirements (High). Interaction with Regional Office staff and networks and National Office programme managers to share best practices in education programme implementation; to collaborate on global/regional initiatives; and to identify mechanisms to improve programme quality through inter-learning (Low). External Serve as key liaison to USAID, implementing partners, alliance partners involved with the programme, and other donors to ensure effective project implementation and to build lasting relationships (High). Work collaboratively with high level representatives relevant Ministries (Medium). Collaborate with partners at national/provincial level, including representatives from other organizations and government entities, to share best practices and to identify and implement opportunities for collaboration (Medium). Build relationships with appropriate partners/sub-recipients/networks and foster strong and effective partnerships to meet project objectives (High). About you Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives Knowledge Master’s degree in a relevant field, e.g. Education or Development Studies;Ph.D. or equivalent preferred. Significant programme management and supervisory experience in the education programme and knowledge working with Government and other stakeholders in development fields. Proven senior-level management experience in designing, implementing, and managing large, complex education, community mobilization, or related projects. Significant experience managing USAID- or other donor-funded programmes at the level of Chief of Party Knowledge of key USG regulations including, but not limited to, USAID 22 CFR Part 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations, 22 CFR Part 145 Grants and Agreements with Non-Profits, OMB Circulars A-122, Cost principles for non-profit organizations and A-133 Audit of states, local governments, and non-profits preferred. Knowledge of programming in volatile environments with good understanding and appreciation of the historical, security context, political environment, economic, social/religious and humanitarian context in Pakistan or a comparable environment is desired Familiarity with Sindh province preferred. Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development. Skills Highly skilled leader, able to integrate teams of professionals around common goals as well as demonstrated ability in working with host-country ministries and with donor colleagues in country. Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to track programme quality through donor approved monitoring and evaluation systems. Ability to respond on short notice and plan and execute several activities at once. Proven experience hiring, training, and supervising teams of international and local staff. Proven leadership, inter-personal and cross-cultural skills, and ability to build and motivate diverse teams, including distance management. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to work with and through partners and sub-recipients. Effective communication skills to bring parties together and articulate project strategy and plans. Behaviours Demonstrate effective decision making and risk management. Practice strategic thinking and innovation. Demonstrate consistent behavior and approaches to work and decision-making. Communicate appropriately, demonstrate ability to influence others, and communicate concerns to managers and teams. Strive for high performance across the team and build effective teams and partnerships.  Hold self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour. Demonstrate clear respect to all, and especially children, without discrimination. Languages Excellent command of written and spoken English required. Location and Travel The envisaged programme areas of Sindh has been vulnerable to flash and monsoon flooding Typical office environment with extensive travel in domestic project areas and occasional international travel. Type of Role:     5 year fixed term contract Reports to:         Country Director, Plan Pakistan                This is an accompanied position with full expat benefits.

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.
Please note that only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted.
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