About this role
Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 15 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Project Summary:
This position is for an upcoming education project in Nigeria, which seeks to improve student access to school and literacy outcomes in a language they use and understand in Grades 1-3 in select areas of Nigeria, equitably and sustainably.
Position Summary:
The Chief of Party is responsible for the overall planning, implementation and management of the project as well as the achievement of the goals and objectives of the project in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Reporting & Supervision:
The Chief of Party reports to the Project Director based in Headquarters and supervises project staff.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Provide overall technical and administrative leadership and expertise for the activity and serves as the primary liaison with USAID on management and technical matters;
• Effectively manage and implement the activity per USAID rules and regulations;
• Lead and coordinate among USAID and ministry institutions and departments as well as other key stakeholders, including USAID implementing partners;
• Supervise activity implementation and ensure the activity meets stated goals and reporting requirements, including n-time submission of all due deliverables to USAID, in compliance with Creative policies and USAID rules and regulations;
• Develop and execute work plans and reports;
• Assure quality of activities, interventions and deliverables, and monitoring and evaluation systems; and
• Hire and manage program staff for effective delivery of program interventions
Required Skills and Experience:
• Master's Degree or higher in education planning, public policy, management and administration, social science or related and relevant field. A focus on education policy change implementation, program/project management, curriculum, bilingual education or early grade literacy is preferred;
• At least 10 years of experience in relevant management, supervisory and technical experience working with programs that are of a similar scope and scale to this project is required. (Of these at least 10 of these years must be in a management/leadership position);
• At least 10 years' experience in the education sector in Sub-Saharan Africa is desired, preferably with experience in Western sub-Saharan Africa, preferably with USAID funding;
• Demonstrated experience improving evidence-based education programming, capacity building and professional development, including rural, multilingual, and underserved populations;
• Ample experience in project design, policy dialogue, strategic planning and implementation, education reform and national-level quality improvement and classroom reforms is required;
• Prior experience in policy advocacy, monitoring and oversight, capacity development in education sector, and experience in awarding and managing grants to local organizations to promote education-related goals is preferred;
• Political savvy and experience interacting effectively with numerous ministry institutions and senior-level national and subnational-level government officials;
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex, politically charged environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines; and
• Fluent English; strong oral and written communication skills.
Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
Position contingent upon donor funding.