Job Description
The Chief of Party (COP) shall provide overall leadership, direction, programme management and oversight, and serve as principal liaison to USAID and the Parliament of Malawi. S/he will be driven by commitment to applying political economy analysis principles to achieve sustainable democratic gains. S/he will develop an overall vision for the programme that integrates parliamentary committees, statutory oversight institutions, civil society, and the media. Among others, the successful candidate will:
• Provide strategic direction on programme management to ensure that the programme targets and deliverables are technically sound and align with USAID’s priorities, ensure compliance, and lead review of progress.
• Lead the planning for the programme and oversee its successful implementation.
• Lead and motivate the programme team to effectively and efficiently deliver a high quality programme on time and cost effectively by creating and sustaining a positive organisational culture that strives for excellence.
• Support the monitoring, evaluation and learning lead to develop and deploy a robust MEL system that effectively monitors, evaluates, and supports programme decision-making.
• Support the programme’s finance lead develop a robust system to manage the financial aspects including performance management to ensure accountability, accuracy and timely reporting.
• Establish seamless communication and coordination among all the key stakeholders for effective programme implementation.
• Represent AFIDEP in key and influential government, development partners and other technical working groups, taskforces etc.
• Ensure compliance with the regulations of the USAID and other Partners.
• Mobilise resources from other funding sources to extend programme activities for sustainability.
• S/he is expected to have the following qualifications and experience:
• A minimum of a Masters’ Degree in a political science, governance, law, public administration, international relations, or related field. PhD would be preferred.
• At least 5 years of senior-level experience leading large-scale governance programmes, including supervision of technical staff, preferably in the southern African region.
• Experience in leading and managing USAID funded programmes.
• Demonstrated depth of expertise and experience with policy development, and political economy analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to establish professional relationships and to work collaboratively with diverse partners including host government agencies, donors, civil society and the media.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to develop and communicate a common vision and foster collaboration across an interdisciplinary team.
• Prior experience managing parliament support programmes, and experience strengthening intergovernmental coordination arrangements between Parliament and oversight agencies is desirable.
• Familiarity with the United States government policies, regulations, and legislative requirements.
• Excellent communication skills – written and oral proficiency in English.
• Excellent planning, organisational, multi-tasking and decision-making skills.