Chief of Party

February 3, 2024
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Job Description

Introduction:

Join Save the Children, a global organization employing around 25,000 people worldwide to help children affected by crises in over 100 countries. Committed to breakthroughs by 2030, including preventing child deaths, providing quality education, and eradicating violence against children, we value our employees and offer a meaningful career in a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

SCI – Afghanistan:

Save the Children has been making a positive impact in Afghanistan since 1976, working closely with communities to deliver lasting change to thousands of children. Our programs focus on education, protecting children, and promoting basic health to save lives.

Job Description:

Child Safeguarding:

Level 3: This role involves frequent or intensive contact with children and/or young people, working in-country programs, visiting country programs, or implementing staff police checking/vetting processes.

Role Purpose:

Save the Children International-Afghanistan (SCI-Af) is the Grant Manager for a part of the GPE funding to Afghanistan for 2023-2025. The Chief of Party (COP) will lead the effective implementation of the GPE Consortium program, managing a consortium of diverse partners and a budget of approximately $50 million.

Scope of Role:

Reports to: Deputy Country Director – Program Operations

Staff reporting to this position: Finance Manager, Awards and Partnership Manager, MEAL Manager, Project Manager

Budget responsibility:

Dimensions: Frequent interaction with consortium partners, senior-level engagement, coordination with UNICEF, ECW grantees, and other education actors.

Key Areas of Accountability:

Strategy and Leadership:

  • Lead the strategic direction of the consortium, facilitating a strategic review and visioning process.
  • Ensure effective governance and management arrangements, chairing regular meetings with the Steering Committee.
  • Act as the main representative of the consortium with Line Ministry, UN, NGO counterparts, and the Education Cluster.
  • Maintain close coordination with other education actors and the cluster.
  • Lead the management team, fostering cooperative dynamics and professional development opportunities.

Consortium and Program Management:

  • Review, refine, and finalize strategies, methodologies, and inputs in GPE-Consortium managed grants.
  • Ensure consolidated program movement, avoiding duplication and overlap.
  • Facilitate joint project planning and reviewing with consortium partners.
  • Oversight of performance, delivery, and timely quality reporting to the Steering Committee.
  • Manage the program budget, including planning and monitoring.
  • Oversight of the risk management process.
  • Oversight of the next phase of the strategic planning process.

Behaviours (Values in Practice):

Accountability:

Holds self and the team accountable for decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values.

Ambition:

Sets ambitious goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for personal development, and encourages the same in the team.

Collaboration:

Builds and maintains effective relationships, values diversity, and is approachable, a good listener, and easy to talk to.

Creativity:

Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions, willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

Demonstrates honesty, openness, and transparency.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills:

Essential:

  • At least 10 years’ senior leadership experience in humanitarian or international development, with at least five years based in developing countries.
  • At least five years’ experience as Chief of Party/Team Leader.
  • Master’s degree in education, international development, management, or a relevant subject.
  • Demonstrated experience in building relations, finding common ground, and influencing stakeholders.
  • Excellent leadership and management skills in a complex organizational setting.
  • Ability to lead strategic development and change processes.
  • Experience in building partnerships with and capacity building of local organizations.
  • Ability to establish a learning culture within an organization.
  • Experience managing large grants-based programs.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.

Desirable:

  • Experience managing large education programs.
  • Knowledge of key issues and strategies in support of the education sector and results framework in Afghanistan.
  • Experience in Afghanistan or similar contexts or Consortiums.
  • Experience with complementary education systems programming.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

The role may require additional duties within the reasonableness of the level of skills and experience.

Equal Opportunities:

The role adheres to SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Child Safeguarding:

The selection process reflects our commitment to protecting children from abuse.

Safeguarding our Staff:

The post holder is required to carry out duties in accordance with the SCI anti-harassment policy.

Health and Safety:

The role holder is required to carry out duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Submission Guideline:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply via the online application form. Attach your CV and cover letter in the online system.

Save the Children International provides equal employment opportunities and does not request money at any recruitment stage. We strongly encourage applications from women, and the minimum country requirements for potential female applicants will be followed.

Submission Email:

Online Application Link