USAID Jordan Improved Access to Early Childhood Education & Employment  

RFI – 72027824RFI000004 

Deputy Chief of Party   

Position Location: Jordan  

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 twenty-five countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) 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: The USAID-funded Improved Access to Early Childhood Education and Employment Activity in Jordan aims to enhance early childhood education (ECE) services for children aged 3-6 years. This initiative focuses on increasing access to quality ECE, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups, while also addressing workforce participation issues by creating sustainable job opportunities in the education sector. The project seeks to support policy, regulatory, and systems-level improvements to ensure high-quality, safe, and equitable ECE services. By fostering collaboration with private sector and community-based organizations (CBOs), the activity aims to expand and scale education-focused nursery, KG1, and KG2 services in both urban and rural areas, contributing to long-term developmental outcomes and economic viability. 

Position Summary: Creative Associates seeks a highly qualified Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the USAID-funded Improved Access to Early Childhood Education and Employment Activity in Jordan. The DCOP will assist the Chief of Party (COP) in providing overall management and technical leadership for the project, ensuring that all activities are implemented in compliance with USAID policies and procedures. The DCOP will oversee daily operations, manage technical staff, and ensure the effective integration of program components, focusing on quality improvement, policy reform, and equitable access to ECE services. This position requires strong leadership, management, and technical skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector, community-based organizations (CBOs), and donor organizations. 

Primary Responsibilities:  

• Provide technical and administrative leadership to the project and serve as its technical liaison.  

• Oversee effective management of technical and administrative functions and field coordination.  

• Provide technical expertise to GOJ stakeholders to advance systems strengthening efforts and policy reform in education.  

• Integrate local capacity strengthening approaches and gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) into all activities as appropriate.  

• Ensure the timely preparation of required reports and deliverables, including annual workplans, quarterly, and annual reports in accordance with USAID guidelines.  

• Facilitate knowledge management, communications, and information flow for program implementation.  

• Ensure project activities meet client expectations and that project results and accomplishments are disseminated appropriately.  

• Represent the project in local, national, and international meetings and events in the absence of the COP; and   

• Assist the COP in other technical and managerial tasks as needed.  

• Other duties as assigned.  

Required Skills & Qualifications:  

• Minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in management, or a related social science field or bachelor’s degree and experience in USAID project management.  

• At least eight (8) years of experience in relevant management and supervisory experience working with programs that are of a similar scope and scale to this project is required.  

• At least five (5) years of experience working on education, governance, and/or systems strengthening programming in Jordan is highly desired.  

• In lieu of a master’s degree, the DCOP must have a bachelor's degree, preferably in education, public policy, international development, or related sectors; AND at least 10 years of systems strengthening, research, and policy experience in education and governance, preferably in Jordan or similar contexts, and in managing central and field teams.  

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of capacity building and professional development.  

• Demonstrated success in managing sub-awards, grants under contract with international consortia including local partners and stakeholders.  

• Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills and experience in managing a team of 10+ people and ability to mentor staff.  

• Demonstrated ability to advise host country contacts at the ministerial level, and create and maintain effective working relations with international and local stakeholders, NGOs, local partners, and U.S. Government Agencies  

• Proficiency in English required and proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.  

• Previous experience in USAID-funded programs required; and  

• Jordanian nationals highly encouraged to apply.  

Position contingent upon donor funding.  

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.  

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran.