Location: Laos

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 25 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.  

Position Summary: 

Creative Associates seeks a Chief of Party for an anticipated USAID-funded basic education program in Lao PDR.  The Chief of Party will be responsible for the technical leadership, strategic oversight, and overall coordination and technical quality of this basic education project. S/he will serve as principle institutional liaison with USAID, partners, and key stakeholders. 

Responsibilities:   

•  Provide overall technical and administrative leadership to the project, ensuring overall effective management and implementation of the program, meeting stated goals, reporting requirements, and timely delivery of quality deliverables, products and activities throughout the life of the project.  

• Provide strategic leadership and coordination of program activities at national, provincial, district, and community levels.  

• Provide strategic leadership to collaborate and coordinate with other donor funded and ministry-led education activities in Laos.  

• Oversee partner engagement; ensure sound grant implementation and subgrantee management by project staff.  

• Lead the program’s annual work planning process, detailing resource deployment estimates (personnel, equipment, and budget) necessary to achieve proposed milestones and targets.  

• Oversee the hiring process and supervision of local personnel  

• Ensure that efficient systems to support all aspects of the program are in place and support the effective use of program resources in compliance with USAID regulations and Creative policies.  

• Represent the project for Creative in formal and informal relationships with USAID, the Laos government, other donors, partners, and private sector companies 

• Monitor the goals and objectives of the project to assure progress towards successful implementation. 

• Fully inform Creative’s home and field office on all matters relating to the program and maintain appropriate links with partner organizations. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications: 

• A master's degree in education, project management, international development, or a related field from an accredited university is required; 

• At least 15 years of experience managing and implementing education programs is highly desired; 

• At least 10 years of experience in early grade education in a similar/relevant context  

• At least five years of experience in senior program management (including direct supervision of professional and support staff); 

• Prior experience managing bilateral donors of a similar size and scope in developing countries; 

• Familiarity with USAID regulations and policies; 

• Experience working with local governments to support and strengthen systems; 

• Demonstrated skills in leadership and supervision, with an ability to develop and work through both government and non-government partners effectively and build cohesiveness; 

• Experience managing programmatic and financial reporting requirements; 

• Experience with early grade learning programming is required; 

• Prior experience in Laos or elsewhere in the region is desired; 

• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain professional relationships with host country government counterparts is desired; 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. 

• Local nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. 

• Professional fluency in the Laotian language. 

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.