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.    

Project Summary: 

Creative is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID-funded Promoting Access to Improved Learning Pre-Primary Education in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  

Position Summary:

The COP must provide overall technical and administrative leadership and expertise and serve as the primary liaison with USAID on management and technical matters. The COP will be responsible for overall vision and technical leadership and management of the project.  This position reports to the Project Director in Washington, D.C. 

Position is contingent upon project award.  

• Oversee technical implementation and operational management of the activity in adherence to Global USAID technical standards and operational compliance. 

• Serve as primary contact for technical assistance provided to local ministries of education. 

• Supervise activity implementation and ensure the activity meets stated goals and reporting requirements. 

• Serve as primary liaison to USAID, implementing partners, and key education stakeholders in country, including government officials, civil society organizations, and other donor-funded implementing partners. 

• Determine annual priorities, develop work plans, and ensure program responds to changing conditions and operating environments, in conjunction with USAID and Creative Headquarters. 

• Oversee and ensure technical soundness in overall approach and project activities. 

• Oversee project operational, financial, and administrative systems and processes, ensuring streamlined and compliant project management. 

• Establish and foster collaborative partnerships with organizations working in education, youth development, and related subjects; oversee the coordination of implementing partners. 

• Supervise, mentor, and manage team diverse program team to deliver impact within agreed timelines.  

• Other duties as assigned. 

• Advanced degree in education, or related field. 

• Minimum 10 years of experience designing and implementing education programs of similar scope and scale ($15M or more). 

• Minimum five years of progressively increasing management experience (COP, DCOP, or equivalent) on USAID-funded projects in the education sector. 

• Demonstrated success leading education projects in complex, conflict, and/or post-conflict contexts. Experience working in the DRC education sector highly preferred. 

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of relevant USAID policies and strategies, including USAID’s Education Policy. 

• Experience in and commitment to creating equal education opportunities for girls, children with disabilities, and other children at risk of discrimination or marginalization. 

• Ability to cultivate effective working relationships with government officials, civil society organizations, education/training institutions, private sector actors, implementing partners, international donors, and other stakeholders. 

• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience working in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. 

• Oral and written fluency in English and French required. 

Citizens or permanent residents of DRC are highly encouraged to apply