CHIEF OF PARTY (COP)

A Chief of Party is sought for an anticipated USAID-funded project to establish high-quality, industry-endorsed training directly connected to employment opportunities in priority sectors in Kenya. The purpose of the project is to improve the alignment between training at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and employment opportunities for youth in growing sectors of the economy.

This is a 4-year project expected to start in November 2023

The position is full-time and based in Kenya.

The COP will;

• Act as the primary point of contact with USAID/KEA with regards to day-to-day implementation and management matters relating to the award.
• Have overall responsibility for the successful implementation of the award and provide technical and managerial leadership to the implementation team and subrecipient(s). Specifically, the COP should demonstrate familiarity with the educational approach used in U.S. community colleges and will oversee the adaptation of this model to allow Kenyan TVETs to provide quality training opportunities that respond to employer demand.
• Facilitate communication and close coordination with all stakeholders of the project In order to allow for proper implementation and quick adaptive management, the COP must have the ability to speak for and bind the Recipient.
• Priority will be given to a host country national (Kenyan) with a deep understanding of local context and sustainability, project management experience, and ability to provide capacity building to the project team.

Desired qualifications at minimum;

• A Masters degree in the field of management, international development, higher education/TVET, or a related technical field from an accredited institution;
• At least seven (7) years’ relevant technical experience including progressively increasing responsibility leading programs focused on youth development, workforce development, higher education, technical and vocational training, or other similar experience relevant to the programmatic focus of USAID Employment Pathways for Youth; at least five (5) of the seven (7) years must be in Kenya;
• Prior experience in working with local partners and/or subrecipients, field staff, youth groups, community development; this should include oversight of local capacity development efforts including working with partners to ensure adherence to all sub-award requirements;
• Prior experience working with senior government officials, donor partners, international organization partners, and private sector partners in assessing challenges, creating and implementing solutions, and achieving measurable results in development projects;
• Demonstrated capacity to effectively lead, mentor, and motivate inclusive multicultural teams in dynamic environments as well as the ability to work in teams and foster partnerships; specific examples of the COP’s experience in forming, leading, or participating in relevant partnerships must be well documented; and
• Ability to write, communicate, and present fluently in English.