CARE seeks a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) – Technical for the anticipated USAID-funded Afghanistan Integrated Youth Activity (AIYA). This activity aims to empower Afghan youth, particularly girls and young women, by equipping them with market-relevant technical and soft skills. This initiative seeks to enhance income, food security, and economic resilience among participants. The overarching goal of AIYA is to improve learning outcomes and livelihood opportunities for young women and men. Expected outcomes include: 1) Improved post-secondary technical and vocational education or learning opportunities for youth, with a focus on market-relevant, skills-based learning within the agricultural sector and its related value chains. 2) Youth, particularly girls and young women, acquire market-relevant skills to improve livelihood opportunities and engage in climate resilient agricultural value chains in their home, community, or other settings.
The DCOP will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP) to ensure program technical quality, efficiency, and integrity throughout the project duration. The DCOP will provide strategic oversight and technical guidance and will directly supervise technical component leads and ensure coordination with cross cutting functions reporting directly to the COP. This includes supporting the continual monitoring of program activities against goals, ensuring efficiency in project staffing, and defining and using standard operating procedures. In collaboration with the COP, the DCOP will be responsible for the successful performance of the project.
This activity is expected to be a five-year program in the $62 million range.
This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding. National candidates are encouraged to apply. This position will be based in Kabul.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 14, 2024
Responsibilities:
· Collaborate closely with the COP to provide overall leadership and technical guidance to the project. Serve as acting COP in their absence.
· Ensure coordination with cross cutting functions reporting to the COP.
· Contribute to the development and implementation of project work plans, ensuring intentional cross component integration and alignment with project goals and objectives.
· In conjunction with the Chief of Party (COP), provide technical expertise and oversee the empowerment of Afghan youth, particularly girls and young women, by equipping them with market-relevant technical and soft skills.
· Support budget planning, monitoring, and reporting to ensure that project activities are executed within approved budgets as required by the COP.
· Supervise and mentor technical staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
· Work closely with the CLA team to establish and implement a comprehensive M&E framework for tracking project progress and outcomes and produce key learning products.
· Oversee M&E function, including preparation of all reports and deliverables as specified in the agreement.
· Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders including government counterparts, private sector actors, local implementing partners, and program participants.
· Support the preparation and submission of timely and accurate reports to USAID, highlighting project achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
· Ensure that project activities align with the rules and regulations of USAID, the host country, and CARE’s policies and procedures.
Qualifications:
· Master’s degree or equivalent in development studies, international relations, economics, business administration, economic development, or related field preferred.
· 8-10 years of relevant senior experience in international development as Deputy Chief of Party, or in a senior management role on large development projects.
· Relevant experience and expertise in workforce development activities. Experience providing technical direction on USAID cooperative agreements and/or contracts.
· Experience working in Afghanistan and understanding of 1. post-secondary technical and vocational education or learning opportunities for youth and 2. market-relevant skills to improve livelihood opportunities and engage in climate resilient agricultural value chains in their home, community, or other settings.
· Experience recruiting, developing, and managing staff and teams.
· Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining relationships with government counterparts, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations, and implementing partners.
· Experience with M&E systems for USAID projects including Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles and approaches preferred.
· Fluency in English required (spoken and written).
· Fluency in Dari or Pashto preferred (spoken and written).
· Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrated inter-cultural, interpersonal, and negotiation skills and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Demonstrated commitment to PSHEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse).
· Demonstrated commitment to principles of Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI).
· Ability to travel within Afghanistan as required and as security conditions allow.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please visit our website at:
https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CAREUSA&cws=52&rid=7300
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