Chief of Party-Armenia

“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”

IFES is currently recruiting for a Chief of Party (COP) position for the anticipated 5-year, USAID-funded Integrity Project in Armenia. The program is expected to reduce opportunities for corruption and reinforce public demand for improved governance and accountability in Armenia through: (1) strengthening corruption prevention institutions and integrity systems; (2) supporting the implementation of specific legal-regulatory measures for corruption prevention; and (3) facilitating a collective action approach to hold local entities engaged in corruption prevention mutually accountable.

The COP serves as IFES’ primary coordinator of programming with local and international actors and will direct technical implementation of the Armenia Integrity program. The primary focus of the position is providing technical support to stakeholders and ensuring successful completion of project activities. The COP will provide vision and technical leadership for project activities. S/he will be responsible for maintaining pro-active contacts with stakeholders and the international community. This position will be based in Yerevan, Armenia and is contingent upon award.

Job Responsibilities:

Technical Direction and Program Implementation

• Serve as IFES’ senior technical advisor for project, providing technical support and advice to various government and non-government stakeholders
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the Integrity Project in Armenia
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of program strategies and activities
• Prepare and manage the implementation of the project’s annual work plans in fulfillment of the project’s strategic objectives and goals, and within the allocated budget
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with local government and non-government stakeholders, including corruption prevention institutions
• Establish and maintain working relationships with international NGOs and the donor community to ensure successful implementation of the project and avoid duplication of efforts
• Coordinate closely with consultants and field experts on program components
• Lead the drafting and timely submission of detailed reporting to headquarters (HQ) and ensure that they meet USAID and IFES reporting requirements
• Contribute to weekly reports submitted to IFES HQ, providing updates on program activities, progress, and challenges; outreach activities; relevant events in Armenia; support required from IFES/HQ; and activities planned for the coming period
• Lead and/or contribute to written technical reports, briefing papers, and IFES thought pieces, both program-specific and non-program specific
• Represent the project in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, at donor meetings and other fundraising activities, as speaker and/or spokesperson for IFES
• Ensure the highest quality of program monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned**

Management

• Ensure, in conjunction with IFES HQ team, compliance with IFES and USAID rules and regulations, particularly with respect to fiscal management. Recommends policies, controls and procedures to guide performance
• Supervises and mentors local and international field staff and provides oversight and management of consultants and field experts
• Leads project planning, monitoring and evaluation
• Establishes strong working relationships with the field staff to facilitate the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget
• Provide general supervision and mentoring of local and international field staff, including performance appraisals, staff development and other management issues
• In coordination with IFES/HQ assist in the identification, recruitment, and hiring of in-country office staff, as well as local and international technical consultants
• Provide oversight and management of technical consultants, including review of all consultant reports and deliverables
• Evaluates risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of strategic goals and sets appropriate course of action in response

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Ensures the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget.
• Ensures compliance with IFES and USAID financial rules and regulations
• Oversees preparation and presentation of financial reports to internal and external partners
• Oversees and approves local and international procurement in accordance with IFES policies and USAID rules and regulations. Authority to regularly make purchases and incur expenses, subject to established controls and procedures**

Relationship Management

• Develops, manages and maintains collaborative working relationship with senior level stakeholders within and outside IFES to ensure timely and successful achievement of project goals and objectives
• Represents IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, and at donor events and fundraising activities, as a spokesperson for Armenia Integrity program

Education: Advanced degree in international politics, international development, law, public policy, or related field. (Advanced degree may be substituted for at least 10 years of relevant experience.)

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience, at least 3 years of which must be as COP or equivalent leadership position, in leading the successful implementation of international development activities, including relevant budget and personnel management, motivating and supervising team efforts, program planning, and monitoring and evaluation.

• Must have an outstanding record of successfully leading, as the COP or equivalent leadership position, multi-component international development projects of similar complexity related to governance and/or anti-corruption reform activities
• Demonstrated track record of managing unbiased and professional relations with host country government, nongovernmental actors, and other donor-funded projects
• Prior experience working with international and/or bilateral donors in Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, or other countries transitioning to democracy
• Demonstrated knowledge in proposal and report writing and management of budgets

Related Skills or Knowledge:

• Prior experience managing an international office in a politically sensitive and challenging environment
• Ability and skills to promote and inspire effective collaboration between individuals, organizations and networks, demonstrating strong diplomacy skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong consultative, collaborative and participatory way of working
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholder
• Knowledge of Armenia preferred

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Excellent speaking, writing, and reporting skills in English

TRAVEL: In-country travel required up to 30%

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