Deputy Chief of Party at DAI Kenya - Development Alternatives, Inc.

Background:

The USAID Kenya East Africa mission (USAID/KEA) manages a robust portfolio of development and humanitarian programs in both Kenya and Somalia. Countering the threat from and strengthening resilience to violent extremism (VE) within Kenya’s borders is a priority. The Kenya NiWajibu Wetu (NIWETU) project strengthens Kenyan communities’ and government institutions’ motivation and capacity to take the lead on countering violent extremism (CVE) by building the capacity of and fostering strong relationships among individuals, communities, and civil society and county and national government actors.

Responsibilities:

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will lead all program activities and the program team, reporting to the Chief of Party. The DCOP will ensure that all NIWETU activities are grounded in local situational awareness, Government of Kenya strategy and guidelines, CVE good practices, the NIWETU work plan and the overall NIWETU contract with USAID. The DCOP is a key member of the NIWETU Senior Management Team, and will represent DAI in relationships with USAID and the Government of Kenya.

Additionally, the DCOP will:

• Identify and develop grant and technical assistance concepts to support the Government of Kenya and community-based organizations (CBOs), including research activities and knowledge products.
• Provide in-depth, conceptual input to refine project strategy and ensure alignment of activity development with a rapidly evolving political context.
• Liaise with senior Government of Kenya officials and, as needed, provide informal advice and technical assistance to government entities. Oversee performance of anticipated short-term technical assistance (STTA) to the Government of Kenya at the national and county levels.
• Supervise and provide technical oversight to the NIWETU program team, including NIWETU representatives in the target counties.
• Provide ongoing analysis on political, security, and social context and developments relevant to USAID’s Kenya objectives.
• Ensure program learning is built back into program strategy and implementation of the grants activity cycle, and lead program learning into action with the program team.
• Other tasks and responsibilities as agreed to with the COP.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in social sciences, international development, political science, peacebuilding and conflict management, or other related field.
• Minimum seven years (with advanced degree) or 10 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience managing and implementing development projects focused on CVE, conflict mitigation, peacebuilding, or other related activity.
• Strong experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa; experience working on Kenya desired.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage staff working in multiple locations affected by VE and conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with communities, civil society, local government representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Kenyan citizens are particularly encouraged to apply.