Chief of Party (COP) at Zizi Afrique Foundation

Job Purpose
Reading Champions is a prospective five-year USAID-funded project at Zizi Afrique. The project seeks to implement a community-based reading intervention to hasten acquisition of foundational literacy competences amongst grade 3 learners in 11 counties (Bungoma, Turkana, Nairobi, Kakamega, Siaya, Kitui, Mombasa, Narok, Samburu, Migori and Kilifi).
The Chief of Party (COP) is a key position primarily responsible for the overall management and operations of the project at Zizi Afrique and reports directly to the Director of Programs.
The COP will supervise project implementation and ensure the project meets stated goals and reporting requirements. S/he will take a leadership role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders (including policy makers at county and national levels) and other implementing partners.

Key Responsibilities / Duties / Tasks
Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• The COP will have technical and managerial responsibility for all project personnel.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Strategic Leadership and management
• Responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and management of the Reading Champions program as well as the achievement of the goals and objectives of the project in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Ensure strong communication and coordination with program team and USAID to effectively achieve program objectives. Encourage transparency among and between all the stakeholders to promote coordination and effectiveness.
• Lead the planning of project activities and set high quality performance targets ensuring adherence to technical standards, Zizi Afrique Foundation regulations, best practices, and USAID guidelines.
• Primary point of contact and collaboration for the team and in-country stakeholders, including USAID, implementation partners, government partners and other key stakeholders.
• The COP should embrace the shared vision of the project and effectively manage available financial and human resources to make program vision a reality.
• Strategic Engagement and Donor Relations
• Ensure effective liaison with local government officials, local communities, donor representatives and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Constantly look for effective and efficient implementation strategies and opportunities to increase impact.
• Monitoring, Reporting, Documentation & Knowledge Management
• Establish and maintain effective project reporting, evaluation, and communication systems.
• Submit timely accurate and quality reports that meet USAID requirements.
• Document and disseminate project best practices, lessons learnt and success stories.
• Publish program insights to offer thought leadership in Foundational Literacy, especially on community-based and youth led literacy initiatives.
• Budget Management and Fundraising
• Manage Award budget within approved spending levels and ensure accurate and timely financial reports to USAID and Zizi Afrique Foundation.
• Ensure Award expenses are reasonable, allocated as per assigned budget, prudent and spent in accordance with donor rules and regulations to ensure low risk audits.
• Identify funding opportunities to complement available funding and lead in proposal development.

Others

• Attend, and fully participate in staff meetings and retreats as required.
• Write bimonthly and annual progress reports and use these as the basis for monthly and annual engagements with the line supervisor.
• Perform other duties as may be required from time to time.

Job Dimensions:
Financial Responsibility:

• Position is responsible for all program budgets
• Responsibility for Physical Assets

Decision Making:

• Position makes decisions for self and organization – Reading Champions Program matters.
• Consults with the FLN unit team members to ensure a shared understanding across the various FLN projects.

Job Influence:

• In charge of the Reading Champions Program

Working Conditions:

• Normal working conditions; Workdays, 40-hour week.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).
Academic Qualifications

• Graduate qualification in Education, or a related field, PhD is preferred but no pre-condition.
• Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Previous relevant work experience required.
• 10 years of progressive work experience with demonstrated management success and oversight of grant funded projects.  Minimum of 6 years in a senior management or leadership position. Has held a senior management position in an impact organization, Relevant experience in Kenya and/or the East African sub-region is also highly desirable. Is ambitious and passionate for impact in education. Extensive knowledge of USAID rules and regulations and has desire to grow in an impactful organization that works with children and youth.