Background:

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence is more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Position Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID-funded project, that seeks to increase the empowerment, productivity, and community engagement of youth, and in particular for out-of-school youth aged 15-25. The primary objectives of the Cross-Sectoral Youth Activity will be to (1) increase and improve access to basic educational, life, and entrepreneurial skills resources, (2) provide youth with opportunities to participate in activities that foster physical and mental well-being, and (3) build or strengthen existing networks that support youth development and community engagement. The COP provides overall technical and administrative leadership and expertise for the project’s activities as well as serves as the primary liaison with USAID and host government on management and technical matters.

Reporting & Supervision:

The COP will report directly to the Project Director at headquarters and will supervise various project staff.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee the overall management and implementation of project activity.
• Supervise activity implementation and ensure the activity meets stated goals and reporting requirements.
• Actively engage key civil society, education, youth, business, and government stakeholders and other USAID-funded implementing partners.
• Actively identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner, and suggest appropriate program adjustments.
• Produce and oversee production of deliverables related to entrepreneurial skills resources, youth physical and mental well-being, youth development, and community engagement.
• Oversee the coordination of local partners as well as sub-recipients and sub-grantees.
• Facilitate and support partnerships, collaboration, and collective action between a diverse group of local stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach staff to support their professional development and application of skills and knowledge to succeed in their roles.
• Manage a diverse team to deliver impact within agreed timelines.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• An advanced degree in business administration, economics, international development, social sciences, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of general experience with at least 5 years in relevant management, supervisory, senior technical role leading programs/projects of similar scope and scale.
• At least five years of experience in the governance, agriculture, or economic growth sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably in Tanzania.
• Demonstrated expertise in Positive Youth Development (PYD), supporting authentic youth engagement, and gender equity and social inclusion (GESI).
• Experience enabling and supporting youth-led and youth-managed actions to meet the activity objectives in civic engagement, education, health, financial inclusion, and self-employment.
• Demonstrated experience in management and oversight of programs that are of a similar scope, size, and complexity to this activity.
• Experience with adaptive management approaches, collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) and overseeing M&E activities on donor-funded projects.
• The candidate must be professionally proficient and fluent in written and spoken English; proficiency in Kiswahili is preferred.