Regional Program Manager

Job Title:Regional Program Manager
Project:Chemonics – Libya Transition Initiative
Reports To:Chief of Party

Background

In June 2011, to promote the transition occurring in Libya, the USG made immediate support to the people of Libya a priority. USAID/OTI has been asked to contribute toward the stabilization efforts and immediately implement high impact programming to bolster civil society and support political transition objectives. The goal of the USAID/OTI program in Libya is to support Libya-led efforts to promote national unity and the transition to inclusive democracy. Specifically, the Libya Transition Initiative (LTI) aims to initially focus on providing targeted transition assistance in the following key three areas:

1-Support emerging civil society organizations in their efforts to participate in democratic processes. Activities include better preparing nascent community organizations to provide services; prevent, document and report human rights abuses; articulate agendas; and productively engage with local and regional interim governing authorities.
2-Strengthen local and independent media outlets to improve the quality of information and advance the capacity of the media sector as a conduit for public expression and debate through the provision of technical assistance.
3-Support interim governing authorities by improving their core administrative functions and their ability to communicate effectively with the citizens of Libya. Examples activities include the provision technical and material assistance to improve planning and implementation of policies to meet the needs of the Libyan people and ensure a smooth, unified political transition.


Specific Duties and Responsibilities

-Advise USAID/OTI Country Representative, Deputy Country Representative and the COP on the evolution of the local political, legal and economic situation and on how to continuously adapt the regional USAID/OTI program to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.
-Manage and direct the development of overall regional program strategy through the Grants Management Unit, including proposal submission, data entry and development of programmatic content and finalization of the budget for proposed activities in order to improve the objectives, focus, efficiency and feasibility of grants to be approved.
-Oversee the programmatic and implementation monitoring and evaluation of each grant activity in coordination with the GMU and other program support staff, as well as oversee the non-partisan implementation of each grant and the achievement of outputs as stated in the grant agreement.
-Work with the staff to ensure quality and consistency of program implementation; attend grant kick-off meeting; and provide on-going technical assistance and oversight during implementation.
-Management, oversight, and reporting of progress of all activities and office operations in Benghazi to Chemonics COP and Operations Director, as well as to USAID/OTI and other counterparts.
-Oversee the administration, operations, finance and human resources of the office in accordance with USAID regulations and Chemonics policies.
-Communicate regularly with the Tripoli main office about administrative, operations, and programmatic issues.
-Travel extensively throughout his/her area of responsibility with occasional travel to other areas at the direction of the OTI Country Representative or Chief of Party.
-Submit regular weekly reports and updates as instructed by the OTI Country Representative/Chief of Party and prepare briefing materials and additional reports as requested.
-Other duties, as assigned by the Chief of Party, to ensure the overall efficient development and implementation of LTI programmatic activities as well as the management of the Benghazi sub-office.

Job Requirements

-Advanced degree preferred.
-Three years of demonstrated experience in project design and development.
-At least five years of demonstrated experience in the management of office operations, administration, and human resources.
-Demonstrated analytical ability and understanding of the political context in Libya, with the ability to think creatively in conceptualizing relevant grant activities.
-Ability to obtain knowledge and assess capabilities of local and international NGOs, community-based organizations, and media outlets implementing relevant activities and programs in Libya.
-Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, to meet deadlines, and to exercise good, professional judgment that communicates the established message of the LTI program.
-Experience with stabilization, governance, outreach and community engagement programming preferred.
-Strong written and verbal communications skills.
-Ability to work in a professional and cordial manner with fellow staff members, visitors, partner institutions including international and local NGOs, governmental entities, and the general public.
-Experience working on USAID-funded projects and managing grants or working on programs with grants components strongly preferred.
-Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to manage a diverse range of professional relationships are essential.
-Previous experience working in Libya or similar environments and on rapid transition programs in insecure environments is desirable.
-Fluency in English required and Arabichigh desired.
-Ability to deploy by mid- or late-February is highly preferred.


Duration and Location

It is estimated that the position will be for approximately one year but is contingent upon USAID/OTI approval and sufficient funding. This assignment will be initially based in Benghazi however the RPM may be asked to float between offices and locations in order to provide surge support and/or coverage.
The employee will report to the Chief of Party. Chemonics may amend the SOW for this assignment in consultation with the employee. Please send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected] no later than Thursday March 15, 2012.