RTI International is seeking Chief of Party (COP) candidates for an anticipated USAID-funded project in Zambia. The project will aim to increase citizens’ demands for health services including empowering communities and strengthening advocacy initiatives that contribute to improvements in health service delivery. The Chief of Party will be responsible for ensuring the successful and timely implementation of all project activities and achievement of project results. The position will be based in Lusaka, Zambia. Responsibilities •Provide vision and strategic technical leadership for the project. •Serve as RTI’s representative to USAID, Central Government of Zambia, Local Governments, development partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other senior members of the Zambian donor community. •Responsible for ensuring the timely communication with, and reporting to, the USAID/Zambia project COR.
•Ensure that the project activities are meeting client and stakeholder expectations and that project results are proactively disseminated. •Responsible for addressing contract-related issues, including ensuring that RTI financial controls and systems comply with generally accepted accounting practices that meet USAID standards, and that all activity-procured materials and equipment are safeguarded and prudently and responsibly used. Ultimately responsible for the provision of oversight, management, and support to grantees under contract. •Responsible for the overall planning, implementation and management of the project and for establishing the administrative framework to monitor and assure progress toward the achievement of the goals and objectives of the project. Ensure the timely and quality completion of required reports. •Develop and implement annual program work and performance milestone plans and negotiate an agreement of those plans with USAID, subcontractors and other stakeholders. •Responsible for oversight and direction to all long- and short-term personnel under the contract. •Represent the project on behalf of RTI in regional or key global meetings, consultative sessions and conferences.
Qualifications:
•Masters’ Degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, International Development or a related field. •At least 12 years’ experience in development working with local governments, civil society and communities. •Understanding and knowledge of decentralization in the Zambia context, Zambia’s sociopolitical economy, advocacy and health.
•At least 5 years’ experience in managing USAID-funded projects and in the design and implementation of overseas health projects in Africa. Experience in managing large donor projects involving coordination with multiple program partners or institutions in Zambia or the region will be preferred. •Demonstrated professional excellence in health and governance program management including experience in the following: client relationship management, developing program work plans, developing program budgets, managing program implementation, and managing technical assistance teams. •Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders. •Strong knowledge of USAID administrative, management and reporting procedures and systems along with strategic program planning, management, supervision, and budgeting expertise. •Prior experience managing a team of highly-successful staff working in multiple locations/field offices. •Must have strong oral and written communication and presentation skills in English (tested FSI R4/S4); verbal communication skills in one or more local languages. •Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications. •Willingness and ability to travel frequently within Zambia.
About RTI International
RTI International is one of the world's leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 3,700 provides research and technical services to governments and businesses in more than 75 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory testing and chemical analysis.
RTI’s Governance and Economic Development Division pursues innovative approaches and builds on best practices to create the foundation for and to promote democratic governance and economic development. Working alongside global partners, public institutions, the private sector, and civil society, we help build more effective, accountable, and responsive institutions and policies at the national, regional, and local levels of government. We believe an integrated approach using cross-sectoral strategies—incorporating service delivery and the social sectors, such as health and education—achieve the best results. Our clients include U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.K.’s Department for International Development (DFID), World Bank, and the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to apply:
To apply, visit and submit CV to: www.rti.org/job15273