We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Chief of Party, Technical Lead (DCOP Technical) for an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity in Zambia entitled, “Foundational Learning Activity.” This position will be based in Zambia and is contingent upon funding and award.

Project description

The anticipated five-year Foundational Learning Activity in Zambia will support the delivery of foundational learning in the early grades to improve learning outcomes. USAID Foundational Learning has three primary objectives 1) Scale the Primary Literacy Program 2) Support the Ministry of Education to institutionalize PLP and early learning reforms/provide technical assistance to direct Government-to Government Education Sector Assistance 3) Enhance the delivery of remedial and catch-up education. The DCOP works in close coordination with the Chief of Party and is responsible for managing the quality and timeliness of the project’s overall technical workstream. The DCOP will supervise the technical team, consult with technical partners, relevant national stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the funder, as needed.

Job Summary/Responsibilities

• Coordinate closely with the Chief of Party (COP) on all technical matters.

• Provide technical expertise and leadership for the design and implementation of the technical program areas and daily oversight of project activities.

• Provide guidance and supervision to technical staff and ensure clear roles and responsibilities and maintain clear lines of communication with project team members.

• Collaborate with in-country technical advisors and headquarter-based technical staff to

• ensure the project is implemented according to organization and industry best practices,

• program framework, and regulations.

• Oversee technical outputs of all partner organizations through regular field visits and facilitate work planning and regular technical meetings for all consortium partners.

• Provide support to the overall leadership and management of the project, ensuring strategic program direction, managed growth, and compliance with organizational policies and

• procedures and donor regulations.

• Oversee project monitoring and evaluation activities in collaboration with the relevant team lead.

• Promote sustainability of project activities with effective networking, coordination and linkages to other programs, partners and counterparts, capacity building of project staff, and institutional strengthening of implementing partners and community-based organizations.

• Contribute to timely and accurate donor reporting.

• Supervise the recruitment, hiring, and management of technical staff and consultants.

• Support performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.

• Represent the project in technical meetings, conferences, and coordination platforms.

• Serve as the primary technical program representative in the absence/temporary leave of the COP.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible technical management experience in support of large-scale international development programs.

• In-depth experience in technical areas of the anticipated program (e.g., reading education, education system strengthening, primary grades teaching and learning, remediation)

• Experience with USAID-funded projects preferred.

• Proven leadership in implementation of similar-sized international donor education-related technical assistance projects, preferably in Zambia or the region.

• Effective strategic planning, program evaluation, and project management skills.

• Strong consultative and negotiation skills.

• Ability to build positive working relationships with local communities, government officials, and donor representatives.

• Ability to analyze and establish effective and supportive cross-program coordination, organizational procedures, and management systems.

• Must have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, work across diverse cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines.

• Experience in the education sector in Zambia or the region strongly preferred.

• Fluency in English required.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.