Overview:

IBTCI seeks a Research Director with the status of a Chief of Party for USAID’s Peace through Evaluation, Learning, and Adapting (PELA) Task Order, a USAID/West Africa regional program with a field office in Accra, Ghana. PELA supports USAID/WA in its goal to be a more effective, efficient and adaptable operating unit that strengthens systems of non-violent conflict management in the region through effective project implementation, activity coordination, learning from experience; and serving as an information, communication, and thought leader regarding peace promotion and countering violent extremism (CVE). This position is based remotely with possible, eventual travel to Accra, Ghana with a period of performance of 60 days with the possibility of extension.

Essential Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:  

• Leads the PELA Field Office team, managing day-to-day operations (financial and program management), and supervising the PELA Field Office staff, subcontractors, and consultants working in West Africa under the PELA Task Order;
• Assumes overall responsibility for activity management and technical operations to ensure that Task Order objectives are successfully met and that all deliverables are completed on schedule;
• Meets weekly with the PELA Home Office team;
• Ensures compliance with U.S. Government rules and regulations;
• Serves as the primary point of contact (meeting routinely) with USAID for activity implementation and management;
• Provides technical expertise in strengthening systems of non-violent conflict management and peace promotion;
• Provides quality control, ensuring that all products delivered under this Task Order are technically sound and of publishable quality;
• Drafts the requisite PELA annual and quarterly performance reports, the semi-annual work plan, and other required reports;
• Works closely with the MEL Manager in implementing the Activity, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP);
• Performs all fiduciary duties in a responsible and professional manner;
• Reports to the PELA Project Director; and
• Travels domestically and internationally, especially in West Africa. Travel is essential and may include travel to fragile and conflict-affected areas.  An average of 25%-35% travel for project implementation and/or project management duties.  Percentages may vary depending on IBTCI business needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in Countering Violent Extremism or peace promotion preferred;
• Ability to successfully manage and mentor/develop staff in a multi-country and multi-cultural setting as demonstrated by past experience;
• Ability to manage USAID contracts and all reporting requirements, with demonstrated knowledge of relevant USAID policies and regulations;
• Ability to perform internal control functions to manage day-to-day operations of the Task Order; and
• Experience establishing and supporting networks preferred.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least six (6) years of experience successfully managing MERL programs/activities; CLA; analytical research, and/or program support mechanisms;
• Master’s degree in monitoring and evaluation, public administration, political science, international relations, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, or related field. (PhD preferred)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including experience preparing high-quality reports and presentations; and
• Minimum of professional proficiency in French.
• Oral and written fluency in English required.

Education: Master’s degree in monitoring and evaluation, public administration, political science, international relations, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, or related field required. PhD preferred.

Working Environment:  Work is typically performed in an office environment.

Physical Requirements:  This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.

Supervisory Responsibility:  This position does have supervisory responsibilities.

Travel:  Travel is essential and may include travel to fragile and conflict-affected areas.  An average of 25%-35% travel for project implementation and/or project management duties.  Percentages may vary depending on IBTCI business needs.