Chief of Party, USAID BALADI CAP, Beirut, Lebanon

Project Summary:

Building Alliances for Local Advancement, Development and Investment – Capacity Building (BALADI CAP) is a 7+ year, USAID-funded program which aims to build the capacity of selected civil society organizations (CSOs) to manage and implement grants, foster increased citizen engagement with policy-makers and parliamentary committees, as well as support the continued development of 3 issue-based CSO advocacy networks and targeted advocacy initiatives on selected priority topics, in collaboration and partnership with selected local partners and governmental entities.

Position Summary:

MSI is seeking applications from qualified Chief of Party (COP) candidates with experience in managing the implementation of civil society capacity-building, advocacy networking and grants programs. The COP will be responsible for providing overall technical leadership, financial management and administrative oversight of the BALADI CAP program. S/he will be responsible for ensuring the completion of all tasks and objectives, in compliance with USAID and MSI regulations and requirements.  The COP will work in close coordination and cooperation with MSI’s home office technical, finance and contract personnel as directed.

Responsibilities:

Provide overall technical leadership, project management, quality assurance and oversight of all project activities.

Serve as MSI's primary liaison with the USAID/Lebanon Mission, other donors and USAID implementing partners, governmental institutions and governing bodies, key BALADI CAP partners and related stakeholders.

Recruit and supervise project local staff, short-term technical experts (international and local), subcontractors, and grantees to achieve project objectives and targets, and ensure timely implementation.

Develop and maintain effective partnerships with local development partners, such as government institutions, parliamentary and governing bodies, civil society organizations, grantees, etc.

Oversee fulfillment of all contract delivery requirements, including all monthly, quarterly and final programmatic and financial reports.

Oversee internal financial and administrative management of the project, including the budget, resource and asset allocation, project expenditures, and field budget tracking, in coordination with relevant project staff and MSI’s home office.

Ensure that the project meets required goals, objectives and indicator targets through effective project performance monitoring & evaluation and learning.

Ensure compliance with USAID and MSI regulations, requirements and standards of quality in all project activities, communications and deliverables.

Qualifications:

Master’s or doctoral degree in public administration, international relations, political science, economics, civil society management, or a related social science.

At least five years of experience leading the implementation and management of international development projects, preferably with components in the areas of civil society capacity-building, advocacy, local governance, service delivery and/or civic engagement programs.

At least three years of direct project management experience working with USAID-funded projects, with prior COP or DCOP experience required.

Experience working in Lebanon or the MENA region required.

Familiarity with political, economic, social, and cultural context and issues in Lebanon required.

Institutional strengthening, capacity building and advocacy experience strongly preferred.

Experience managing small grants programs strongly preferred.

Thorough working knowledge of USAID practices, regulations, policies and procedures.

Strong leadership and communication skills and ability to manage and be flexible in difficult and challenging circumstances.

Ability to work independently and produce high-quality outputs in a timely manner.

Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic required.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.