Chief of Party, Nigeria Monitoring Project at Management Systems International - MSI

Job Classification: Project

Project Summary

• The purpose of the Nigeria Monitoring Project (NMP) is to establish a third-party monitoring system to monitor, verify, and analyze trends on humanitarian programs in Nigeria funded by USAID's Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID BHA).
• The activity will create an independent and verifiable monitoring mechanism for USAID BHA funded programs in Nigeria that will increase USAID BHA and their partner's understanding of the outputs, outcomes, processes, progress, quality, challeneges, achievements, and lessons learned of their projects.
• The information and findings will be critical in ensuring program learning, program accountability, and beneficiary accountability, which will contribute to real time programmatic adjsutments and future program design.

Position Summary

• The Chief of Party (COP) is responsible for leading and managing NMP operations in Nigeria.
• The COP works closely with USAID BHA in Nigeria and with implementing partners. This collaboration is fundamental to data collection, implementation, analysis, and productive feedback that will improve the ability of USAID and implementing partners to effectively deliver humanitarian aid.
• The COP also oversees the production of all deliverables and compliance required under this contract. The work involves team management, technical guidance, administrative coordination, operations oversight, and client relations.
• The COP will also be responsible for overseeing subcontractors' work and performance. The COP reports to the MSI Home Office Technical Director. This is a Long-Term Technical Assistance (LTTA) position. 

Responsibilities
Technical Management:

• Serve as the main point of contact for the contract with the USAID Mission and implementing partners
• Manage and oversee preparation and ensure timely submission of all contract deliverables
• Ensure the quality of all data collection, analyses, reports, and other deliverables
• Meet MSI and USAID quality control and assurance standards
• Manage and monitor all sub-contractors and sub-awards under the NMP award
• Direct and monitor execution of all other activities within the work plan

Contractual/Financial Management:

• Maintain administrative and financial controls and records, pursuant to MSI’s procedures
• Ensure compliance with all terms and conditions of the contract and U.S. Government and USAID rules and regulations
• Manage the contract budget with the Finance and Administrative Specialist and Project Management Team

Personnel Management:

• Manage the NMP project team and directly supervise the Deputy Chief of Party
• Recruit staff and ensure implementation of effective security and human resource protocols for project staff
• Fill staffing gaps expeditiously to keep work plan and budget on track
• Manage the work of team members, reviewing and providing regular feedback
• Evaluate performance and negotiate and recommend salary adjustments and bonuses
• Recommend early termination of project employees to home office Director, who must concur
• Support staff when personal issues arise to ensure the welfare of team members and families
• Motivate staff to perform effectively toward project objectives through communication, team-building incentives, and responsiveness

Safety and Security Management:

• Maintain an understanding of local political and security developments
• Propose strategic and tactical revisions to the Project Safety and Security Manual necessary to seize emerging opportunities and/or mitigate risks
• Act as the primary liaison for USAID and the US Embassy regional security officer
• Adhere to security procedures and require team members to follow them
• Monitor and report on the security situation to MSI home office and USAID
• Ensure the safety and welfare of team members.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in International Affairs, Social Science, or a related field is required
• At minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the humanitarian, development, or transition field
• At minimum five (5) years of experience managing teams
• Two (2) years of experience working in conflict zones
• Previous experience working and leading USAID-funded activities is required
• Previous experience managing third-party monitoring projects, M&E support projects, or large-scale evaluations is required
• Previous experience managing or conducting quantitative and qualitative field research in conflict zones is required
• Previous experience supporting development or humanitarian assistance programs in Africa is desirable
• Previous experience managing sub-contractors is desirable
• Strong leadership skills with excellent analytical, interpersonal, team management and client relations skills
• Fluency in oral and written English is required.