Work Location : India - New Delhi | Type of Post : Not Applicable |
Other Possible Location : | Funding : APPROVED |
Expected Travel : up to 40% | Type of Contract : Local |
Language Requirement : English | Application Deadline : |
Employee Duration : Full-Time |
JOB SUMMARY:
The Chief of Party (COP) has overall authority, leadership, and vision for the five-year CARE USAID-India Partnership for Early Learning (IPEL) Project that runs from September 2021 - September 2026 and is accountable for its delivering results.
About IPEL: Through increased state commitment and improved FL delivery, IPEL works to ensure children in grades 1-3 can read with comprehension (in any vernacular language) and with fluency; can understand and solve problems using the pre-number and number systems (numeracy skills); can demonstrate cognitive development (e.g., sequencing, classification, and puzzles) and socioemotional and ethical learning (SEEL ) skills (sensitivity, cooperation, collaboration, habits); and can maintain the ability for creative expression (exhibiting feelings and communication). Through its system delivery mechanism, IPEL aims to reach 78,866 Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), 212,128 public primary schools, and over 11.8 million Indian public-school children (ages 3-8).
The IPEL Theory of Change is based on evidence that state-wide FL reforms require critical, interrelated, and at times, simultaneous interventions at three levels (state, district, and school levels), which will be achieved through the following IPEL components:
• Component 1: Improved reporting system for foundational/early learning.
• Component 2: Improved classroom instructional materials, policies, strategies, and standards adopted and practiced.
• Component 3: Improved professional development of education functionaries for early grade teaching and learning.
• Component 4: Strengthened visioning, financing, and coordination.
• Component 5: Strengthened community and family engagement in EL practices.
This role: The Chief of Party is accountable for realizing IPEL's four operational objectives: the efficient use of resources; effective and adaptive management; strong technical implementation; and administrative support. The person also will be responsible for providing project leadership, managing the overall strategic vision, and delivering results. This will include financial and narrative project reporting and the management of relationships with partners (local implementing partner; resource partners; and state government), stakeholders, and the donor. The person is the leader of the Central Project Management Unit which coordinates interventions; develops implementation guidelines; measures project progress, performance, and impact; ensures cross-sectoral integration; and manages the integration of learning and innovation. They also oversee the State Project Management Units (PMUs), led by the State PMU leads.
The COP reports and coordinates closely with CARE USA’s Education & Skills Team on strategy, accountability, reporting, and implementation. They also establish, nurture, and maintain relationships with the state governments, especially the Department of Education and ICDS, in all of IPEL’s four states and work with key academic and government institutions at the national level.
The Chief of Party manages a team of 70+ local staff at the central and state level who support project implementation, ensure compliance with all USG rules and regulations, and inform the overall direction and strategy of the project. They are also accountable for representation with USAID, the Government of India/state government, and participation in senior-level partner and stakeholder events and meetings. With staff and partners, the Chief of Party translates project goals and objectives into implementable strategies and plans. They oversee the preparation of the annual work plan, quarterly and annual project activity reports, MEL reports, and other deliverables, as specified in the grant agreement.
Given the scale and complexity of the IPEL Project, the COP must have a proven track record of managing education programs in India including knowledge of the technical components within the project. They must also have a significant history of working with high-level government actors and bodies, implementing partners, donors, and other stakeholders. They must also possess significant experience managing large, multi-year international education programming and maintain a strong understanding of USG financial and operational regulations. They must have experience with the design and oversight of the annual project cycle in accordance with USAID's annual planning cycles and have considerable experience achieving results in a team setting, supervising and coaching senior staff, and clearly communicating performance expectations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic oversight and leadership
Partnership management, networking, learning, and representation
Staff oversight and management
Oversee program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Starting salaries are based on internal equity, candidate experience, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.