Deputy Chief of Party

Economic Growth Division

Position Location: Chengdu, China

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Position Summary:

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) provides oversight of program planning, reporting, and quality assurance; subcontract administration; program staff deployment and development. In close consultation with the Chief of Party (COP) and the HQ Project Director, the DCOP will be responsible for providing oversight of technical activities, including ensuring appropriate design and that procedures are established and complied with for scope of work development, competition and selection, implementation, management, and monitoring and evaluation. S/he will act as the Chief of Party (COP) and serves as the principal point of contact for procedural and substantive matters in the absence of the COP. The followings are some key responsibilities and scope of work for this position that may be adjusted based on real situation and program needs during future work.

Reporting & Supervision:

This position reports to the Chief of Party. The position regularly interacts with M&E and Finance Staff and oversees the Operations Manager and senior technical staff.

Expected Outcomes:

• Work with the field team to develop new project activities, draft agreements, ensure timely submission of project deliverables, and support technical monitoring activities.

a) Participate in the drafting of all related documents and provide support in the negotiation process.

b) Ensure that project design is feasible and will adequately contribute to SMD project indicators.

• Coordinate work between value chains and teams and ensure annual objectives are reached. Including but not limited to: job creation, training hours delivered, and financing obtained
• Assist the COP to manage technical staff, keeping the team on schedule and actively engaged in their job descriptions.

a) Work with staff to reach their working objectives

b) Facilitate development of strategic knowledge pertaining to value chains and work with the team to keep on schedule with achieving each VC's stated goals

• Work with the operations manager to ensure adherence to Creative and USAID policies, by regularly reviewing the file keeping system. Ensuring:

a) Adherence to Creative and USAID procurement, HR, IT, contracts and administration policy

b) Conduct regular spot checks to on the completion of documentation.

• Establish and implement a time-bound professional development plan which incorporates CreativeU e- and instructor-led courses, and which if necessary, also values external and/or non-traditional learning activities

Primary Responsibilities:

Programmatic

• Support the COP to ensure proper administration and implementation of the program components;
• Support the COP in managing the program team in an open and respectful manner, working with local staff to build their competencies and capacity;
• Support staff in oversight of program and office procurement and contracting procedures, supporting the adherence of these to Creative established policies and procedures, in keeping with USAID rules and regulations;
• Support M&E activities and the development of documentation and written materials relating to the program, including deliverables, reports, communications materials, and success stories as requested by Creative home office and the donor;
• Oversee the program's access to finance activities; and
• Facilitate knowledge management, communications and information flow for the program, including liaising with home office.

Operations

• Provide guidance and direction to staff on operations and procurement;
• Work with and assist COP with staff management, coordination with partner organizations, and planning and implementing activities locally;
• Monitor internal systems and procedures ensuring efficient and proper use of resources; and
• Manage short-term technical assistants including development of scope of work.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• At least five-years working experiences in related areas, such as sustainable livelihoods, rural development, value chain development, MSME development, and access to finance;
• Experience managing USAID or other donor-funded development programs in similar settings, preferably in China;
• Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written;
• Experience managing a team of local personnel as well as short-term local and international experts;
• Experience reporting to international donors;
• Graduate degree in business, management, economics, international development or a related field preferred;
• Authorization to work or conduct business in China is required;
• For Chinese native speakers: written and spoken fluency in English is required. For English native speakers: written and spoken Mandarin Chinese language proficiency is required.

Local and regional candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.