South Sudan (Republic of): Project Director – Education in South Sudan

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Project Director – Education in South Sudan

Effective with the release of this position announcement, Winrock International is recruiting applicants for the position of Project Director for an anticipated education program in South Sudan with the Empowerment & Civic Engagement group. The responsibilities, duties, and qualifications are described in the attached position description. Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

GENERAL:

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants should go to www.winrock.org and submit a current resume and cover letter referencing South Sudan Education Project Director by February 22, 2013.

Winrock would like to graciously thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are short listed will be contacted.

EEOE/AA.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Project Director

LOCATION: South Sudan

UNIT: Empowerment & Civic Engagement

REPORTS TO: Group Vice President, Empowerment & Civic Engagement

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The Project Director will manage an anticipated USAID education program for Winrock International’s Empowerment & Civic Engagement group in South Sudan. The Project Director will be responsible for implementing a high-quality, results-oriented education project that addresses equity, stability, access, quality, relevance, and community participation.

Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Project Director is responsible for overall project management, supervision, administration, and implementation of the requirements of the project. He/she will establish and maintain systems for project operations; ensure that all cooperative agreement deadlines are met and targets are achieved; maintain working relationships with project stakeholders (including sub-grantees and/or subcontractors); and oversee the preparation and submission of technical and financial reports to USAID. Specific responsibilities include: • Provide overall technical expertise and leadership on a number of technical areas, particularly the expansion of equitable education services, pupil and teacher well-being, and stability components of the project. Other technical areas may include school improvement, gender equity and sensitivity, conflict-sensitive approaches, teacher training, life-skills instruction/activities, psychosocial well-being of learners and teachers, curriculum development, and learning outcomes . • Act as primary liaison with USAID/South Sudan on all management and technical matters and maintain close communication with USAID through formal review sessions and by providing ongoing, informal updates of project progress. • With support from field and home office staff, prepare and submit timely and accurate project, financial, and procurement reports to USAID and Winrock. • Facilitate project design, strategic planning, and implementation of project activities. • Develop and oversee the project’s annual planning and high quality implementation of activities and deliverables in order to deliver impact within agreed timelines.
• Oversee project budget and ensure that all financial activity is carried out in accordance with annual budget allocations, Winrock policy, and donor guidelines. • Provide technical assistance, support, and oversight to partner NGOs. • Provide technical assistance, support, and information to national, state and local government officials, particularly the MOGEI. • Provide technical assistance, support, and capacity development to CBOs (including school PTAs, SMCs, BOGs, CMGs, and governing bodies) • Hire and supervise project staff and annually evaluate their performance. • Represent the project and Winrock to donors, local and national government entities, the media, local NGOs, and the local business community. • Oversee monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and deliverables; and report lessons learned and best practices related to education.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Successful candidates will have strong and salient experience managing education programs in sub-Saharan Africa, with preference for relevant experience in conflict or post-conflict areas. Specific experience and specialization in at least three of the following is required: enrollment and retention; curriculum development; school improvements; non-formal education; teacher training; policy advocacy, community mobilization, gender-based violence; monitoring & evaluation (of education programs); psychosocial well-being. Significant USAID project management experience and leadership is highly desired.

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education: Advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher) in education or international education, or other relevant advanced degree required

Certification, training, or experience in monitoring & evaluation

Technical: 12 years professional experience in the education sector including at least 5 years field experience in developing countries, including conflict-affected areas.

Management Experience: • 12 years of experience managing or supporting donor-funded programs (preferably USAID). • 10 years of experience working in the education sector. • Experience managing to the highest ethical standards international projects valued at $35 million or more. • Management and implementation of complex, multi-activity programming, on time and on budget. • Financial/budget management, budget design, and complex grants program management facility is essential. • Implementation of psychosocial well-being activities or other related activities required • Capacity to build and effectively supervise a diverse team of local and expatriate employees. • Experience leading program design and strategic planning and implementing strategic plans. • Expertise designing and implementing or overseeing monitoring & evaluation systems. • Emphasis on building capacity of and empowering host-country people and institutions highly desirable. • Good track record working with and/or partnering with a variety of individuals and organizations, including senior US and host country government officials, international agencies, private sector companies, and donor organizations. • At least 5 years’ experience working in developing countries, including work in complex, politically charged, unstable environments is crucial.

Skills: • Fluent English language skills required. • Additional language skills (Arabic or local languages) desirable. • Facility with USAID regulations, policies, and procedures or those of an equivalently complex international government funding organization. • Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, conflict, and ethical management skills. • Ability to coordinate with home office, stakeholders, and clients is essential. • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Computer literate in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (Microsoft).

Applicants should go to www.winrock.org and submit a current resume and cover letter referencing South Sudan Education Project Director by February 22, 2013.