Chief of Party – Zambia MEL Platform Bixal

Job Description
Location:

This role is based in Lusaka, Zambia.

What will you do?

Bixal seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for the USAID Zambia Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Platform (MEL) activity to provide technical, administrative, and programmatic support services to the USAID/Zambia Mission in the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies and programs related to Mission priorities.

Specifically, this contract will provide USAID Zambia, implementing partners (IPs), and local country stakeholders with: 1. demand-driven MEL support services, 2. a Learning Hub Facility space, and 3. event management, communications, and logistical support services.

The ideal candidate is a solution-oriented, engaged, resourceful professional with USAID experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA), and communications. As a leader who is passionate about data and learning, the COP seeks opportunities to grow, advance, and shape improvements in how development is delivered.

The COP will be the authority on the implementation of the contract and provide guidance, leadership, and oversight for a team of professionals inLusaka, Zambia. A senior leader, the COP will represent the activity to USAID/Zambia and provide technical oversight on all deliverables. The COP will manage personnel, oversee a multi-million-dollar budget, and be accountable for the safety and security of team members, liaising with the home office for support on issues as needed.

Important note:

This is a full-time proposal position contingent on contract award.

Responsibilities:

Technical:

Provide overall leadership, management, and strategic direction for the project, overseeing team performance in pursuit of project goals across three categories of activities.

Oversee and monitor quality of all project activities and ensure timely, high-quality delivery of all deliverables to USAID, assuming ultimate accountability for the quality of work and client satisfaction for Bixal tasks under this contract.

Serve as a thought leader and high-level representative for Bixal to USAID, host government counterparts, the private sector, donors, and other stakeholders in the development community.

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders from USAID and other in-country partners throughout Zambia.

Oversee the development of program strategies, work-plans, reports, and other deliverables, working in conjunction with USAID staff and Bixal home office team members.

Work with teams to strategically deploy staff and consultants.   Manage project partners and subcontractors, ensuring effective communication with consortium partners, identifying and resolving potential partnership issues that may arise, and ensuring cohesion throughout project implementation.

Ensure project responds to changing conditions and operating environments.

Assist with troubleshooting and problem solving when the need arises including delivering services to the client when required.

Management:

Mentor and support the professional development of all staff and consultants, including identification or development of internal learning opportunities.

Oversee project administration, implementation, and financial management to ensure project implementation aligns with budget projections, internal policies, and USAID regulations.

Ensure effective cost-management, accurate financial reporting, and proper use of funds.

Business Development:

Participate in client events and forums to positively represent the organization and develop and maintain relationships with the industry.

As appropriate, play an active role in new client acquisition by supporting business development initiatives to enhance and grow Bixal’s business in each of the areas that it works.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in monitoring and evaluation, public administration, political science, international relations, or related field.

At least 10 years of experience successfully managing monitoring and evaluation, CLA, analytical research, and/or program support mechanisms in developing countries, including similar roles on USAID contracts.

At least 5 years of experience serving as an empathetic and successful leader to a diverse staff team delivering complex functions, including operations staff.

Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills blended with expert writing and verbal communication skills.

Proven success in leading highly collaborative, dynamic teams and managing change.

Solution-oriented and eager to promote a collaborative, flexible, and creative working environment and relationship among team members, subcontractors, and other key stakeholders.

Excellent communications and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to establish strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Please note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.

Bixal is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond.