Career Opportunities: Project Leader / Deputy Chief of Party – Tanzania

Organization Overview

The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.

Job Summary

Abt Associates is seeking a qualified Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the anticipated USAID/Tanzania Public Sector Systems Strengthening Plus (PS3+). This project is expected to institutionalize Government of Tanzania (GOT) public systems that are responsive to citizens’ needs for quality services at the local level, particularly for underserved populations. PS3+ will include three objectives/results areas: 1. Improved evidence-based, inclusive planning and management at local levels; 2. Strengthened local governance to promote citizen engagement and social accountability; and 3. Increased efficiency in the collection and use of financial resources.

This will be a large, complex and integrated project involving all systems functions, levels of government, and public services, prioritizing health, nutrition, social welfare, education and agriculture. The project Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will serve as a member of the senior management team tasked with building GOT ownership of project achievements and ensuring the completion of milestones and deliverables along Tanzania’s Journey to Self-Reliance.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Support the COP in overall technical management and oversight of the PS3+ activity.

• Provide substantive involvement regarding development of technical management and oversight for the accomplishment of the objectives of the PS3+ activity. Work closely with the COP and senior technical team in the development of work plans and activity timelines. S/he will ideally bring significant experience in a key project area, serving as technical lead for that area if appropriate.
• Support reporting, update and implementation of the technical strategies, identifying technical assistance needs, and mobilizing required technical resources and staff. This includes assuming primary responsibility for overseeing the timely production of quality deliverables to USAID, such as quarterly and annual reports, work plans, budgets, technical reports, and publications. The DCOP will work with the project technical teams, M&E Team Lead, Finance and Operations Director, and Regional/LGA Director to meet these deliverables according to work plans and timelines. S/he will also serve as field-based Project Quality Assurance (PQA) manager, coordinating quality reviews with relevant project staff and the US-based Technical Program Manager (TPM).

• Responsible for harmonizing the three objectives of the PS3+ activity specifically ensuring effective complementary and efficient implementation of PS3+s’ three objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and create opportunities for institutional strengthening and capacity development for in management and leadership especially for local staff.

• Coordinate and interface with partners, donors and clients on the technical components of PS3+. Assume primary responsibility for managing the work and monitoring the performance of international and local subcontractors, working with regional and technical staff to ensure that all activities and outputs are technically sound and appropriate.

• In the absence of the COP, on a temporary basis, the DCOP will assume responsibilities for coordinating contract management and implementation tasks, liaises with USAID/Tanzania and responds to technical matters.
• The DCOP for Technical Development will reside in Tanzania for the duration of the Contract.

• Work with the Finance and Operations Director on budget preparation, processes, and management in conjunction with the relevant program managers, including the development and review of relevant standard costs and scales for the program as technical compliance with USAID rules and regulations
• Work with the COP and Finance and Administration Director to ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Provide expert advice and timely guidance/analysis on USAID rules and regulations, applicable contract clauses, etc.
• The DCOP will collaborate with the project Communications Lead and the project Technical Director to ensure high visibility of project accomplishments in and beyond Tanzania. S/he will oversee the preparation of PS3 staff for client meetings and the rehearsal of presentations to government and other stakeholders. S/he may also lead or support the COP and other project staff in efforts to engage donors, government officials, and other stakeholders in policy discussions.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in the field of management, and/or international development with at least 10 years’ experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 15 years’ experience in international development.
• At least 10 years international experience in development, managing, overseeing, or evaluating public health programs of similar size and complexity.
• Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relations with senior Government personnel (particularly in Tanzania), international organizations, NGO partners, host country governments, and U.S. Government Agencies.
• Technical expertise in at least two of the following areas: citizen Engagement, public sector systems strengthening, local governance, and public financial management
• Expertise in effective institution strengthening, citizen engagement, and partnership building with government at local level.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the capacity to prepare and deliver formal presentations in English.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel).
• Strong English writing and speaking skills.
• Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written.
• Working experience in developing countries; experience in Tanzania preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• (15+) years of experience and a master degree OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. This experience would include 1-5 years of management experience.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce.  Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer:  Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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