Chief of Party, MELS

Introducing Integrity

Integrity is an ethical consultancy and service provider working in challenging and complex environments around the globe.

We help our clients succeed in fragile and challenging environments while building trust and understanding as the basis for transformative change. We work across all phases of the program and project cycle, delivering eleven complementary services: monitoring, evaluation and learning / data and knowledge management / research, evidence and analysis / advisory / project management / communications / risk management / technical assistance / capability and capacity development / stakeholder engagement / grant and fund management. Our services are underpinned by the principles on which we were founded, a commitment to providing reliable information and evidence, and expert and high-quality delivery.

Headquartered in London and Washington DC, Integrity also has offices in Jordan, Kenya, and Pakistan. Our multi-national team of over 80 deliver multi-year projects, programs and consulting assignments to a wide range of government clients, international organizations, foundations and private sector clients.

VISION: To set the international standard for ethically delivered expert services in complex and challenging contexts.

MISSION: We use evidence and learning to provide trusted advice and enable change for a sustainable future.

VALUES:

• Courage: We work on many of the world’s most complex problems. We stand against violence in all its forms. We are unafraid to stand up to illegal or unethical practices.

• Objectivity: We challenge conventional thinking. Our recommendations are not based on assumptions or ideology but evidence and learning.

• Diligence: We incorporate our best individual and collective intellect through rigor, reflection, and collaboration.

• Accountability: We take responsibility for the quality of our work and performance. We hold ourselves to account through clear policy and process, sustained by long-term profitability.

• Sensitivity: We understand the impact of our presence and our work, empathize with people’s situations, and commit to do no harm.

ETHICS: Integrity upholds the highest ethical standards in our work, our employment of staff and our interaction with people. Through adherence to our core values, we ensure the best possible service, and benefit the communities amongst whom we work.

We commit to building a diverse and inclusive organization where all feel safe and able to progress, contribute and be heard, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital or parental status.

Further information about Integrity can be found at www.integrityglobal.com.

Project Background

South Sudan faces some of the most complex and onerous development challenges in the world due to decades of conflict and climate-driven shocks. USAID/South Sudan has worked hand in hand with the South Sudanese people since independence, trying to help them to advance their country’s development. Most recently, the Mission has created a scenario-based Strategic Framework with a focus on building resilience at the community level. To support the evidence-based decision-making necessary to achieve this goal, the Mission is procuring technical support through the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Support (MELS) activity. MSI is a subcontractor to Integrity to support this project.

Scope of Work

Integrity is actively seeking a dynamic Chief of Party (COP) to spearhead the MELS activity. As the key liaison with USAID/South Sudan, the COP plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day implementation and management of the contract. Beyond ensuring the technical excellence and appropriateness of all assistance provided, the COP is dedicated to fostering effective communication and close collaboration with all stakeholders involved. Vital to, the COP possesses the authority to represent and commit the Contractor to ensure successful implementation and agile management.

Operating under the direct guidance of the Project Director and working closely with the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), the COP leads and manages the technical aspects related to performance monitoring, data quality analysis, and conflict analysis. Oversight of all performance at MELS and the delivery of its outputs to the Mission falls within the purview of the COP.

Terms of Reference

• Provide adaptive and high-quality leadership to the MELS project’s intervention in South Sudan, overseeing the technical and strategic direction of USAID’s MELS initiative.
• Provide oversight and strategic guidance for all project activities ensuring key results are consistently delivered and key lessons are broadly disseminated to key stakeholders.
• Lead and supervise day-to-day programmatic activities, including third-party monitoring, evaluations and assessments, data quality assessments, and other activities as requested by USAID such as IP meetings in accordance with the approved work plan.
• Apply a deep understanding of the monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to ensure the project responds to and leverages all relevant efforts.
• Ensure that the staff reporting to him/her all have up-to-date job descriptions, roles, and responsibilities and receive performance evaluations at least once a year.
• Demonstrate MEL and research and development technical experience and be able to provide technical assistance to the project.
• Work closely with the Project Manager, Project Director, and VP of Delivery to ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with USAID policies and FAR and AIDAR rules and regulations.
• Ensure timely, budget, and result-oriented implementation of activities to meet contractual obligations, produce deliverables and targets, and achieve project results as specified by USAID/South Sudan.
• Communicate/work with key stakeholders at different levels.
• Work closely with technical and administrative staff to ensure the integration of all technical areas as well as strong collaboration with donors and local counterparts.
• Oversee analysis from third-party monitoring, evaluations and assessments, data quality assessments, and other activities requested by USAID in order to capture the interaction between USAID programming and the context of the conflict.
• Ensure quality control in the production of written deliverables from the integrity of the data collection to its analysis and technical drafting.
• Effectively manage in-country partner relations with governmental and implementing partners’ representatives.
• Conduct troubleshooting with South Sudan partners on programming issues to help resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Participate, lead, or oversee all technical, administrative, and operational activities of the MELS field office in South Sudan.
• Serve as Integrity's representative in the country and primary liaison with USAID.
• Supervise objective leaders, Deputy Chief of Party, Program leads and Director of Finance and Administration.
• Manage, lead, and oversee any other tasks as needed.

Your Experience and Expertise

• At least 10 years of experience in international development, including experience and technical knowledge in designing, managing, and evaluating multi-million-dollar development projects.
• At least 7 years of experience in senior field management experience demonstrating professional interaction with senior U.S. and foreign government officials.
• 8+ years of senior leadership experience on USAID programs of similar size and complexity is required. COP/DCOP or Project Director experience preferred.
• Previous experience of interacting with other government agencies, host country governments, and international organizations.
• A graduate degree in the field of management, international development, social sciences, economics, or business administration.
• Previous experience in managing or implementing large-scale third-party monitoring projects, USAID-funded programs, or large-scale M&E support projects, including humanitarian themes such as WASH, health, and protection.
• Expertise in designing, managing, and implementing complex and comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.
• Extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative research in fragile environments.
• Previous project management experience, the ability to prepare concise written materials and adhere to deadlines.
• Previous work experience in South Sudan or the region is desirable.
• Experience implementing USAID-funded MEL programs is desirable.
• Ability to manage multi-component projects with multi-functional teams including international and local consultants.
• Previous experience managing subcontractors is desirable.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills.

Languages

• Written and oral fluency in English, with the ability to write clear and compelling narrative.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form at www.integrityglobal.com/apply and attach a CV and Cover Letter, explaining why you are suitable for and want the role. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 26th January 2024.However, we will review candidates on a rolling basis and the vacancy may be filled before this deadline. We encourage early applications. Please be advised that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Integrity is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital or parental status. We will respect your confidentiality and abide by data protection laws.