Chief of Party, South America and Caribbean

Contract type: Fixed term contract
Duration: This is a limited-duration position, with an anticipated term of 5 years.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon. This position is contingent upon receipt of funding and donor approval.

ABOUT IWPR

The Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) is an international non-profit organisation founded in 1991, with charitable status in the US, UK and the Netherlands. We give voice to people at the frontlines of conflict, crisis and transition to help them drive change and build more stable, just and inclusive societies.

Drawing on three decades of experience in some of the world’s most challenging environments, we support media, civil society, democracy and governance, gender, and youth-focused projects in over 30 countries – promoting reliable information and responsible public debate and removing barriers to freedom of expression

SUMMARY

The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) seeks a Chief of Party based in South America or the Caribbean for an anticipated USAID Justice, Rights, and Security activity to be implemented across various countries in both of those two regions.

The initiative will empower investigative journalists, media outlets, and journalism networks to deliver trustworthy news essential to building resilient, rights respecting democracies and in particular reinforce the capacity of independent media to shine light on corrupt tactics. This is a limited-duration position, with an anticipated term of 5 years.

The Chief of Party will be responsible for the overall management and operations of the Activity. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID development objectives. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination of all activities across all relevant parties including USAID, key stakeholders, and implementing partners. The COP will also oversee all project staff and sub-partners for results-oriented planning, leadership, and coordination of project activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide management, and the general technical direction of the entire Activity, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the award;
• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual work plans;
• Serve as the primary liaison with the USAID’s Agreement Officer’s Representative on management and technical matters;
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements;
• Take a leadership role in coordination among USAID, regional media organizations, consortium partners, and other key stakeholders;
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities, in close collaboration with other key staff;
• Oversee project planning (i.e., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (i.e., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports) in accordance with the highest standards;
• Oversee project budget and work in close coordination with finance leadership to meet expected results, ensuring cost-effective use of donor and IWPR resources;
• Support the implementation of a highly adaptive and inclusive programmatic approach;
• Provide oversight for all subawards, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and IWPR policies, with support from designated compliance and finance staff;
• Manage a team and oversee evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve greater impact.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor or Graduate degree in media and communication, international affairs, law, or other fields relevant to the activity;
• At least ten years of progressively more responsible international experience in challenging environments implementing and managing donor-supported media development programs with capacity building and grant making components;
• A minimum of five years of experience managing complex, USAID or other USG funded projects with at least a budget of $1 million
• Demonstrated technical expertise in the independent media sector, including in the development and execution of reporting projects, newsroom management, and audience engagement. Expertise specifically in investigative reporting is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining relationships and coordination with a broad range of stakeholders including civil society organizations and development partners;
• Deep understanding of the regional and country contexts for LAC as they relate to political and economic factors, media freedom and media sectors, and crime and corruption;
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments and working effectively with local and national civil society actors, media outlets, international donors, USAID representatives, other implementing agencies, and other stakeholders;
• Experience with and demonstrated commitment to inclusive approaches, including with regard to gender and marginalized communities;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish;
• Currently resident in a South American or Caribbean country;
• Ability to travel.

DESIRABLES

• Fluency in one additional regionally relevant language for the region;
• Prior experience with USAID preferred.