Chief of Party
Bujumbura, Burundi
Programs – Africa - Central & East /
Full Time - Local /
On-site
Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international peacebuilding organization specializing in conflict transformation. Since 1982, we have been running programs around the world to help societies move from adversarial approaches towards collaborative solutions. Search's work is recognized globally, as evidenced by our nomination for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. Today, our programs cover more than 30 countries, with over 900 staff, 95% of whom are locally recruited, working with artists, media professionals, private sector and security actors, political, religious and community leaders to build a sustainable and viable infrastructure for peace. Through our extensive work with more than 313 radio stations and 26 television stations around the world, we estimate that we have reached almost 40 million people in many of the world's most difficult conflicts.
Search has been present in Burundi since 1995. With a main office in Bujumbura, over 12 staff currently implement three projects and programs. Some of the areas of intervention in Burundi include women’s economic empowerment, youth empowerment, conflict prevention, social cohesion, and governance.
Job Overview
Search is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated five year, USAID-funded project in Burundi that will advance land certification and women’s economic empowerment in Ngozi. The COP position is the most senior position in the project and will be responsible for providing strategic direction and will oversee all aspects of the project performance, both technical and managerial. He/she will ensure compliance with Search policies and USAID requirements for procurement, financial program reporting, records management and financial accountability. S/he will coordinate the formulation of implementation strategies with partners and different economic actors engaged in the project, lead the development of project planning and project management tools, guarantee the quality of project implementation and reporting, and coordinate the effective monitoring of results and institutional learning. S/he is the primary focal point with the donor and the partners.
The COP is responsible for ensuring that the project adheres to its strategic objectives, while also adapting to changes in the local context and responding to emerging challenges. With a focus on achieving project outcomes, the COP provides guidance to the team, maintains strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensures compliance with donor requirements.
Roles and responsibilities
- Provide clear strategic vision and direction for the project, overseeing its economic, media, land certification, and gender inclusion components.
- Guarantee the implementation of a strong project strategy and lead regular reflection exercises to ensure continuous learning and adaptation as the context evolves.
- Oversee the implementation of all project activities, ensuring that deliverables are met on time and within budget.
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor the quality of project activities, engage with key local stakeholders, and maintain trust and engagement within the community.
- Lead the preparation of narrative reports in English for internal and donor purposes, ensuring compliance with Search and donor requirements, in collaboration with Search’s regional team.
- Facilitate regular coordination meetings with project partners and provide consistent follow-up to ensure smooth collaboration.
- Oversee sound financial management of the project, including budgeting for activities, reviewing budget versus actual expenses, and monitoring burn rates.
- Ensure that managerial, administrative, and financial procedures comply with Search and USAID policies and procedures.
- Work closely with the finance team to ensure transparent and accurate financial reporting, auditing, and compliance with all financial regulations and donor requirements.
- Facilitate engagement with economic and land certification actors in Burundi, both public and private, to coordinate the planning, effective implementation, and monitoring of their activities within the project.
- Maintain excellent relationships with the donor through regular meetings, information sharing, and involvement in key project activities.
- Engage with local government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders to promote the project’s goals and activities, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual understanding.
- Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the project’s results, particularly its economic component, in collaboration with the DME Coordinator in Burundi, the Regional DME Specialist, and local partners.
- Implement mechanisms to track project impact and outcomes, ensuring alignment with project objectives and donor expectations.
- Lead the development and implementation of a robust learning agenda to continuously adapt and improve project strategies and activities.
- Organize regular performance assessments for staff under direct supervision and plan for their capacity building, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Lead the implementation of the project’s branding and visibility strategy and activities, ensuring compliance with Search and donor requirements.
- Manage and mentor project staff, promoting teamwork and a collaborative work environment.
- Ensure that all project activities are implemented in accordance with Search principles, policies, and procedures.
- Identify and mitigate risks, including issues related to security, liability, or fraud, and bring these to the immediate attention of the appropriate staff.
Strategic Leadership and Vision:
Program Management:
Financial and Administrative Oversight:
Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:
Capacity Building and Team Management:
Risk Management and Compliance:
Qualifications
- University degree in development, gender and development, development finance, social sciences, economics or other related fields. A masters degree is preferred.
- At least 10 years in project management, including experience working with an INGO.
- Demonstrated leadership, management, strategic thinking, and training experience.
- Experience managing USAID funded projects is preferred.
- Proven ability to manage all aspects of grant and contract administration.
- Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English and French required. Knowledge of Kirundi is desirable.
- Proven ability to manage technical assistance teams and leading multidisciplinary teams while developing a common vision.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, as well as social media platforms.
- Cultural sensitivity and strong interest in dialogue, peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication with a variety of stakeholders.
- Ability to maintain professionalism, creativity, and enthusiasm while working in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment with minimal supervision.
- Show an entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to take initiatives.
- Capacity to mobilize people, share information and work as part of a team.
- Professional experience and knowledge of Burundi and the East and Central Africa region.
- Extensive experience of working in a senior management role in an emergency or complex context.
- Willingness to travel to remote areas in Burundi’s interior.
Competency and Behavior Indicators (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Working with People: The ability to respect the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy, listens, supports; consults others and shares information and expertise, builds team spirit and adapts to the team.
- Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, to tolerate ambiguity, to adapt personal style to different people and situations.
- Drive for Results and Efficiency: The ability to set quality standards, monitor and maintain quality of work, and set goals to achieve continuous improvement.
- Relationship Management: The ability to manage interactions, to provide service and to support the organization while building an effective internal and external network.
- Consultation (for managers and up): The ability to provide guidance to organizational stakeholders while applying creative problem-solving to address business needs.
- Leadership and Navigation: The ability to manage and contribute to initiatives and processes within the organization while making progress toward change and continuous improvement.
- Communication: The ability to effectively exchange information with others, to effectively deliver critical information, to gather information and communicate with others.
- Global and Cultural Effectiveness: The ability to value and consider the perspectives and backgrounds of all parties and be able to work cross-culturally.
- Ethical Practice: The ability to integrate Search vision, mission and core values, integrity and accountability throughout all organizational and business practices.
- Critical Evaluation (for managers and up): The ability to interpret information to make business decisions and recommendations based on keen analysis, best practices and an understanding of preferred outcomes.
- Business Acumen: The ability to understand and apply information to contribute to the organization's strategic plan.
- Developing others (for people manager): The ability to provide support to enhance performance and professional growth.
Please note that the position is contingent upon contract award. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
