Project Director (Sahel Region)

FHI 360 is a global development organization with a meticulous, evidence-based approach. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,400 staff around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enable us to have a lasting impact on the individuals, communities and countries we serve – improving lives for millions. 

FHI360 seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Project Director for the anticipated USAID Leader with Associates (LWA) award for the Regional Resilience Activity for Sahel Region.  The Leader and Associate Awards will seek to expand resilience in the Sahel (including in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, and the Gambia) by improving the ability of individuals, households and communities to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from perennial shocks and stresses. Potential activities areas are expected to incorporate a number of sectors including livelihoods and economic well-being, health, family planning, nutrition, governance, and citizen participation (especially women and youth). This position is expected to be based in Dakar, Senegal but the final location will be determined following issuance of the solicitation.

Availability of position is contingent upon funding and approval of key personnel.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the LWA's successful implementation and for providing general program and technical direction. Management responsibility for all personnel dedicated to Leader or Associate Awards’ activities. 

• Provides overall vision and leadership for regional-level Leader Award activities, leading the development of the Leader award work plans and budgets; and ensuring successful activity delivery.

• Serves as primary point of contact for the USAID AOR in the USAID Sahel Regional Office, and other USG officials in the region.

• Leads the design and development of Associate Awards, including forming and coordinating design teams for each requested Associate Award.

• Supervises the project directors/Chiefs of Party (COP) for all Associate Awards and lead coordination across the FHI 360 Team, and with COPs and staff.

• Provide technical quality control for all deliverables under the Leader and Associate Awards.

• Ensures the exchange of information and learning across regional stakeholders and staff and partners working on Leader and Associate Award activities.

• Works closely with other USAID-funded projects in ensuring alignment between technical strategies and needs of regional and country teams.

• Serves as the LWA’s representative to regional bodies and institutions, other donors, national government officials, and other participating organizations. 

• Responsible for addressing agreement-related issues, including ensuring that FHI 360’s financial controls and systems align with generally accepted accounting practices that meet USAID standards, and that all activity-procured materials and equipment are safeguarded and prudently and responsibly used. 

• Ensures appropriate levels of technical assistance for LWA activities; coordinates partner efforts in Leader activities and Associate Award design and development; and ensures appropriate activity monitoring and reporting.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in international development, agriculture, economics, water resources and natural resource management, business, public health, nutrition, social sciences, or a related fields. 

• 15+ years of proven experience with project management principles and practices including 10 or more years’ experience in the strategic management of sophisticated projects including in sectors such as livelihoods, food security, nutrition, health, family planning, governance, and/or citizen participation. Preference for experience leading multi-sectoral activities aimed at improving the ability of individuals, households and communities to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from perennial shocks and stresses.

• Preference for candidates with experience working effectively in the Sahel region, and with demonstrated knowledge of operating environments and socioeconomic and political dynamics in the region.

• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders. 

• Demonstrated client leadership skills and knowledge of USAID policies, procedures and approaches related to program design/implementation, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation. 

• Demonstrated leadership, planning, staff development, and capacity building experience.

• Strong written and oral com