Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

The role

We are currently looking for Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), Read to Learn based in Vientiane Capital

Role Purpose                

Save the Children seeks a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the anticipated, follow-on USAID-funded Read to Learn education project in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The forthcoming project is expected to contribute to the Government of Lao PDR Education and Sports Sector Development Plan (ESSDP) 2026-2030, building on the accomplishments from USAID-funded Read to Learn project, and continuing to foster equitable learning outcomes for students in the early grades of primary school.

The DCOP will lead project operations at the district level including finance and contracts management, support services, human resources, administration, IT, logistics, and procurement for the project. In addition, the DCOP will coordinate with all partner organizations on issues related to implementation plans, preparation of sub-award modifications, determining needs for additional staffing/resources, and being sure that various management systems are of the highest caliber and are aligned to support capacity building initiatives that are consistent and encompass all critical components of the project.

This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding. This position will be based in Vientiane, Laos.

National candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

KEY AREA OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• Support the Chief of Party (COP) to ensure program is delivered according to contractual requirements with the donor and government, i.e., all activities and deliverables are completed within the agreed timeframe and budget, reports are submitted as per agreed schedules, and any other requirements or criteria are fulfilled.
• Design and regularly update detailed annual work plans and ensure the team uses these appropriately to monitor progress towards completion and achievement of program objectives.
• Lead the development and monitoring of procurement plans in collaboration with regional program managers, the supply chain department and logistics.
• Provide input into programmatic and financial reports for donors, government, and Save the Children as required, ensuring these are of the highest quality and submitted in a timely manner to the donor.
• Ensure compliance with USAID rules and regulations and Save the Children processes and policies.
• Assist with preparation and revision of a realistic budget, authorizing and monitoring expenditures in line with the budget, donor guidelines, and Save the Children’s grant management and financial regulations.
• Manage and motivate direct reports to achieve their work plan objectives and to contribute to achieving the overall program goals.
• Maintain good working relationships with USAID, government officials, government ministries, consortium partners, implementing partners, and the international and national NGO community.
• Work closely with Awards team to oversee the management of sub-awards to international and national NGO consortium partners, including the timely submission and review of deliverables, and adherence to terms of the sub-award agreements, including donor regulations.
• Monitor country-level activities, identify challenges, and develop appropriate reporting and results of project activities.
• Coordinate closely with the SC offices in administrative, HR, operations and finance matters related to the program.
• Coordinate closely with the Security Manager to monitor security issues that affect or could affect implementation and put in place and monitor mitigation plans.
• Attend and actively participate in periodic program meetings and ensure a summary of progress and challenges are prepared and presented with follow-up actions as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant areas of expertise, international development or related field.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 7-8 years of professional experience managing operations for international donor-funded projects, preferably in the education sector.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives, private sector entities, local community organizations, donors, and other stakeholders, particularly at the sub-national level.
• Experience with early-grade or family literacy, STEM, second language learning, and/or inclusive education programming preferred.
• Experience working in Laos or SE Asia region preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of USAID approaches and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals and teams at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated experience in training and capacity building to realize organizational objectives.
• Excellent communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Working fluency in Lao language is preferred.

Contract length: Fixed term

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Interested candidates please submit a full application using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document including contact details of three professional referees (current and last line managers and HR department). Please also include details of your salary expectations and a copy of your ID card. Please note that we will require a copy of your Criminal Records (ໃບແຈ້ງໂທດ) later.

Apply via this link: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/SAV1002STCF/JobBoard/7d92e82b-af74-464d-859b-c5b8cba6e92e/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=100c2dcd-7190-4857-89e0-77352152a794

Save the Children International is a child-rights based organization. Safe recruitment is central to the safeguarding of children and young people that we come into contact with, and support through our programmes.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Save the children is an equal opportunities employer, qualified females, persons with disability and candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.