Bixal is a mission-driven, woman-owned small business determined to improve people’s lives through human-centered strategies and transformative technologies, with a firm belief that everyone has the right to an effective government.

We deliver on this belief by partnering with leading Federal agencies to design, develop, and deliver powerful customer experiences through holistic digital product solutions and strategic communications initiatives––bringing a high standard and unique creative energy to our clients––and our wonderfully diverse culture is what makes it all possible.

Bixal unites different people with different perspectives from all over the world! We provide our team with an open and empowered environment where collaboration thrives and solutions flourish.

Accra, Ghana.

Bixal seeks a Chief of Party/Research Director for the anticipated USAID West Africa PELA activity. This program will enhance USAID/WA’s effectiveness in its peace promotion and CVE efforts by conducting high-quality evaluations, knowledge-sharing, and adaptive management to improve programmatic decision-making in the region.

The ideal candidate is a solution-oriented, resourceful, engaged, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) professional with USAID experience who wants opportunities to grow, advance, and shape the future of the international development in MEL and adaptive management. They are a leader who wants to help improve how development is delivered and are passionate about data and learning.

The COP/RD will provide guidance, leadership, and oversight for a team of professionals in Accra, Ghana.  The COP will be the primary liaison with USAID/West Africa and will be the authority on the implementation of the contract. The COP/RD will liaise with the home office for support on technical issues as needed. A senior leader, the COP/RD will provide technical oversight on all deliverables and also manage personnel, a multi-million dollar budget, and the safety and security of staff. They are equally comfortable with qualitative and quantitative data and methods and have an interest in or talent for technology.

Technical Oversight (80%):

• • Provide overall leadership, management, and strategic direction for the project and oversee the performance of team in pursuit of project goals
  • Lead team in using data, reports, and people’s experience to support projects to better learn and adapt to improve program effectiveness.
  • Oversee and monitor quality of all project activities and ensure timely, high-quality delivery of all deliverables to USAID
  • Lead technical initiatives to systematize quality across the organization and support the roll-out of standard approaches
  • Serve as a thought leader and high-level representative for Bixal to USAID, host government counterparts, the private sector, donors, and other stakeholders in the development community
  • Hold ultimate accountability for the quality of work and client satisfaction for Bixal projects under this contract
  • Work with teams to strategically deploy staff and consultants
  • Work in conjunction with West Africa office staff and Bixal home office staff to develop annual workplans, quarterly and annual reports, and other deliverables
  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders from USAIDand other in-country partners throughout West Africa
  • Ensure project responds to changing conditions and operating environments
  • Manage project partners and subcontractors, ensuring effective communication with consortium partners, identifying and resolving potential partnership issues that may arise, and ensuring cohesion throughout project implementation
  • Assist with troubleshooting and problem solving when the need arises including delivering services to the client when required.

Budget and Personnel Management (20%):

• • Mentor and supports the professional development of all staff and consultants, including identification or development of internal learning opportunities
  • Oversee project administration, implementation, and financial management to ensure project implementation aligns with budget projections, internal policies, and USAID regulations.
  • Ensure effective cost-management, accurate financial reporting, and proper use of funds

Qualifications:

• • Master’s degree in relevant field or Ph.D. in the Social Sciences
  • 10+ years of experience in MEL and CLA in international development programs
  • Experience in peacebuilding, peace and conflict resolution, and/or CVE.
  • Ability to work in French
  • Recognized senior-level expert in the monitoring, evaluation and learning sector
  • Strong management and people skills with a desire to cultivate growth and mentor team members
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills blended with expert writing and verbal communication skills
  • Loves to learn and willing to experiment with new technology and new ways of working
  • Technical expertise in one or more thematic sectors (such as health, governance/security, humanitarian response, environment, etc.) a strong plus
  • Experience with financial management and managing USAID contracts
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced business environment

Nice to Haves:

• • Previous experience serving as a Chief of Party on USAID contracts highly preferred
  • Experience working in West Africa and challenging operating contexts highly preferred