Contract Management Specialist, USAID Somalia Program Support Services (SPSS)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Somalia Program Support Services (SPSS) contract implemented by International Business and Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI) provides evaluation services and program support for the USAID/East Africa/Somalia Office. It is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The program involves management of multiple simultaneous task orders supporting the USAID program in Somalia, including: implementing an ongoing monitoring system for funded activities; baseline studies and evaluations; managing a data clearinghouse; technical assistance and training to implementing partners and the Mission on aspects of performance management. Sectors encompass education, stabilization, governance, and economic growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief of Party (COP), who has overall responsibility for contract implementation, the Contract Management Specialist (CMS) will have day-to-day responsibility in assisting the COP with management of multiple task orders, and for monitoring compliance with contract delivery requirements and pertinent USAID policies. This involves oversight of work plan progress for numerous concurrent SPSS task orders, to ensure that the staff and funds are coordinated effectively and efficiently in the delivery of SPSS deliverables and results. The CMS collaborates closely with senior program and administration staff in Nairobi and at the Home Office to ensure adherence to organizational program standards and procedures. This requires liaising with individual program staff and coordinating and ensuring proper implementation of the program in accordance with IBTCI and USAID policies. The CMS supports the COP in maintaining a team environment. This is a 6 month consultancy position, with possibility of renewal.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

· Maintain a central role ensuring that each task order has a detailed work plan, that respective managers adhere to the work plans, and makes adjustments as appropriate.

· Responsible for maintaining the master work plan, to monitor all task order internal and client deadlines, and how corporate, internal and external resources are managed to support the smooth implementation of each task order with an overall system of corporate procedures and resources.

· Liaises with program staff day-to-day to monitor task order implementation timeliness and provide mentoring, coaching and capacity-building/training to staff, as needed.

· Ensure all task order staff develop and implement work plans in-line with the work plan and log frame.

· Liaises with the Home Office to oversee the subcontracts mechanisms, ensuring that all subcontract processes are implemented in an open, transparent and efficient manner and that staff monitor the subcontracts to keep them on schedule (including program implementation, spending and reporting) and within the parameters set by each subcontract. Liaise with the Finance Manager for payments, financial monitoring/compliance and closeout procedures.

· Along with the COP, Senior Technical Advisor and other Nairobi-based staff, and HO staff, recruit, on-board, and assist program staff with management of short-term consultants and teams, which can be operating simultaneously.

· Assists the COP with client reporting requirements to ensure program implementation meets client expectations, quality and regulations.

· Assists the COP with reviewing documents, reports and deliverables when required.

· Other duties as requested or assigned by the COP.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

· Minimum eight (8) years of experience in program management and contract compliance,

· Strong organizational skills, analytical capabilities, able to work in a fast-paced environment.

· Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English

· Familiarity with financial systems and administrative procedures, ideally with USAID or USG.

· Experienced in operational and organizational management, personnel management and supervision.

· Familiarity with standard/office IT applications and demonstrated ability to multi-task.

SUCCESS FACTORS

The successful CMS will apply a strong combination of management and team building abilities. As this position requires helping to ensure the timely delivery of multiple products and tasks to implement SPSS, the successful CMS will have strong organizational and project management ability. Other factors include:

1. Versatile multi-tasker with the proven ability to organize and prioritize many urgent tasks


2. Demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines


3. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving


4. Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results


5. Ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details.