BACKGROUND

Creative Associates International Inc. is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, DC, the firm has a field presence in 30 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

In close coordination with USAID, the program will contribute to the US government efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, including increasing community and institutional resilience.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Regional Program Manager (RPM) will be... responsible for overall technical guidance in the Quetzaltenango office. The RPM will lead the Quetzaltenango team, and they will support the COP in overseeing the design, implementation and monitoring of a portfolio of small grants designed to deliver quick impact.

As a member of the program’s Senior Management Team (SMT), the RPM will support the COP in their work with USAID and external stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and design activities that will respond to community priorities to further the objectives of the program. The RPM will be expected to liaise with various levels of stakeholders, including government officials, security actors, civil society organizations and community actors, and must therefore possess and display strong leadership and representational skills. The RPM will be expected to report daily to and receive guidance from Senior Management.

REPORTING & SUPERVISION

The RPM reports to the Chief of Party (COP).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
• Leadership: Lead, train, and motivate a small multidisciplinary team in Quetzaltenango to achieve program objectives empower team members to deliver results by providing clear guidance while allowing them to take risk and initiative.
• Representation: Build and maintain strong relationships with all program stakeholders, including USAID and US Government personnel, national and local host government entities, security forces, civil society organizations, informal community groups, and media organizations. Represent the program in official functions.
• Strategic review : Ensures that activities are aligned with the program strategy and the implementation plan is aligned with the expected results and objectives
• Atmospherics: Support the COP in advising USAID on the evolution of the local political, legal, and economic situation and on how to continuously adapt the program to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Produce concise reports on events and trends.
• Strategic thinking: Constantly identify new ways of achieving project efficiencies, including developing critical relationships and building networks with public and private sector organizations, vendors, suppliers, and individuals.
• Grants Management: Work in close collaboration with the Grants Manager the Finance , and Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Manager in the Quetzaltenango to ensure the compliant implementation of grants through each phase of the activity cycle. Ensure that activity progress is captured through detailed notes in the database
• Ensure all activity documents are stored on the program’s cloud-based information systems.
• Collaborate with other project units, including finance, procurement and grants to ensure effective implementation of activities.
• Policies and Procedure: Champion and adhere to all Creative and USAID procedures and manuals (e.g., Activity Management Guide; Activity Cycle Flowchart; Field Procurement Guide; and Operational Communications, Emergency, Information, and Physical Security Plans. Adhere to Creative’s Values and One Team approach ac, and code of conduct).
• Training: In collaboration with the SMT, design and implementation targeting training sessions on all aspects of the program, to ensure that staff possess all the skills and knowledge required to implement a fast-paced program.
• With the COP and Security Officer, work closely to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members.
• Other duties as assigned by the COP.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
• University degree in social sciences or a related field required, and Master’s degree desired.
• Must have at least 8 years of general work experience and 5+ years of specific experience related to the required position. Must have at least 4+ years of direct supervisory experience.
• Fluency in spoken and written English highly desired.
• Spanish fluency required.
• Experience in the design, implementation, and management of community development projects, community participation with nonprofit organizations in Guatemala.
• Experience in one or more of the following sectors required: community mobilization/participation, civil society strengthening, youth engagement,
• Previous work experience with USAID and other international donors/NGOs.
• Effective personnel management, coordination, and decision-making skills, with proven ability to be accountable for all components of the Regional Office.
• Competent in building networks, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to influence with effective listening, persuasion, negotiation and other techniques.
• Strong critical thinking to plan, organize, and manage resources for successful completion of complex and high-speed programs.
• Proven experience of different USAID regulations in programmatic and financial management and ensure that the project maintains the highest administrative, financial, and operational standards for compliance and audits.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Effective management skills that create and maintain an environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility.
• Must have existing work authorization for Guatemala
Quetzaltenango Guatemala

Salary Criteria