Counterpart International
Job Description

TITLE: Technical Program Specialist (Senegal) LOCATION: Dakar Senegal
PRACTICE AREA: Programs REPORTS TO: COP, Senegal
GRADE: 7 DATE: October 29, 2021


Counterpart International is a global development organization that empowers people and communities to implement innovative and enduring solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. For 50 years, Counterpart has been forging partnerships with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, food security and nutrition, and building effective governance and institutions. For more information and to apply online visit www.counterpart.org


Job Profile:
The Technical Program Specialist supports implementation of two USDA funded projects in Senegal. This is a full time position based in Dakar, Senegal. This position will report to the Chief of Party (COP).

Background:
The Technical Program Specialist provides technical and operational support for the successful implementation of Counterpart programs in the areas of food security, nutrition, and agriculture. The current portfolio includes the Senegal Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement Program (LRP) and the phase 2 of the McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition project (McGovern-Dole).
The Specialist will work closely with the Chief of Party for the success of field operations in the areas of technical implementation, operational efficiency, and compliance requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Support COP to coordinate, prepare, review, and submit timely reports, including annual work plans; project evaluations; food commodity reports; field assessments, quarterly and semi-annual reports etc.;
• Support project implementation through coordination of technical elements, ensuring that objectives and milestones are achieved on time and within budget (fiscal oversight);
• Supervise the Commodity Officer;
• Support COP in coordinating logistics of food commodities, including commodity call forwards and transportation of commodities from US to field;
• Support COP and Senior Director of Finance in developing detailed budgets and agreement modifications that conform to project design and agreements;
• Oversee partnership engagement of in-country sub-partners;
• Support COP in monitoring and troubleshooting on-going project implementation;
• Support monitoring of program activities and budgets to ensure activities are conducted according to work plans, ensuring integrity and timeliness of activities in meeting program objectives, compliance with donor and Counterpart policies, troubleshooting and recommending alternative activities when appropriate;
• Support recruitment and contracting of staff and interns as needed;
• Assist COP with other strategic and operational tasks as required by the project;
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.


Required:
- Master’s in social science, international development, or other related fields (graduated from an American university of preferences)
- 7-8 years project management and project coordination experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English
- Familiarity in working in multi-cultural environments
- Deep familiarity with USG finance and grants process
- Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
- Ability to supervise staff as needed