Deputy Chief of Party – Operations

Chemonics seeks a Deputy Chief of Party – Operations for the $72.9 million USAID Iraq Together/Ma’an Activity. The purpose of the USAID-funded Iraq Together/Ma’an Activity is to support selected Iraqi government entities at the national, regional, provincial, and district level to improve service delivery performance through use of technology and process standardization while increasing the availability of and access to information, particularly related to public services. Ma’an fosters improved and inclusive relationships and engagement between the Government and the communities they serve. Ma’an’s goal is more equitable, efficient, and sustainable public services in Iraq, as well as improving government responsiveness to citizens’ needs and demands.

The Deputy Chief of Party – Operations will oversee and manage project operations. The Deputy Chief of Party – Operations must have strong management and leadership skills and demonstrated experience successfully operating in complex environments. This is approximately an eight-month position till September 30, 2025, with the possibility of extension based on the awarding of potential option years. The position will be based in Baghdad, Iraq, which is an unaccompanied post and may require periodic local and regional travel. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensures that program implementation is in accordance with USAID regulations and procedures and the specifications determined in the scope of work, ensuring fair and transparent operations, procurement, and subcontracting processes, and reviewing of financial management
• Monitors operational standards and procedures to ensure compliance with Chemonics internal controls and USAID rules and regulations; seeks efficiencies to improve systems to enhance and accelerate the implementation of technical activities
• Reviews documentation associated with recruitment, procurement, grants, subcontracts, and financial transactions to ensure that Ma’an operations are in full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations
• Ensures local expenditures and monthly financial reports are consistent with Chemonics standards; provides financial reports to USAID upon request and in coordination with the Chief of Party and Operations Director
• Ensures personnel policies and regulations are strictly adhered to and practiced and makes recommendations to enhance overall work experience of Chemonics/Ma’an employees
• Provides guidance and mentorship to all staff based on best practices and Chemonics values
• Contributes to project deliverables like weekly, quarterly, and annual reports; annual implementation plans; and helps to plan, organize, and facilitate staff workshops
• Provides support and advice to the Chief of Party and programs team for resolution of complex issues, timely completion of tasks, achievement of program goals and objectives, grant-making, procurement strategies, and in other areas as needed
• Conducts periodic training on Chemonics ethical standards of business conduct with staff, vendors, subcontractors, and grantees
• In coordination with the Chief of Party, represents the project to USAID, and proactively communicates progress, achievements, and challenges
• Develops and/or reviews scopes of work (SOW) and actions composed by the technical teams related to RFAs, and RFPs/RFQs
• Supports the localization fund team in assuring compliant implementation of grant/subcontractors, including procurement (from PAR to deed of donation) and grants (from conception to closeout). This will include monitoring grantee worthiness; assuring expedient, fair, and transparent procurement processes; reviewing financial management practices; and monitoring grant and technical activity implementation
• Mentors and coaches the Operations Director and localization fund team members, fostering their professional development
• Provides surge support and takes ownership of all financial and administrative functions pertaining to technical grants, subcontracts, and procurement
• Assists with the development of new opportunities and interventions of the Annual Implementation Plan
• Provides compliance review and serves as a resource during the development of activity designs, implementation plans, and budgets to ensure compliance with USAID and Chemonics policies and procedures, activity manuals, and USG regulations.
• Collaborates with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party – Programs, and Operations Director to ensure the timely payment of all technical activities
• Serves as an alternate point of contact for Chemonics and USAID and acting Chief of Party, when required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; Master’s degree preferred
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience working with international donor-supported programs of similar size and complexity, in a development context similar to Iraq’s
• Comprehensive understanding of USAID rules and regulations for project implementation and compliance
• Working knowledge of Chemonics and/or USAID HR, procurement, grants, subcontracts, and financial processes preferred
• Experience establishing internal control systems and accounting/financial reporting protocols for subcontractors and grantees required
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with U.S. and host-country senior government personnel, donor partners, U.S. and local vendors, and the NGO/private sector
• Demonstrated experience managing large, diverse teams, including remote and hybrid management
• Demonstrated leadership, political acumen, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to fully and effectively communicate, both oral and written, in English is required and in Arabic is preferred
• Prior experience in Iraq and/or the MENA region preferred