BACKGROUND 

Creative Associates International Inc. is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm specializing in international development in education, democratic transitions 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 the US Embassy and USAID, the goal of the USAID/OTI-funded Central America Regional Initiative (CARI) is to address the root causes of migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, including increasing community and institutional resilience.  

REPORTING & SUPERVISION    

The Sr. Program Advisor STTA will report to the Sr. Project Director and coordinate with the Sr. Project Manager and Operation Manager in the field.   

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Deploy to CARI Field Office in Guatemala to serve as Acting COP.  
• As acting COP work with OM and STTAs to identify challenges and develop solutions in areas of program and operations jointly with program staff and client. 
• Provides mentorship and coaching to program staff on the Activity Guide and activity cycle. 
• As Acting COP responsiblefor activity development while staying apprised of the evolution of the local political, legal, and economic situation and on how to continuously adapt the program. 
• Provide support to RPM to develop mitigation measures for activities that incorporate political, security and operational risks.  
• Coordinate with the Contractor Home Office on all compliance issues, seeking legal and policy guidance on sanctions and other applicable restrictions. 
• Serves on the SMT as Acting COP, supporting idea and activity development. 
• Model concept review and editing as well as walk through scenario planning, and activity design.  
• Support RM to develop mitigation measures for activities that incorporate political, security, and operational risks,  
• Provide mentorship and coaching to program staff on training  

• Ensures technical, financial, and administrative activities are carried out according to Creative’s policies and procedures and consistent with donor regulations. 
• Coordinate with the Operations Manager to ensure that program implementation is in accordance with USAID regulations and procedures and the specifications determined in the SOW. This will include monitoring grantee worthiness, ensuring that all procurement processes are perceived as transparent by beneficiary communities, assuring fair and transparent procurement processes, review of financial management, and monitoring grant implementation.  

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field is required; Master’s degree is preferred; 
• A minimum of ten (15) years of relevant experience working in international development, including knowledge in the Contractor’s and USAID’s rules, regulations and policies in regard to human resources, financial management, financial reporting, and procurement processes, systems, and grants management.  
• Relevant experience in security-governance and experience with a Contractor or international NGO; 
• Experience working in Central America, particularly in one or more of the following the countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala; 
• Experience working in migration policy, climate change, crime and violence, gender inequality, and/or development and with a diverse population; 
• Experience with activity design, development, and implementation, preferably in short-term and fast-paced programs; 
• Strong management and leadership skills, including the ability to mentor staff; 
• Past representational experience with host governments, regional organizations including bi-laterals and other donors, and civil society and demonstrated success with inter-agency coordination and joint programming; 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;  
• Strong analytical capacity 
• Excellent oral and written English and Spanish (F5 for both languages).