Overview: DT Global is seeking an Implementation Director for an anticipated USAID program in East Africa. The anticipated program seeks to strengthen conditions that support peace and prosperity through increasing engagement of civil society actors, improving access to timely, accurate information, and encouraging citizens to model democratic behaviors. The Implementation Director (ID) will work closely with and report to the Deputy Chief of Party-Programs (DCOP-Programs) to provide technical direction and oversight for the program. The ID will work closely with members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) on Activity design and execution, and members of the Grants Management Unit (GMU, inclusive of Learning, Grants and Procurement teams) to oversee activity design and implementation, ensuring all actions and interventions adhere to USAID and DT Global technical guidance and align with global best practices, including the training of staff as required.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Support and coach Regional Program Managers (RPM), Grants Managers (GM), and Procurement and Logistics Officer (PLO) in the strategic development of concepts and operationalization of Activities that respond to the current political situation and established program goals and objectives.


• Demonstrate high level of understanding of USAID grant regulations and other considerations that may impact activity design and work closely with the Grants team and SMT to proactively address these prior to activity implementation. This may include doing activity write-ups and supporting due diligence processes.


• Demonstrate high level of understanding of prior implementation challenges and actively incorporate lessons learned into the design of new activities. Proactively share lessons learned across the program and contribute to the development of new tools and knowledge that can be integrated into the program’s M&E function.


• Actively participate in the problem solving and troubleshooting throughout the grant cycle to assure implementation remains within the spirit of the original design concept. With Programs team, provide technical assistance to grantees and potential grantees as required, throughout the activity cycle, in coordination with other staff.


• Closely analyze the country’s rapidly changing environment on an ongoing basis, and contribute to rolling assessments, strategic review sessions, and recurring meetings.


• Document and monitor activity updates, in close coordination with other GMU team members.


• Ensure that procurement, finance, logistics, and programmatic aspects of activities are being implemented on-time and in accordance with the approved activity and budget, along with USAID rules and regulations.


• Oversee compliance reviews of program Activities, ensuring alignment with USAID rules and regulations and serving as the main point of contact for final reviews before Activities are sent to the COP and DCOP-P.


• Coordinate with grants and procurement staff to provide sufficient written information for negotiation memos and all relevant contract documents as possible.


• Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Education & Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master's degree in relevant field preferred 


• Five to seven years of relevant experience required, including supervisory experience


• Fluent written and spoken English is required


• Demonstrated analytical ability and understanding of local and regional context and social conditions in country and the surrounding region, with the ability to think creatively in conceptualizing relevant grant activities


• Proven knowledge of local and international organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and community-based organizations implementing relevant activities and programs in country, as well as key governmental actors and stakeholders


• Experience with USAID rules and regulations, especially as they relate to grants compliance


• Experience in working with local organizations on project design, assessing technical and programmatic capacities; implementation of activities preferred


• Experience and/or good understanding of donor organizations


• Ability to effectively use computer software and MS Office application


• Ability/willingness to travel throughout the East Africa region


• Experience working in East African countries undergoing transition is highly desired, but not required


• Experience with remote management in transition environments is highly desired, but not required

Core Competencies:

• TEAMWORK:  Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust and commitment.   


• COMMUNICATION:  Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts. 


• ADAPTABILITY:  Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment. 


• CUSTOMER/CLIENT FOCUSED:  Anticipates, monitors and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an appropriate and responsive manner. 


• DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:  Conveys respect for diverse individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone fairly. 


• PROFESSIONALISM:  Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity and personal presentation in the workplace always; demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal.