Chief Of Party

Organizational Context

IOM, a UN-related organization, serves as the USG's implementing partner for reconstruction in Chuuk State, FSM, following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The Chief of Party (CoP) will oversee the COFA READY project's reconstruction component, reporting directly to the Chief of Mission in Pohnpei. This role ensures effective leadership and management of USG-funded efforts to support disaster relief and recovery.

Job Purpose

The Chief of Party (CoP) leads and manages the overall implementation of the USG-funded reconstruction component of the COFA READY project in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia. This critical role ensures that all project activities are executed effectively, aligning with organizational standards and donor requirements to achieve comprehensive reconstruction objectives following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The CoP is accountable for strategic oversight, operational management, and coordination with various stakeholders, including governmental authorities, humanitarian organizations, and disaster response experts. The role contributes significantly to disaster relief and recovery efforts, focusing on rebuilding public facilities and housing, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing disaster preparedness capabilities. By providing expert guidance and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, the CoP drives the successful restoration of essential services and infrastructure, ultimately supporting the affected communities in their recovery journey and fostering long-term stability.

Responsibilities

The Chief of Party strategically leads and oversees the COFA READY project's multi-year reconstruction component in Chuuk State, ensuring all activities align with organizational standards and donor requirements. This involves close collaboration with the Construction Manager to maintain quality and technical standards, providing technical guidance, and developing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to meet project targets and capture lessons learned. The role requires representing the program and liaising with key agencies, including the Department of State, local and national government authorities, and humanitarian organizations, to ensure coordinated disaster response and recovery. The CoP establishes and maintains strong internal controls for compliance with IOM and USG policies in operations, grants, and financial administration. Responsibilities also include overseeing staff recruitment and management, guiding the project team on compliance, and developing a strategic communications plan. Furthermore, the CoP incorporates lessons learned into preparedness, response, and reconstruction planning, organizes capacity-building trainings and drills, and leads relief and recovery efforts during disaster declarations, including managing multi-sectoral initiatives and coordinating logistical support for response teams. Regular situational updates to senior management and partners are also essential.

Work Experience

Extensive experience in disaster preparedness, response, community recovery, and strengthening government/community capacity. Proven experience coordinating multi-year donor-funded projects, building strong collaborative relationships with counterparts, international organizations, and donors. Demonstrated ability to manage programs addressing disaster readiness and response solutions. Experience in the North Pacific is strongly preferred, along with managing diverse staff.

Skills

Demonstrated skills in effectively managing, coordinating, and negotiating with durable solutions actors, donors, USG projects, U.S. embassies, and host country governments/local authorities. Ability to manage USG and other donor awards, including all required reporting.

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