Q2 Impact is recruiting an experienced Chief of Party (COP) to lead the anticipated USAID/Iraq Performance Management and Evaluation Services Activity (PMES) II in Baghdad, Iraq. The Activity will provide USAID/Iraq with comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) services to improve performance management, support informed decision-making, and advance USAID's learning agenda. This position will report to the Director of MEL/CLA at Q2 Impact's Home Office in the USA. The successful candidate will be submitted as Key Personnel as part of the bid process and onboarded upon successful contract award to Q2 Impact and USAID approval.

The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for strategic vision, technical and operational leadership, and management of the project. They will be responsible for overseeing long-term expatriate and local staff, as well as short-term technical experts in achieving program results. The COP will ensure compliance will represent the program to external audiences, including USAID and other programs or donors as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic vision, technical leadership, and operational oversight for all programmatic and administrative aspects of the PMES II Activity.

• Lead relations with the USAID Contract Officer's Representative, Program Office, technical offices, and front office to collaboratively develop plans and define priorities relating to MEL.

• Oversee the execution and delivery of technical work, including performance monitoring plans, data analysis, mid-term and final evaluations, impact evaluations, and innovative research methodologies.

• Manage and strengthen MEL capacity building activities for Mission staff, implementing partners, and other stakeholders.

• Lead knowledge management and organizational development initiatives for USAID/Iraq and other relevant entities.

• Oversee data mapping, visualization, and infographic development to effectively communicate program results and learning.

• Ensure the Activity advances USAID's localization agenda and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) goals.

• Serve as Q2 Impact's primary point of contact for USAID/Iraq, government institutions, implementing partners, and other key stakeholders.

• Manage the project's overall administrative, technical, and financial operations, ensuring compliance with USAID rules and regulations as well as Q2 Impact's policies and procedures.

• Lead the development and submission of project deliverables, such as reports, annual work plans, and other items as specified by the contract.

• Oversee the implementation of security policies and procedures and provide leadership in managing security incidents.

• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment that actively solicits input from team members and provides opportunities for growth.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as international development or social sciences, or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience with increasing responsibility in MEL, CLA, and research activities, preferably in the Middle East region.

• At least five (5) years of senior leadership and supervisory experience on USAID programs in challenging environments, with previous experience as a USAID COP strongly preferred.

• Proven experience managing multi-year, multi-million-dollar projects focused on MEL, CLA, and research activities.

• Thorough understanding of MEL frameworks and CLA and OD practices and how they improve USAID's programs.

• Excellent writing and communication skills in English and Arabic.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing various types of evaluations, assessments, and research studies.

• Strong skills in data analysis, visualization, and the development of knowledge products.

• Previous experience working in Iraq, or the Middle East region will be considered an asset.

• Demonstrated experience in promoting localization, equity, and inclusion of women, youth, and other marginalized groups.

• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills with the ability to lead and work effectively with a wide range of staff and stakeholders.

• Ability to travel throughout Iraq as needed to oversee program activities and engage with communities, security situation permitting.

• Experience working in conflict or post-conflict environments, particularly in highly challenging operational settings.

BENEFITS OF JOINING Q2IMPACT

• A dynamic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, committed to delivering high-quality results and making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.

• An opportunity to lead and shape a growing firm that has a solid reputation in the industry and is poised for further expansion.

• A chance to work across development, diplomacy, and defense sectors, with a broad portfolio of projects and clients.

• A supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation, excellence, and collaboration.

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Join our team at Q2 Impact, where your talents, expertise, and passion can make a difference. Apply today and become part of a dynamic and growing organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment and will utilize the following equipment when working

• Computer (laptop or desktop)

• Printer/Photocopier/Scanner/Fax

• Telephone

• Other (Specify if any)

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The QED Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. AA/V/D. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Georgian citizens are highly encouraged to apply.

This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.