This position is located in the Programming Unit of the Office of Overseas Programming Support (OPATS) of the Peace Corps. The Programming Unit focuses on ensuring quality of overseas programming by building overseas staff capacity to effectively engage in project design and management to include site development, maintaining host country partnerships, training design and evaluation, and monitoring and evaluation of projects. The Chief of the Programming Unit supervises a team of program specialists with expertise in the following disciplines/sectors: Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Food Security, Gender, Literacy, Natural Resource Management, Nutrition, and Youth in Development. OPATS specialists are advisors who have technical backgrounds and have experience with the Peace Corps. The Chief of the Programming Unit reports to the Director of OPATS.
Leads the Programming Unit, made up of a dynamic group of highly qualified technical specialists, to identify, promote, implement, and develop high quality programming and training materials and guidance that establishes Peace Corps as a center of excellence in the field of international development. Coordinates the dissemination and encourages the use of best practices in programming in the sector or CSPP areas. Advances the use of new technologies and platforms to communicate and distribute content expertise to staff and Volunteers through the promotion of communities of practice and other means.
Leads the unit through collaborative and strategic planning process to analyze and design how the agency can be most effective in the development and implementation of Peace Corps projects and programmatic priorities. Organizes and prioritizes the work of the teams so that each can respond to current and emerging needs of the field in an effective and efficient manner.
Represents the unit in various policy and decision-making meetings throughout the agency; works to streamline and coordinate annual processes across offices and units. Works closely with other agency offices in order to assure timely resolution of operational problems and to establish procedures and/or policies, which bring long-range improvement to the Agency's programming operations worldwide.
Supervises and manages programming staff who provide technical and programmatic support to over 75 countries worldwide. Carries out performance reviews and implements performance improvement plans; recruits, interviews, and hires new staff; coaches, mentors, and provides orientation to new and existing staff members; identifies areas and opportunities for professional development; implements strategies to improve communication, teamwork, and increase morale.
Works with sector teams to identify, develop, maintain, and promote formal and informal relationships with partner organizations, both governmental and non-governmental to support Volunteer work in the field and raise the profile of Peace Corps as an agency. Represents the unit at workshops, brown bags, working groups, and policy discussions as well as presents at key conferences and events about Peace Corps work. Provides oversight, leadership, and guidance for new and continuing partnerships.
Builds relationships and works with Region and headquarters senior staff to identify and address programming, sector, and technical needs for field staff and Peace Corps Volunteers. Promote the talents, skills, and expertise of the Program Support Unit staff with overseas posts, Regions, and other PC staff. Collaborates with a wide range of Peace Corps staff and departments to enhance and leverage the work of OPATS in support of the mission and goals of the Peace Corps. Represent OPATS on working groups, task forces, and standing committees. Accepts delegations of authority in the absence of OPATS Director.
As a member of the management team within the Office of Overseas Programming and Training Support (OPATS) works closely with other managers, the Chief of Training, the Chief of Evaluation, Chief of Knowledge and Learning, Chief of Overseas Professional Development, and the Director of OPATS.