Director - Political Transitions Practice Area

Background
	Creative Associates International is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, DC, the firm has a field presence in 20 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. Creative is an Implementing Partner for USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) SWIFT III IQC. The Communities in Transition (CIT) division of Creative Associates International, Inc., works with nations, local communities and vulnerable or special populations worldwide to promote participatory, peaceful and democratic approaches to change. Creative Associates’ projects address the continuum of political change, from post-conflict programming that attends to the immediate needs of vulnerable populations to the promotion of citizen participation in public decision-making. Creative Associates’ programs promote dialogue, reconciliation and participation to foster stability and sustainable development.
	Project Description
	The position requires a senior manager with experience implementing stabilization or political transitions programs in post-conflict situations and leading proposal efforts, particularly for USAID OTI programs. The Director of the Political Transitions Practice Area will lead and shape a team of experienced professionals in building a distinct, branded practice area capable of delivering expert, imaginative and responsive solutions to transitions programming. This will included traditional development-related activities as well as specialized services in crisis, conflict, post-conflict and stabilization settings. This is a senior management position with substantial independence and managerial latitude. It encompasses all aspects of practice management: technical leadership, representation, capture management, knowledge development, project portfolio and staff oversight.
	Position Summary
	The position requires a senior manager with experience implementing stabilization or political transitions programs in post-conflict situations and leading proposal efforts, particularly for USAID OTI programs. The Director – Political Transitions Practice Area will lead and shape a team of experienced professionals in building a distinct, branded practice area capable of delivering expert, imaginative and responsive solutions to transitions programming. This will included traditional development-related activities as well as specialized services in crisis, conflict, post-conflict and stabilization settings. This is a senior management position with substantial independence and managerial latitude. It encompasses all aspects of practice management: technical leadership, representation, capture management, knowledge development, and project portfolio and staff oversight.
	Reporting & Supervision
	The Director for the Political Transitions Practice Area reports to the Vice President and Senior Director of the Communities in Transition (CIT) Division. The Director will supervise Project Directors and Project staff in the CIT Political Transitions portfolio.
	Primary Responsibilities
	As Technical Leader: Analyzes, catalogues and organizes the firm's experience implementing political transition programming in conflict and post-conflict environments. Distills current and past activities into best practices, coherent approaches to political transitions programming particularly in conflict and post-conflict environments. Provides leadership and technical guidance to senior staff, project directors, Chiefs of Party in the field. As Business Developer and Capture Manager for the Practice Area: Analyzes and organizes the "political transitions" marketplace, identifies new business targets, and leads capture preparation--teaming, strategic recruitment, etc. Analyzes the competitive field, develops fitting alliances and strategic partnerships. Drives the business development process--leads proposal development, strategy development, sub-contractor negotiations. Creates sophisticated market strategies to position the firm as a leading contender for specific market opportunities.  As Director of a Vibrant Portfolio: Ensures overall technical and financial performance of projects in portfolio. Works with DC-based Project Directors and COPs to ensure projects achieve contract/agreement deliverables. Troubleshoots technical, contractual and personnel issues when they arise; serves as a conduit for negotiation with corporate offices and senior management. Ensures compliance to the firm's policies and procedures. Serves as Project Director on selected projects or as interim project director as needed. Manages the firm's senior-level relationship with the client; leads extraordinary negotiations with client in representation of the firm. Manages the firm's senior-level relationship with sub-contractor and services providers; leads negotiations (in collaboration with the firm's Office of Contracts). Oversees the preparation of quarterly and annual reports to the client. Assists in recruiting of key personnel and consultants. Provides technical and programmatic coherence to project design and execution.  As a Senior member of the CIT Division: Participates in divisional management, planning and strategic decision-making. Contributes to the creation of a technically rigorous and intellectually nurturing environment. Builds networks, publishes and engages the field to enhance the public image and competitiveness of the division. Guides, mentors, and advises CIT program staff members.
	Required Skills & Qualifications
	Master's degree in political science, international public administration, or related field. A minimum of 15 years of experience in the international development environment. A minimum of 10 years of experience in management of political transition programming. Significant prior experience implementing USAID programming in conflict or post-conflict environments Prior experience with USAID OTI Excellent written communication skills Strong leadership skills Strong analytical and conceptual skills Strong representational skills
	Application Instructions
	To apply for this position, please complete and submit our simple on-line form, where you can upload your résumé and other documents.
	Only if you are unable to submit online, may you send your résumé and cover letter by e-mail to Recruitment@CreativeDC.com with "Director - Political Transitions Practice Area CODE:HDQ48498" on the subject line. Please note only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please. Creative is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA).