Chief of Party Food for Progress

Chief of Party, Food for Progress

Global Communities is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated five-year, USDA Food for Progress project. The Food for Progress Program has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade in agricultural products.The COP will lead and oversee the overall implementation of the program, including technical strategy, attaining targeted project deliverables, financial and operational leadership, and human resources. The COP is responsible for overall program implementation, strategic vision, and outcome achievement. The COP provides an integrated vision for the program and will manage a team of senior staff to ensure the quality, timeliness, and efficiency of all products and activities generated under the project. The COP will be responsible for communications with USDA, for publicly representing the project, and for liaising with Government entities and other institutions/stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide program leadership, direction, and supervision, including oversight of staff, consultants, and partners, monitoring and evaluation, and program implementation.
• Ensure implementation of technical interventions, resulting in concrete and on-time and on-target outcomes.
• Lead regular work plan, budget, and implementation reviews to facilitate the cost-effective and timely achievement of project deliverables.
• Manage team members, including highly specialized technical staff, to deliver against the annual workplan.
• Ensure project activities maximize impact and are completed in compliance with Global Communities, USDA rules and regulations, local laws, and donor agreement requirements.
• Engage with private sector companies and trade groups to identify opportunities to strengthen trade.
• Oversee the production and submission of timely activity and financial reports to USDA, effectively and accurately communicating project progress, achievements, challenges, and utilization of funds.
• Ensure establishment and maintenance of systems for project operations.
• Serve as the primary representative of the project with USDA, government counterparts, and other critical in-country stakeholders.
• Represent Global Communities and overall program interests as necessary and appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong working relations with key internal and external stakeholders, suppliers, and partners. Provide effective and timely responses to inquiries and concerns.
• Foster good working relationships with other agencies working on similar or complementary projects, increasing efficiency and strengthening impact.
• Undertake all other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.
• Frequent travel to project locations required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a discipline related to agriculture, agri-business, international trade, economics, or other relevant field with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, including managing agricultural development and trade projects with increasing responsibilities and duties; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to agriculture, agri-business, international trade, economics, or other relevant field with a minimum of 12 years of professional experience, including managing agricultural development and trade projects with increasing responsibilities and duties.
• At least 5 years’ experience as Chief of Party, senior management position, or equivalent, leading implementation of large international programs.
• Technical expertise in market systems development, value chain development, and/or agricultural production.
• Experience working with the US private sector and in emerging markets.
• High level of interpersonal, technical, and analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaborate with a broad range of public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USDA Food for Progress programs.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with government officials, private sector actors, implementing partners, international donors, and other stakeholders.
• Proven ability to communicate a common vision among diverse partners and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams is desired.
• Evidence of effective communication skills, both oral and written, to fulfill diverse technical and managerial requirements.
• Languages: Full Professional Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Must be able to use English fluently and accurately. Proficiency in additional languages is preferred.
• A passion for the mission and values of Global Communities.
• Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key skills/competency

• Project Management
• Agricultural Development
• International Trade
• Program Leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement
• USDA Regulations
• Market Systems Development
• Value Chain Development
• Financial Management
• Team Leadership