The International Economic Growth Division conducts projects in agriculture, economic development, labor, privatization, environment, and trade. We work in developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Our clients include the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and multilateral financial institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank.
Minimum Qualifications:
MA/MBA with 15+ years of experience OR PhD with 10 - 15 years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience. Well-developed technical skills in agriculture in areas such as agricultural economics, agriculture policy, agribusiness, agronomy, agriculture extension, agricultural engineering, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or natural resource management. A broad technical base is preferred. USAID experience is highly desirable. Work experience with other international donor projects will be helpful. COP experience in Africa and post-conflict countries is also highly desirable.
Job Responsibilities:
Abt Associates seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for a large USAID-funded project in East Africa focused on addressing food, agriculture production, agribusiness, and rural income issue. The COP will have final authority within the project team for decisions related to technical, management, and resource allocation and personnel issues and will be accountable for the successful implementation of all aspects of the project.
Specific responsibilities include the following:
- Provide leadership, management, and clear strategic direction of project. Ensure well-organized implementation of project activities and oversee efficient use of resources and achievement of results and project expectations.
- Actively establish, maintain, and coordinate successful relationships with numerous government entities, local farming associations, and private sector organizations in country both in the capital city as well as rural areas.
- Develop staff capacity throughout project organization and guide senior technical staff and project teams. The position will require active hands-on engagement with numerous project sites. Frequent travel to rural areas is required.
- Coordinate and manage relationship with USAID to ensure this highly visible project meets desired goals and objectives.
- Ensure that project budget projections, expenditure, tracking and reporting are in accordance with USAID requirements, procedures and practices. Oversee a large grants program providing significant in-kind resources to agriculture sector of designated service area.
- Coordinate with the Portfolio Manager and Contract Administrator at Headquarters to assure that all managerial and administrative matters are communicated and activities comply with the provisions of the contract and with USAID.
Minimum qualifications include the following:
- Demonstrated expertise and experience in managing complex agricultural development programs, preferably within an African and post-conflict context;
- Demonstrated ability to be flexible and creative;
- Strong communications and technical skills, and ability to organize project organization totaling 30-40 expatriate and locally hired staff;
- Strong record of success in leading economic growth/agricultural programs of similar size and complexity;
- Minimum of 7 years experience as chief of party on projects of at least $20 million; and
- The candidate must be fluent in written and spoken English.
