Chief of Party

Closing date: 30 Sep 2015

For over 50 years and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 34 projects in 26 countries and revenues of approximately $174 million.

Chief of Party, Malawi

We are currently seeking a long-term Chief of Party for an upcoming USAID-funded Agriculture Diversification for Incomes and Nutrition activity in Malawi. The project will increase the competitiveness of high-value, nutrient-rich value chains through support for agricultural enterprises and increased access to markets and finance. The targeted value chains are groundnut, soy, and orange-fleshed sweet potato. With domestic, regional, and international demand for these value chains growing, there are opportunities for smallholder farmers to diversify and increase their incomes, and for agricultural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop and grow. The development of the targeted value chains also explicitly integrates nutrition and is expected to improve nutritional outcomes for targeted populations

Responsibilities:

• Provide overall technical vision, leadership, and project management.
• Serve as the project’s key liaison with headquarters, USDA, government counterparts, private sector stakeholders, subcontractors, academic institutions, and other local partners to exchange information and develop professional relationships.
• Ensure day-to-day technical, schedule, and financial performance of the project in accordance with the scope of work and annual work plans.
• Oversee management and quality of deliverables for all subcontractors, international consultants, and local project staff.
• Collaboratively create and implement a strategic, long-term programmatic vision.
• Oversee preparation and supervision of project work planning, performance management, and strategic communications.
• Facilitate the development of sustainable public-private partnerships and private sector investment in target value chains.
• Review all financial and logistical information on a periodic basis.
• Give verbal or written presentations as requested by the client and/or ACDI/VOCA to varied audiences regarding the project’s progress.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness, finance, or related field from an accredited university is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant and progressive work experience in developing countries, preferably in the area of enterprise development, value chain competitiveness, access to finance, and/or agricultural trade and investment.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex donor-funded programs in sub-Saharan Africa with progressively more responsible supervisory work experience including: contract management; supervision of professional and support staff; quality evaluation of staff performance and deliverables.
• Proven knowledge of finance and investment for entrepreneurs and SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Excellent communication skills for a wide audience of stakeholders.
• Fluent English skills required.