Chief of Party
USAID Feed the Future Democratic Republic of the Congo Resilient Food Systems
The World at Abt
Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Global. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges. We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment and energy do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.
To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.
Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.
The Project
This activity will work in two non-contiguous geographic regions identified as the Feed the Future (FTF) Zone of Influence (ZOI), one being the territories of Seke-Banza and Lukula in Kongo Central Province, and another one covering the territory of Dibaya plus the health zones of Masuika and Yangala, in Luiza territory, in Kasai Central Province, where BHA is programming its Resilience Food Security Activities (RFSAs).
The USAID Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (USAID/DRC), through the office of Economic Growth (EG), seeks to award a five-year contract to provide technical assistance, training, materials, and other agricultural, financial and market services across all aspects of food systems within the Feed the Future (FTF) Zone of Influence (ZOI). This assistance will strengthen resilience at the individual, household, community and systems level while increasing nutritional out-comes, food security, and incomes for beneficiaries–particularly women, youth and marginalized individuals throughout the ZOI. This support encompasses the facilitation and rational management of natural resources, large-scale adoption of value enhancing technologies, private sector engagement, and market system improvements for agriculture-led growth driving increased employment, income and improved nutrition outcomes.
The Resilient Food Systems activity will be USAID/DRC’s flagship FTF implementing mechanism. It will pursue the goal, objectives and results identified in the Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) DRC Country Plan (GFSS/DRC Country Plan).1 Furthermore, it will be the primary and largest contributor to achieving a 20% reduction in poverty and severe malnutrition (stunting) which USAID/DRC will measure through a population-based survey across the FTF ZOI.2 The GFSS/DRC Country Plan is implemented through activities and interventions which increase the productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness of the DRC’s agricultural sector; while concurrently strengthening the ability of target populations’ to protect and improve well-being despite shocks and stresses; and improve both the access and utilization of nutritious food–particularly for pregnant and lactating women, women of child-bearing age and children under five years of age.
The Opportunity
A COP will be required for the duration of the activity. The COP will be responsible for the overall management of the program, including providing strategic leadership, linking the program with USAID and overseeing the reporting and monitoring and evaluation requirements of the program. The COP is expected to play a lead role in interacting with senior GoDRC officials, leaders of all beneficiary institutions, the private sector, other donors and development partners, and civil society organizations. The COP will also be responsible for making major implementation decisions and reporting to USAID/DRC. The COP should have the following qualifications:
Core Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and strategic direction for the entire project, resolve problems, and have overall responsibility and accountability to USAID for ensuring that the Abt project team provides high-quality technical products and services, delivers required results, and uses resources efficiently.
- Represent the project to international donors, other USAID projects, and key stakeholders working in the civil society and private sector.
- Oversee all management/administrative reports and monitoring and evaluation activities in accordance with a Performance Monitoring Plan which monitors progress toward achieving the SO and Intermediate Results.
- Oversee all financial report activities, including submission of quarterly reports detailing fund categories and status for core and field activities.
- In concert with the Deputy Chief of Party, manage short-term technical assistance resources.
- Scan the environment and takes leadership actions to maximize opportunities and to strengthen partnerships and alliances.
- Clarify roles, delegate responsibilities to senior staff, communicate expectations for work and contribution to project activities.
- Represent Abt Global corporate interests in country.
What We Value
- A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resource management, international development, rural development or a related field with 15 years of work experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or food systems/value chain development projects preferred; or a master’s in agriculture, natural resource management, international development, rural development or a related field plus 10 years of work experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or food systems/value chain development projects preferred;
- Prior experience of at least three years as COP, DCOP or similar position managing 20 or more staff in a complex, multi-disciplinary activity in the field;
- A successful record of leading similar activities supporting food security and nutrition, organizational strengthening, resilience, and food systems development;
- Demonstrated ability to establish productive relationships with senior government officials, the business community/private sector, other donors and development partners, and civil society organizations;
- Demonstrated ability to formulate programmatic alliances and joint planning for synergies and resource mobilization at the field level;
- English language fluency with excellent French written and oral communications skills;
- Familiarity with USAID and USG policies and regulations.
What We Offer
We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.
Abt Global is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Global provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates are preferred.
Disclaimer: Abt Global will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.
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