Chief of Party (COP)

Job Description

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Program Delivery (PDEL) - Pact exists to help create a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership of their future. The Program Delivery Team, contributes to realizing this purpose by: Forging smart partnerships and treating all people with dignity and respect; Applying organizational policies and regulatory compliance appropriately and consistently; Facilitating team spirit among colleagues and promoting the organization through communications; Influencing decision makers through focused, relevant communications; Continually striving to learn and share knowledge and find small ways to make the workplace more enjoyable for all; Cultivating and harvesting innovation; Contributing to the organization’s ability to think and act strategically at all times; Inspiring and spreading our desired organizational culture across the global enterprise.

Position Overview

Pact seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for a USAID-funded New Youth in Liberia activity. The five-year program will increase the economic self-reliance and resilience of Liberian youth in targeted areas through strengthened basic education and foundational skills, employment skills for improved livelihoods, and an enabling environment for improved youth productivity. The activity anticipates targeting Liberian youth ages 15-29 in the counties of Montserrado, Grand Bassa and Lofa, and working with government entities and stakeholders at the national level. This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Sr. Regional Director, Africa, the COP will be responsible for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the activity. She/he will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the USAID/Liberia goals and Development Objectives, and ensure the project meets stated goals, expected results, and reporting requirements. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination of all activities across all relevant parties, including: USAID, the Government of Liberia, key stakeholders, and implementing partners. She/he will also oversee all project staff and sub-partners to results-oriented planning, leadership, and coordination of project activities and products.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the program’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans, and adhering to expected technical quality and reporting requirements.
• Lead the technical and programmatic design of award and partner programs; represent Pact in negotiating with donors and partners.
• Serve as key representative to USAID; responsible for all communications with AO/R, other USG officials, responses to USAID requests, etc.
• Act as a liaison to and ensure effective relationships with relevant donors, GoL, sub-partners, and other key stakeholders such as education institutions, youth groups, and demand-side private sector entities (such as employers and industry leaders), ensuring strong cooperation and collaboration.
• Lead all project planning responsibilities, including the production of annual workplans and budgets and performance monitoring plans (PMPs), ensuring alignment of the budget to expected results and ensuring cost-effective use of Pact’s resources.
• Review and approve annual budgets and quarterly reports, ensuring they are completed and submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with USAID and Pact HQ requirements, policies, and regulations.
• As relevant, manage all local grantmaking mechanisms, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and Pact policies; coordinate and/or conduct monitoring visits to grantee programs.
• Provide and/or ensure the provision of training and mentoring to partners to strengthen their capacity for technical service delivery and compliance with donor rules and regulations.
• Recruit and directly supervise local and international project staff in line with Pact human resource (HR) policies; oversee the management and development of project office HR to ensure a diverse, skilled, and productive workforce, an effective leadership team, and an organizational culture where Pact’s values are practiced.

Basic Requirements

• A minimum of an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in livelihoods, education, or social sciences;
• A minimum of eight years of experience leading international donor assistance projects, preferably for USAID funded programs;
• A minimum of ten years of experience working in education and training with demonstrated experience in implementing programs improving workforce readiness and uptake for youth;
• Demonstrated ability through previous experience in strong leadership and management skills to effectively and efficiently implement complex and politically sensitive international projects through evidence and data driven decision making;
• Demonstrated ability through previous experience to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders, including international organizations, NGO partners, Government Institutions, private sector entities, and USG Agencies;
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with working with the USG; and
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, and oral presentation skills in English.
• Professional experience in developing countries is required, Liberian work experience preferred.

About the Organization

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. The promise of a healthy life. Of a decent livelihood. Of sustainable natural resources that benefit communities. Now more than ever in its 42-year history, Pact is helping millions of people who are poor and marginalized discover and build their own solutions and take ownership over their future.
Pact enables systemic solutions that allow those who are poor and marginalized to earn a dignified living, be healthy, and take part in the benefits that nature provides. Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems, and transforming markets into a force for development.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.