OVERVIEW:
URC is searching for an experienced Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated five-year $15-25 million USAID Health and Nutrition Activity in Guatemala. The anticipated purpose of this project is to improve access to quality primary health care and nutrition services for Indigenous communities in Guatemala by addressing structural inequities, cultural and language barriers, and gaps in health infrastructure. Through culturally responsive, integrated, and community-driven approaches, the project will aim to enhance service quality, promote high-impact health practices, and expand access to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services. By prioritizing equitable, culturally competent solutions, this initiative seeks to break cycles of poverty and poor health, with a focus on improving outcomes for women, children, and adolescents in underserved populations.
This is a full time position, and will be located in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Chief of Party leads the Senior Management Team and is responsible for the strategic and technical leadership, financial, management and administrative oversight of the Activity.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
*Provide overall strategic vision, technical leadership, and oversight for the Activity.
*Serve as a key point of contact for USAID/Guatemala, the Ministry of Health, and other Government of Guatemala (GoG) agencies such as the Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security (SESAN). Coordinate with the World Bank, the local civil society, and other implementing partners addressing nutrition and health in Guatemala.
*Directly supervise members of the Activity’s Senior Management Team.
*Deploy an appropriate balance of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills to coordinate effective implementation of program activities, including development of a dynamic learning agenda and adaptive management approach.
*Make programmatic decisions and troubleshoot implementation challenges; oversee program data quality compliance, including development of data tracking and monitoring systems compliant with USG audit standards; and oversee sub-agreement and sub-grant development, including compliance with programmatic objectives and URC and USAID financial and administrative rules and regulations.
*Responsible for overall financial management and administration of the project; approve local financial transactions and authorize expenditures from local bank accounts; and approve all aspects of project procurement and logistics.
*Serve as spokesperson and advocate, representing the Activity and URC to the GGoG at central and local levels, to private sector leaders, and to other stakeholders at local, regional, and international fora.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Integrate technical and management knowledge of field programs and clients into all phases of business development. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the development of country plans, participating in capture efforts, and providing technical and programmatic inputs.
Serve on proposal teams as appropriate and assigned. Roles may include proposal czar, technical lead, lead writer, section writer, and/or reviewer, among others.
QUALIFICATIONS:
*Education: Master’s Degree or higher in Public Health, Nutrition, Medicine, or a related field
Minimum of 15 years of progressively increasing responsibility, working on large-scale, complex international development and public health programs.
*Senior leadership experience on USAID programs of similar size and complexity is required. Chief of Party or Project Director experience preferred.
*At least 10 years of relevant experience working in Guatemala or within the region on health and nutrition issues, especially with donor-funded projects. RMNCH and health systems strengthening experience are strongly preferred.
*At least 10 years of relevant experience managing, designing and implementing similar donor-funded programs.
*Team leadership and supervisory experience, including oversight and evaluation of staff performance and deliverables.
*Experience advising senior policymakers, host-country entities, including central and local governments, development partners, civil society organizations on public health and related policies and devising standards, guidelines, and strategies and working with local/regional health authorities and communities to institutionalize activities.
*Demonstrated ability to provide oversight of local capacity development efforts.
*Demonstrated experience strengthening service delivery and health systems.
*Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish required.
*Experience working with the private sector is a plus.
Citizens of Guatemala are encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Unless otherwise directed we will retain your CV in our database for future opportunities.
URC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We value and seek diversity in our workforce.
University Research Co., LLC (URC)
URC is a globally recognized leader in healthcare quality improvement. Since 1965, we have been committed to building and sustaining resilient health systems by collaborating with partners to implement science-driven, scalable solutions tailored to local needs. We embody our core values: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), Collaboration, Accountability, and Performance Excellence.
