Chief of Party - USAID SURE II Task Order

Job Description

Project Description

The anticipated five-year, USAID Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE) II project will be a task order under the Energy II IDIQ that will support and assist USAID partner countries to integrate renewable energy (RE) and new technologies to diversify their power sectors using cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally-friendly approaches to achieve self-reliance. The project will provide direct technical assistance to help build the capacity of stakeholders and empower policymakers with data and knowledge in order to create country-owned and led results. Toward these ends, the project will be structured to include the following six tasks:

• Task 1: Strategic Energy Planning
• Task 2: Competitive Procurement of Renewable Energy
• Task 3: Grid Integration of Renewable Energy
• Task 4: End of Life Management of Advanced Energy Technologies
• Task 5: Renewable Energy Technology Innovation fund
• Task 6: Knowledge Management and Coordination with other USAID Projects and Initiatives

Job Summary

Abt Associates seeks a qualified Chief of Party (COP) to lead the USAID SURE II project. The position will be based in Abt’s Rockville, Maryland office and is contingent upon project award.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Overall leadership, management and strategic direction for the program
• Serves as the primary liaison with USAID, senior government officials and counterparts, the donor community, and other USAID programs
• Provide overall technical, administrative, and quality assurance, financial management leadership and oversight to the project
• Responsible for all project and cross-cutting deliverables and reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in in economics, energy/environmental policy, engineering, MBA, JD, or a related field
• Experience managing international development energy projects as a senior manager: Chief of Party experience with USAID projects preferred
• Experience managing donor-funded projects in developing countries
• 10+ years of experience working with energy sector programs with progressive leadership experience
• Established expertise in renewable energy and experience working in at least two of the following six areas: Strategic energy planning; competitive procurement of RE; grid integration of RE; end of life management of advanced energy technologies; use and management of funds to encourage participation and/or collaboration of diverse organizations in the RE space; and knowledge management and coordination with other USAID projects and initiatives
• Experience providing long or short-term in-country technical assistance to developing and/or emergent nations
• Experience convening technical and management teams quickly to respond to client requests
• Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders including national governments, regulators, utilities, financial institutions, project developers, donor community, and private sector
• Knowledge of USAID partner country’s renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change policies, laws, and capacity constraints
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, and leadership skills, including the ability to manage high-level relationships and motivate subordinates across large geographies
• Fluency in English is required; experience in a second language is preferred

Minimum Qualifications

• None

About the Organization

Abt Associates is a global leader in research, evaluation and program implementation; driving innovation and measurable impact for more than 50 years. What sets us apart is our evidence-based and multi-disciplinary approach to solving tough challenges in health, social and environmental policy and international development.

Specific areas we work in include:

• Health
• Education and workforce development
• Climate change and the environment
• Food security and agriculture
• Housing and communities
• Survey and data collection

Abt is a mission-driven company with a staff of 2,600. Our focus is on using evidence and cutting-edge methods to improve the lives and economic well-being of people worldwide.