Deputy Chief of Party

Job Description

Cardno seeks a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the remaining two years of the USAID Cooperation for Growth (CFG) project. CFG is a four-year US$8.77M project that is being implemented by Cardno. CFG’s activities seek to improve the competitiveness of the Serbian private sector, through improvements in the business enabling environment that remove regulatory constraints to private sector growth and facilitation of means to increase access to finance for small and medium enterprises. The project’s areas of work include: e-commerce ecosystem strengthening, improving food-safety inspections, streamlining taxes and expending and improving traditional and alternative SMEs financing. The project is focused on enhancing Serbia SME sector growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to take a leadership position in an innovative and impactful USAID project. The DCOP is responsible for supporting the Chief of Party (COP) in his/her duties of assuring that project goals, objectives, targets and indicators are attained in a timely manner in accordance with the contract terms and is responsible for managing project’s Communications and Operations teams , and supporting the COP on project technical implementation. The DCOP will oversee operational and financial performance of CFG to ensure smooth implementation of administrative activities, including the budget, contracts, and financial reporting systems. This is a dynamic role responding to project management needs and specific directions from the COP.

Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief of Party specific tasks include but are not limited to:

• Provide technical assistance in the DCOP’s areas of expertise, aligned with Project focus on access to finance and/or business enabling environment
• With the COP, represent CFG and Cardno’s corporate interests in public forums and to local counterparts, vendors, and other project-related officials
• With the COP, oversee the development and submission of CFG deliverables, including weekly, quarterly and other reports as required, and ensure that project deliverables are presented to USAID in a professional manner
• With the COP, assist in the programming of short-term technical assistance, including preparing or reviewing individual SOWs, and ensuring that consultants complete assignments and satisfy requirements as specified in SOWs
• As directed, supervise the long-term local operations team and short-term local and expatriate consultants, and provide regular guidance, mentorship and performance evaluations
• Support implementation in assuring that project goals, objectives, targets and indicators are attained in a timely manner in accordance with the contract terms
• Assist the COP in preparing action plans, and budgets; monitor project implementation against plans and budgets for the program
• Help to develop and implement project outreach and communications to counterparts and stakeholders
• Maintain communications and coordinate project related activity implementation among Component Leads, including the collection and recording of quantitative and qualitative data required by the CFG AMELP
• Interact with stakeholders and beneficiaries to begin designing project related activities
• Oversee project operations, including grants management, subcontractor management and progress reporting
• Represent the project in meetings with USAID and project counterparts as requested by the COP
• Working with the COP and Finance and Operations Director, ensure strong financial management and adequate internal controls of the program’s funds
• Oversees operational and financial performance of CFG to ensure smooth implementation of operations, including the budget, contracts and financial reporting systems
• Working with Cardno HO team and the COP, implement a plan to leverage funding and in-kind contributions from local governments and other partners to support project activities
• Serve as Acting COP in the absence of the COP

Reporting

The DCOP reports to the COP.

Capacities Required for Position

The following are the key minimum capabilities required:

• University degree, preferably in Law, Economy, Finance, Political Sciences and similar
• Minimum of 8 years of professional work experience, with 5 years’ experience managing and implementing complex donor supported development projects
• Experience with government and private sector relationships
• Ability to oversee and supervise administrative and operational aspects of the project
• Ability to serve as Acting Chief of Party when the COP is unavailable
• Excellent English-language skills
• Excellent writing skills, both in English and Serbian
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. PowerPoint, Word, and Excel)
• Attention to detail, accuracy and organizational skills
• Demonstrated outcomes of previous work and ability to bring assignments to a successful completion
• A forward-thinking and pro-active approach to working
• A positive, friendly, professional, can-do attitude and appearance in serving as a representative of the project and in all interactions with colleagues within the office
• Experience interacting and cooperating with other donor projects, high-level host country host government counterparts, and other international partners
• Experience with grants and subcontracts management oversight on USAID funded projects is preferred

To apply please submit a CV and a one page cover letter in English. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: March 25, 2020.

About the Organization

Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd., is part of Cardno’s Emerging Markets Division with international development assistance companies in Brisbane, Brussels, Jakarta, Melbourne, Nairobi, Oxford, Port Moresby, and Washington, DC. Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. was formerly Emerging Markets Group, Ltd. and brings nearly a 30-year history serving the objectives of bilateral and multilateral donors and private clients. The Emerging Markets Division brings together a broad range of experience and talent; a rich history of innovation, passion and commitment to international development and an established reputation for high quality demand and client driven services. Cardno’s Emerging Markets Division manages more than $750 million in current contracts and grants, brings together over 90 years of collective experience, and engages over 3,700 professionals in more than 100 countries. Cardno’s Emerging Markets Division currently implements over 130 projects globally.