Deputy Chief of Party - Philippines Water Activity

Job Description

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party for the upcoming USAID Philippines Water Activity.

Project Goal. The purpose of the project is to improve access to water supply and sanitation services and complement this assistance with activities that maximize the efficient use of available water resources and ensure that local water systems operate more efficiently. At the national level, the project will support initiatives to improve governance and regulation of the water sector, as well as mobilize public and private sector financing for service expansion and improvement.

Project Focus. Past USAID water and sanitation activities have focused on traditional service provision, with increased access as the main goal. As the Philippines continues to develop, water sector needs have evolved, and USAID programming will evolve as well. New water activities will continue to respond to the ever-changing needs of the Philippine government and build on lessons learned. USAID has developed models for water supply and system development that will be applied in conflict areas of Mindanao that have lagged behind in access to basic services. For example, USAID will focus on an approach in which treating and reusing wastewater, as well as applying water demand management, can help alleviate water shortages. Historically, USAID helped mobilize private financing and credit to the sector through the Development Credit Authority. With competitive private sector lending now in place in the Philippines, USAID plans to mobilize financing for water utilities by engaging the private sector on public-private partnerships and help the utilities increase access to Philippine government funds. USAID’s sanitation initiatives previously focused primarily on low-cost wastewater treatment but are now shifting to look at better options for sewerage and septage management. Incorporating lessons learned from Typhoon Haiyan and the 2015-2016 El Niño, the Project will ensure climate impacts are considered during the planning and construction of water and sanitation projects. Water sector reform will continue to be an important area for engagement, and the pressing impacts of climate change may further increase demand for policy changes. SCOPE OF WORK: Project operations

• In coordination with ICMA home office, develop, implement, and oversee strong project specific internal control systems;
• Provide administrative and financial oversight and supervision over monitoring and evaluation activities to facilitate the delivery of project tasks and deliverables to technical, financial and administrative staff, consultant and subcontractors;
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff on all operational matters inclusive of human resources, procurement, logistics and, adhering to ICMA’s Code of Conduct and field operations policies and procedures;
• In consultation with ICMA home office, provide regular training and coaching to staff on USAID regulations.

Management

• Manage day-to-day program operations;
• Provide daily program operations oversight and guidance to project staff;
• Supervise SURGE operations staff including but not limited to Human Resources Assistant, Procurement officer, Operations and Logistics Manager.

Human Resource

• Ensure proper administration of employee benefits and allowances in accordance with the local labor law and best practices and ensure compliance with all USAID procurement regulations;

Support Project Chief of Party

• Support COP in completion of timely and high-quality deliverables for contract compliance;
• Serve as acting COP when delegated;
• Collaborate as directed with USAID, project stakeholders and other counterparts such as local institutions, other donors, NGOs, and leaders in different sectors to further realization of project goals;
• Communicate regularly with ICMA Home Office to report on project progress and to coordinate project activities;
• Represent ICMA policies, programs and project responsibilities.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in relevant field, or equivalent field working experience overseeing complex donor-funded projects in a similar senior role.
• Minimum seven years of experience in procurement, finance and operations management for large, USG-funded contracts and prior experience working on large USAID acquisition instruments;
• Minimum of five years of management experience.
• Experience managing procurement under USAID acquisition instruments;
• Deep knowledge of USAID and USG rules and regulations in the administration of acquisition instruments;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Proven track-record in managing a sizeable and diverse team;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal in English

About the Organization

Founded in 1914, ICMA (International City/County Management Association) is the premier local government leadership and management organization. Its mission is to create excellence in local governance by advocating and developing the professional management of local government worldwide. In addition to supporting its nearly 9,000 members, ICMA provides publications, data, information, technical assistance, and training and professional development to thousands of city, town, and county experts and other individuals throughout the world. Since 1989, ICMA International has leveraged the experience of local government practitioners and veteran international consultants to further the ICMA mission to create excellence in local governance worldwide. ICMA International has successfully designed, implemented and evaluated more than 500 international projects, establishing a solid reputation for its practical, hands-on approach to meeting global challenges faced by communities around the world.