MULTIPLE POSITIONS, USAID Pacific-American Partnership Fund

Job Description

The Asia Foundation, informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, addresses critical development issues in the 21st century: governance and law, economic development, women’s empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation. We work with innovative leaders and communities to build effective institutions and advance path-breaking reforms. Together with our partners, we are committed to Asia’s and the Pacific’s continued development as peaceful, just, and thriving regions of the world.

The Asia Foundation (TAF) seeks candidates for various long-term positions for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s anticipated Pacific-American Partnership Fund (PACAP). The program is a grant-making facility that will provide and monitor grants, on behalf of USAID/Pacific Islands, that support the goal of self-reliant Pacific Island partners. PACAP will seek to improve the quality of life of Pacific Islanders by reducing long-term vulnerabilities associated with climate change and disasters, achieving sustainable market driven economic growth, and advancing democratic governance. PACAP is expected to be a five-year project with a budget of $25-$50 million. Positions are contingent upon funding.

Successful applicants will be based in a Pacific Island capital (TBD). TAF is recruiting for the following positions:

Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

The DCOP will support the Chief of Party (COP) in providing overall vision, leadership, and guidance for the program. Responsibilities include:

• Provide technical leadership for activities under the project, including conceptualizing, designing, implementing the grant-making cycle to support programming in climate change, disaster response, market-led economic growth, and advancing democratic governance
• Ensure both internal management and external coordination for successful project outcomes
• Serve as the Acting COP during COP absence
• Supervise a team of professionals and experts in institutional strengthening, monitoring and evaluation, and grants management
• Support transfer of skills and knowledge to local staff and local organizations

Candidates must have:

• Relevant advanced degree in international development, social science, public policy, or a related field of study
• Minimum seven years of relevant professional experience managing and implementing similar/related international development projects
• Demonstrated leadership/managerial, technical, and administrative skills in program management, including managing budgets and personnel, motivating and supervising team efforts
• Expert knowledge and understanding of issues related to civil society strengthening, climate change and disaster response, economic growth, and or democratic governance
• Experience implementing donor assistance programs in the Pacific Islands or similar contexts is preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Advisor

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor will oversee the development of the Funds MEL systems and implementation. Responsibilities include:

• Support the COP in the design and management of PACAP’s MEL plan
• Serve as the day to day staff in charge of MEL related tasks and activities
• Provide leadership to ensure that the Fund’s grantees incorporate sound MEL practices

Candidates must have the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: social science, development management, public management, economics or statistics; A master’s degree is an advantage
• At least 5 years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and database management
• Demonstrated experience in assessing organizational gaps and identifying needs in internal monitoring and evaluation systems
• Familiarity with USAID M&E standards and systems will be an advantage
• Candidates with knowledge and experience in the Pacific Islands, particularly in the areas of climate change and disaster response, economic growth, and/or democratic governance is preferred
• Experience implementing donor assistance programs in the Pacific Islands or similar contexts is preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Grants Manager

The position will be responsible for oversight on all tasks associated with the day-to-day management of PACAP grant assistance, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations governing the provision of that assistance. Responsibilities include:

• Oversee PACAP’s grant cycles (from issuance of solicitation to award) in close collaboration with program staff
• Conduct due diligence of grantees, including reviewing financial assessment reports and organizational assessment reports
• Ensure effective provision of technical assistance and advice to grantees and, when required, to assist them in fulfilling financial reporting requirements; where appropriate, conducting or facilitating the conduct of financial audits of grantee accounts
• Review monthly spending projections; grants payable and grant history reports for accuracy and completeness; program budget expenditures including spending against specific funding sources
• Prepare funding source documentation and reports, and specifically, providing program expenditure information, including projected expenditures when required, for inclusion in such reports.

Candidates must have the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years in a grant management position
• A graduate degree in accounting, finance, or business administration or related professional qualification is preferred
• Experience in taking decisions at an operational and strategic level
• Experience working with INGOs and donor-funded projects; experience with USAID programming is an advantage
• Solid planning and organizational skills; problem solving focus and ability to delegate effectively
• Experience implementing donor assistance programs in the Pacific Islands or similar contexts is preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications should be submitted to psds.consultants@asiafoundation.org. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV no later than July 17, 2020. Please reference USAID Pacific-American Partnership Fund and the position title in the subject line.

About the Organization

About The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote regional cooperation.

Headquartered in San Francisco, The Asia Foundation works through a network of offices in 18 Asian countries and in Washington, DC. Working with public and private partners, the Foundation receives funding from a diverse group of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. In 2016, we provided $87.8 million in direct program support and distributed textbooks and other educational materials valued at $9.5 million.