Overview
Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Position Summary:
Creative is recruiting for an anticipated USAID program in Southern Mexico. The program seeks to increase the sales and market linkages for selected value chains in the Southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. The Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall technical and administrative leadership and expertise to the project and serves as the primary liaison with the donor on management and technical matters. S/he will also take a leadership role in coordinating with the donor, other implementing partners, local and federal government agencies, closely coordinating with ongoing initiatives that promote environmentally sustainable development in Southern Mexico. The COP will have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments and manage diverse teams to deliver impact. The COP will play a key role in ensuring the project identifies new market opportunities that integrate rural smallholder farmers from Chiapas and Oaxaca into global value chains by brokering linkages to ethical and environmentally friendly buyers.
Reporting and Supervision:
The COP will report the Project Director based in Washington, DC.
Expected Outcomes:
- Ensure that do-no-harm principles are incorporated and apply adaptive management practices throughout the life of the project to ensure responsiveness of programming to an evolving context; and
- Ensure close coordination with consortium partners other relevant in-country initiatives, including USG-funded and other donor-funded programs, government initiatives, and those involving other key stakeholders.
- Ensure project deliverables and goals are met and in compliance with USAID rules and regulations.
Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and technical expertise for the activity, and supervise expatriate and local teams;
- Develop strategic objectives and confirm project compliance with USAID regulations;
- Manage the activity's implementation, including overall responsibility for personnel and efficient budgeting and financial management;
- Oversee project deliverables, such as development of work plans and operating budget, and coordinate with finance and admin staff at HQ to ensure cost-effective use of resources;
- Oversee technical activities of the activity and ensure that impact is achieving the results defined in the cooperative agreement;
- Evaluate and document activity progress and lessons learned;
- Serve as the project's primary liaison with key partners, governments, private sector and other key project stakeholders; and
- Assume responsibility for overall USAID management ensuring quality control and timeliness of deliverables. Qualifications
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Master's degree in a relevant field such as Master's in Business Administration (MBA), Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, and or Environment and Natural Resource Management;
- At least 10 years of experience in a senior-level management role and demonstrated management and leadership skills in international development work with increasing responsibility, at least five (5) years of which is in large scale donor funded programs in areas of natural resource management, agricultural value chains and climate smart agriculture.
- Experience working on similar programs that promote sustainable market access to small holder farmers in similar development contexts.
- Demonstrated ability to work with vulnerable groups, especially working with indigenous communities and indigenous organizations. Experience working with farmer cooperatives, rural federations and communal organizations on community-based projects that promote natural resource management while improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully lead and manage challenging and complex projects that engage a variety of public and private sector stakeholders;
- Broad based network of potential investors and donors including an understanding of emerging markets trends like climate finance, green growth initiatives and deforestation free supply chains.
- Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, technical and analytical skills, including an ability to interact effectively with government counterparts and local organizations; and
- Speaking and writing fluency in English and Spanish.
Local and regional candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
Position contingent upon donor funding.
Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
PI150327882
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