Winrock is accepting applications for Chief of Party (COP) candidates for an anticipated USAID project in Nepal. The five-year Jal Jangal (Freshwater and Forests) Activity will focus on improving the health of ecosystems and biological diversity, environmental and social safeguards, climate resilience and addressing environmental crime in Nepal. The Activity will work with the Government of Nepal (GON), community groups, civil society, and private sector actors, and will align with GON’s vision of “Conservation of biodiversity for sound and resilient ecosystems and national prosperity.”
The COP will be responsible for leading all technical, financial and administrative aspects of the program. They will coordinate closely with USAID and the Winrock home office in developing, implementing, and revising Jal Jangal’s overall field strategy. The COP oversees the strategic and technical direction of Jal Jangal and serves as link between USAID, Winrock’s Home Office, and Jal Jangal partners and stakeholders. S/he will foster and maintain effective relationships and coordination with government, academia, private sector, civil society, NGOs, and other donors and ensure compliance with the contract including timely, high-quality results. This would be a full-time position and be based in Nepal.
This position is contingent on award of funding from USAID. Female applicants are highly encouraged.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide overall technical oversight and strategic leadership to achieve the results of the program.
- Serve as principal liaison to USAID in Nepal for this project.
- Oversee financial and administrative aspects of the initiative including managing the budget.
- Support financial oversight and procedures, ensuring compliance with established Winrock accounting principles and USAID regulations.
- Provide supervision, support, and direction to long- and short-term staff.
- Monitor program indicators, evaluate program results, and make recommendations for improvement in program implementation.
- Analyze project impact and challenges to adaptively manage the project to meet or exceed results.
- Ensure women, youth and marginalized groups are engaged in project activities.
- Lead coordination and preparation of annual work plans and monitor the implementation of these plans.
- Lead and oversee the preparation and submission of quarterly and annual reports on the progress of activities and achievement of program results to USAID.
- Interact directly and on a regular basis with USAID, other development partners and stakeholders.
- Conduct regular field visits to the project areas to assure project progress towards activity objectives and goals.
- Coordinate and communicate on a regular basis with Winrock’s Home Office.
- Ensure collaboration where necessary with complementary USAID and other donor projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:
Education:
- A minimum of a master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in forestry or environmental management, global climate change, environmental economics, international development, public/business administration, governance, or relevant fields of study related to the sector of the project.
Work Experience:
- At least 12 years of experience in senior-level management positions for donor-funded international development projects. Senior-level staff management experience on large and complex natural resource management projects ($15M+) strongly preferred.
- Experience leading USG contracts; grants-under-contract experience preferred.
- A minimum of five years of overseas experience with technical and/or operational issues related to biodiversity, private sector engagement, natural resource management (water and forests), or related issues.
- At least five years of demonstrated experience in senior-level roles for USAID or other high complexity projects, such as Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party.
- Proven experience working closely with government ministries and ability to foster and maintain good working relationships with officials at national and local levels.
- Experience working in Nepal strongly preferred, with a strong knowledge of the cultural and power dynamics in country.
- Demonstrated competence in negotiation and communication.
Skills:
- Knowledge of USAID policies and procedures as related to project management required.
- Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental, and development context of Nepal strongly preferred.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse partners and lead a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.
- Ability to build coalitions and networks that can provide synergies and sustainable solutions for the program.
- Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations and coalition building among host country government personnel, stakeholders, NGO partners, and international donor agencies.
- Strong interpersonal, writing, and oral presentation skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume workflow.
About Winrock International
Winrock International is a recognized leader in U.S. and international development with a focus on social, agricultural and environmental issues. Inspired by its namesake, Winthrop Rockefeller, Winrock combines scientific and technical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation to deliver market-based solutions that improve lives around the world. Winrock’s mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources across the globe.
Learn more about our projects: www.winrock.org