Chief of Party – Local Governance Activity 320 views0 applications

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Programs – Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The Programs Team helps realize this objective by bridging program management, technical support, and business development, enabling Pact to achieve its global strategy. We ensure program excellence through continuous learning, monitoring and evaluation and provide organizational and industry-wide thought leadership by leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary skills, expertise, and experiences. The Programs team: influences progressive change through the development and implementation of global and regional strategies and business plans; supports advancement of innovative solutions; pursues new business opportunities; and drives effective internal and external engagement to maximize Pact’s impact across the globe. Across all aspects of its role, the Programs Department adheres to and promotes a culture of inclusion, accountability, and respect.

Position Overview

Pact seeks an experienced Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID/Zimbabwe Local Governance Activity. This anticipated activity will promote implementation of the devolution prescriptions in the 2013 Constitution and greater understanding among stakeholders of the associated rights and responsibilities. The activity may support legal and academic analysis of devolution and civil society efforts to enhance public understanding and participation. The activity may develop capacities of local organizations on devolution themes.

The COP will be responsible for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the USAID Local Governance Activity. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID/Zimbabwe development objectives. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination of all activities across all relevant parties, including USAID, the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society organizations, key stakeholders, and implementing partners. The COP will also oversee all project staff and sub-partners for results-oriented planning, leadership, and coordination of project activities. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity. This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) on management and technical matters.
• Ensure compliance with all donor, Pact, and project-specific policies.
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements.
• Take a leadership role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders, including partners, government stakeholders, civil society, and other USAID projects.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across project partners, ensuring successful integration of activities.
• Liaise closely with Pact Zimbabwe’s management and finance team, and Pact’s U.S. team to ensure that all project activities are compliant with USG rules and regulations, as well as consistent Pact’s policies, procedures and best practices.
• Oversee project planning (i.e., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (i.e., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports) in accordance with the highest standards.
• Oversee project budget and work in close coordination with the Finance/Grants Directors to meet expected results, ensuring cost-effective use of donor and Pact’s resources.
• Support the implementation of a highly adaptive, context-driven programmatic approach.
• Ensure a responsive and innovative approach to developing the capacity of government and civil society actors.
• Provide strategic management and oversight of the project’s sub-award portfolio.
• Manage a team of flexible and adaptive employees and oversee evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve greater impact.
• Oversee project staff in helping partners establish reporting and tracking systems to provide key information in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure that program meets programmatic and financial targets and makes accurate projections.
• Represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and Pact’s thought leadership in local governance, capacity development, and civil society strengthening.

Adhere to all of Pact’s Code of Conduct policies including our Zero Tolerance Policy on Harassment, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in the workplace. Report any abuses towards staff and beneficiaries to your immediate supervisor or the Senior HR Coordinator when appropriate.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in social sciences, law, development studies or a relevant field.
• At least ten years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to democracy and governance activities.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible management experience, including administering donor-funded programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of various stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s devolution process.
• Experience building capacity for local government actors, civil society organizations and/or research institutions in Zimbabwe.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements
• Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, navigate sensitive issues, and develop and maintain relationships with different stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading).
• Ability to travel within Zimbabwe and occasionally internationally, when health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 diminish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in one or more official languages of Zimbabwe (aside from English).
• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Zimbabwe.
• Zimbabwe nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.