Chief of Party – Ghana Fiscal Accountability Strengthening Activity (FASA) at Abt Associates

About The Job

• Abt Associates seeks Chief of Party (COP) candidates for the anticipated USAID/Ghana Fiscal Accountability Strengthening Activity (the Activity).

The Opportunity

• The purpose of the five-year Activity is to improve accountability within the Government of Ghana's public financial management systems to achieve three objectives:
  1. enhanced external audit and parliamentary scrutiny 
  2. improved accounting, financial reporting, and compliance to fiscal policy; and
  3. strengthened control, predictability, and transparency in budget execution.

Summary:

• As the COP, you will be responsible for providing overall management and direction to the Activity and will supervise all project personnel. 
• You will hold the primary responsibility for overall performance and compliance.
• Work is expected to begin in late 2023. The position is contingent on the contract being awarded to Abt Associates. 
• As the COP, you will be based in Ghana and will report to the designated project director in Abt Associates’ headquarters in the United States.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic technical and managerial leadership for all components of the program to ensure quality and timely delivery of the contract.
• Oversee and be responsible for the financial and administrative compliance of the project including supervision, support, and direction to managerial and technical staff.
• Serve as key liaison with USAID, government counterparts, and local partners/stakeholders, and as the principal Abt Associates representative of the Activity.
• Ensure close coordination with and leverage other relevant initiatives, including other USAID projects, the private sector, researchers, Government of Ghana, and other donors.
• Ensure clear communications with clients and stakeholders about project activities and accomplishments and promote an approach of continuous learning and adapting to maximize sustainability and impact.
• Interact directly and on a regular basis with USAID/Ghana to coordinate program direction and ensure strategic alignment, collaborative learning, and adaption.
• Coordinate the timely identification and engagement of subject matter experts to support achievement of project expected results.

What We Value:

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in accounting, public finance, public administration or other related field.
• More than 10 years of relevant professional experience implementing international, donor-funded projects to strengthen public sector budgeting and auditing, financial data quality, and fiscal accountability and transparency at national and sub-national levels.
• A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience successfully leading $10M+ projects, including strategy, planning, budgets, reporting and communications.
• Experience working with government officials, the private sector, media, and civil society organizations in public fiscal management and accountability.
• Experience in West Africa required; experience in Ghana preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing gender equality and social inclusion objectives (e.g., gender equality and female empowerment, youth engagement, inclusion of ethnic minorities).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English is required.

What We Offer:

• We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. 
• Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. 
• The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.