Chief of Party, USDA FFPr Cashew, West Africa at ACDI/VOCA

ACDI/VOCA seeks a dynamic and a proven Chief of Party for an upcoming USDA-funded Food for Progress (FFPr) program in West Africa. The program will build local capacity, improve economic growth, and increase trade by catalyzing private investment in the cashew processing sectors of Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. The goal is to reach at least 50% of production processed to kernels in each country. The 5-year activity is envisioned to start in 2021.

The Chief of Party will provide overall strategic direction in the design, management, implementation, and overall quality assurance of the project. S/he will oversee a team of experts and support staff, prepare reports and annual operating plans, align project initiatives with in-country priorities, and ensure the program is compliant with USDA and ACDI/VOCA regulations. The position will be located in the Regional office with significant travel to project activities located in Ghana, Nigeria and/or Cote D’Ivoire.
 

• Develop strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, and overall management of the program in line with USDA guidelines to achieve objectives.
• Provide overall technical vision, leadership, and project management.
• Serve as the project’s key liaison with headquarters, USDA, government counterparts, private sector stakeholders, subcontractors, academic institutions, and other local partners to exchange information and develop professional relationships.
• Ensure day-to-day technical, schedule, and financial performance of the project in accordance with the scope of work and annual work plans.
• Oversee management and quality of deliverables for all subcontractors, international consultants, and local project staff.
• Collaboratively create and implement a strategic, long-term programmatic vision.
• Oversee preparation and supervision of project work planning, performance management, and strategic communications.
• Serve as liaison with cashew investment fund manager in order to facilitate investments.
• Facilitate the development of sustainable public-private partnerships and private sector investment in target value chains.
• Review all financial and logistical information on a periodic basis.
• Give verbal or written presentations as requested by the client and/or ACDI/VOCA to varied audiences regarding the project’s progress.

Job Requirement

• Advanced degree in business, agronomy, agribusiness, agricultural economics, or related field from an accredited university preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional work experience managing agricultural, value chain or cooperative development projects;
• Work with private sector cashew processing and marketing strongly preferred
• Familiarity with facilitating investment, blended finance, and matching investors and investors/borrowers preferred;
• Successful track record of leading USDA or other US Government-funded projects preferred
• Experience working on similar donor-funded programs in West Africa desired.
• Demonstrated strong communications and ability to build coalitions and networks and interact productively with a wide range and levels of organizations (producers, government, private sector, NGOs, and research institutions).
• Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status.
• Excellent communication skills for a wide audience of stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and French is required.

Please apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs or email your CV to [email protected]. The applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt, only finalists will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.