Chief of Party, West Africa

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Chief of Party, West Africa

Effective with the release of this position announcement, Winrock International will be recruiting applicants for the position of Chief of Party for upcoming food security programs in francophone West Africa. The responsibilities, duties, and qualifications are described in the attached position description. Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

GENERAL:

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants should go to www.winrock.org to the Jobs link and submit a current resume and cover letter referencing Chief of Party, West Africa by December 19, 2011.

Winrock would like to graciously thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are short listed will be contacted.

EEOE/AA.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Chief of Party, Food Security Program

LOCATION: West Africa, to be determined

UNIT: Enterprise and Agriculture

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Enterprise and Agriculture

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Winrock is seeking candidates for Chief of Party with upcoming USAID food security programs in Africa (http://www.feedthefuture.gov/).

Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  Key liaison between the project and local government, USAID and other projects.  Provide overall technical leadership to achieve the results of the project.
 Oversee and be responsible for financial and administrative aspects of the project including managing the budget.  Provide supervision, support, and direction to long- and short-term staff.  Administer the project's financial oversight and procedures, ensuring compliance with established Winrock accounting principles and USAID regulations.  Manage subcontracts, ensure all deliverables are provided.  Analyze project impact and challenges to adaptively manage the project to meet or exceed results.  Ensure women and marginalized groups are beneficiaries of the project.  Prepare annual work plans and progress reports, and monitor the implementation of these plans. Prepare and submit quarterly reports on progress of activities and achievement of program results to USAID.  Establish contacts with partners and clients to ensure coordinated implementation of project activities and represent the Winrock Team at key meetings.  Participate in 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. QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education: Master’s degree or higher in agriculture or related field.

Work Experience: Minimum ten years’ experience working on complex USAID agricultural development programs required, preferably in Francophone Africa. Ten years or more of progressively responsible supervisory work experience including previous experience as Chief of Party and direct supervision of professional and support staff, assembling teams working on multi-faceted international development projects. Knowledge of USAID policies and indicators.

Skills: Technical understanding of agriculture, food security, and agricultural institution strengthening. Excellent management, communication, and organization skills are required. Excellent computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases) are required. Must have the ability to diplomatically supervise staff and coordinate programs with partners from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. Must have the ability to build coalitions and networks that can provide synergies and sustainable solutions to food security issues. Must be comfortable in high-level representational role as well as interacting with beneficiaries. Must have experience with networking and cooperating with other USAID and donor-funded projects

Other: Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply. Fluency in French and English and strong written French and English is required.

How to apply:

Applicants should go to www.winrock.org to the Jobs link and submit a current resume and cover letter referencing Chief of Party, West Africa by December 19, 2011.