Chemonics International Inc. is a US-based international development consulting firm, operating in over 80 countries. Chemonics seeks a Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID-funded Southern Africa Countering Wildlife Crime (CWC) Activity. The purpose of this five-year, $24 million activity is to reduce threats to and protect biodiversity from wildlife crimes in Southern Africa. The goals of the Activity are to improve collaboration among stakeholders, strengthen criminal justice sector capacity, reduce corruption, and increase community support and participation. This position will be based in Pretoria, South Africa. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

The Chief of Party will oversee technical implementation, contract management, communications, and personnel management in compliance with USAID regulations and relevant local laws. The Chief of Party will provide overall strategic vision and leadership in the design and implementation of all technical interventions and serve as the primary point of contact with USAID/Southern Africa on day-to-day contract implementation.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide overall project leadership, management, and technical direction; ensure an integrated vision among different components and actors with a focus on achieving results.
• Lead coordination among subcontractors, grantees, and other partners in Southern Africa.
• Oversee the design, preparation, and timely implementation of work plans.
• Serve as the primary liaison with USAID staff, institutions, and client partners to exchange information and develop professional relationships; make verbal or written presentations, as requested, to various audiences.
• Ensure that all project assistance is technically sound and appropriate.
• Direct implementation of the project’s strategic long-term vision.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience developing networks for conservation, including extensive experience working on programs focused on countering wildlife crime in Southern Africa.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience on environmental programs in Southern Africa; at least three years as Chief of Party, Project Director, or an equivalent role on a donor funded development project.
• Advanced degree in natural resource management, ecology, biodiversity, environmental policy, international development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated broad management, team building, and partnership building experience, especially those requiring large programmatic flexibility.
• Experience working with government agencies and transnational government organizations and possessing a strong relationship with SADC and other partner organizations.
• Expertise in promoting collaboration between stakeholders to execute locally formulated solutions.
• Exceptional ability to ensure coherence and consistency under tight deadlines, including quality control and timelines of all deliverables.
• Professional experience working in developing countries.
• Proven ability to lead multi-cultural, multidisciplinary teams across multiple countries.
• Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Fluency in English required.