Chief of Party for USAID Trade Integration and Competitiveness Activity At Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech International Development (International Development Jobs – Tetra Tech) is currently accepting expressions of interest from qualified candidates for a Chief of Party (COP) position on the anticipated USAID-funded Trade Integration and Competitiveness Activity in Vientiane, Laos. The position is contingent upon the activity’s award and USAID approval.

Position Description: The Activity will contribute to the cross cutting programmatic approaches in the USAID/Laos Strategic Framework (2023-2028): digitalization, private sector engagement, gender and inclusive development, and localization. The goal outcomes: Responsible and sustainable trade and investment environment increased, sustainable employment creation increased in focused value chains, and regional integration advanced.

The COP will be the principal point of contact in Laos for procedural and substantive matters. The COP’s primary responsibilities are aimed at providing overall leadership, management, and general technical direction of the entire project, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the award. This individual will be expected to identify issues and risks related to project implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate adjustments. This is anticipated to be a full-time position based in Vientiane, Laos.

Responsibilities:

* Provide overall strategic leadership and technical expertise for the project to ensure an integrated vision for project implementation.
* Provide direct oversight and supervision for the project’s team; serve as the primary liaison with USAID, host country government, implementing partners, subcontractors, other donor projects, and the Tetra Tech home office.
* Develop innovative and sustainable approaches to achieve project objectives and monitor and evaluate project outcomes and impacts.
* Ensure project compliance with USAID, Tetra Tech, and host country policies, rules, and regulations, including relating to implementation of the USAID Local Capacity Strengthening Policy.
* Manage all aspects of project implementation, including overall responsibility for personnel, project results, efficient budgeting and financial management.
* Coordinate with host country government, the private sector, and other stakeholders, to identify specific technical assistance needs and determine how best to integrate assistance with existing programs and resources.
* Oversee technical activities and ensure the project achieves results as defined in the contract.
* Evaluate and document project progress and lessons learned.
* Assume responsibility for overall USAID contract management, ensuring quality control and timeliness of deliverables. Assure compliance with Tetra Tech policy, the U.S. Government, and relevant host country regulatory requirements.
* Lead institutional engagement and coordination, collaboration, and consultation with diverse stakeholders in the region, including government, donors, private sector entities, financial institutions and implementing agencies.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

* Minimum of a master’s degree in business, political science, economics, or another related discipline is required.
* At least ten (10) years’ experience in a senior management role leading and managing complex development programs or multi-disciplinary teams, preferably as a COP for a USAID-funded project or equivalent donor-funded program.
* Experience using market systems facilitation and evidence-based decision support methodologies preferred.
* Experience with sustainable trade and investment promotion, preferably within ASEAN or in Southeast Asia region.
* Knowledgeable of MSME competitiveness and investment readiness.
* Exceptional managerial skills and demonstrated experience in managing donor-funded projects of similar size and scope; USAID/USG experience preferred.
* Demonstrated ability to engage in multi-stakeholder dialogue, including sustaining partnerships and strong working relationships with donors, host country government counterparts, private sector, and civil society.
* Professional fluency in written and spoken English required; working proficiency in Lao a plus.
* Candidates from Laos are strongly encouraged to apply.