Chief of Party – Sudan Feed the Future Project At Near East Foundation

Title: Chief of Party – Sudan Feed the Future Activity

Reports to: HQ Program Director

Location: Sudan

Pre-Award: Anticipated Start Date March 2025

About NEF

Since 1915, NEF has supported community-led economic and social development in Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus. As a non-profit international development organization, NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to reduce poverty, create economic opportunity, increase resilience, and empower conflict, climate- and crisis-affected people to improve their outlook and wellbeing. Our programs span three focal areas: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate Resilient Development, and Peace and Stability.

NEF works through a network of country offices and with local partners, with current or recent operations in Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our global headquarters are based in Syracuse, NY, London, UK, and Brussels, Belgium.

Near East Foundation (NEF) has been operating in Sudan since 1978. NEF’s overarching goal in Sudan is to foster inclusive and equitable growth that improves the lives of the Sudanese population. By supporting locally led initiatives, NEF aims to create lasting change, harnessing the potential of communities to drive their own development.

Position Overview

The Chief of Party (COP) will lead the anticipated Feed the Future project aimed at enhancing the resilience and livelihoods of households and communities in Sudan. The COP will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and implementation of project activities focused on increasing food security through sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening agricultural value chains, and developing market linkages and agribusiness development. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of Sudan’s agricultural landscape, including its complexities and challenges, and will have proven leadership experience in similar contexts.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement project strategies that align with Activity objectives and local needs. Ensure a participatory approach that incorporates feedback from stakeholders at all levels.
• Oversee project implementation, ensuring timely delivery of results and adherence to quality standards. Monitor and evaluate project progress and adapt strategies based on data and contextual changes.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of national and international staff. Maintain a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors. Represent the progress to Donor and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective use of project resources, including financial management and compliance with USAID regulations. Facilitate capacity-building initiatives for local partners and stakeholders.
• Identify and address potential risks associated with project implementation, Adapt programming in response to evolving security and market conditions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture, Development Studies, economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in managing agricultural development projects, preferably in Sudan.
• Proven experience working with Feed the Future or similar donor-funded projects.
• Strong understanding of Sudanese agriculture, value chains, and market systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.