Chief of Party: USAID/Nepal Agriculture Transformation Activity – Feed the Future At Winrock International

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.

INTRODUCTION:

Winrock International works with people around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. Winrock is seeking a Chief of Party to lead a dynamic team in implementing an anticipated $55M-60M USAID-funded project to catalyze transformation of Nepal’s agricultural sector required for inclusive economic growth. To achieve this vision, the project’s objectives are: 1) Agricultural productivity, competitiveness, and diversification increased; 2) Enabling environment for private sector investment in agriculture and equitable access to market systems improved; 3) Climate and economic resilience of women, youth, and marginalized communities enhanced; and 4) Capacity of national agricultural research institutions and extension systems strengthened.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief of Party will be responsible for overall project management, administration, and implementation of the anticipated project. S/he will maintain systems for project operations; ensure that all award deadlines are met and targets are achieved; oversee field staff; and coordinate and maintain working relationships with project stakeholders, including government ministries, subgrantees and/or subcontractors, other development projects, short-term technical assistance providers, and local institutions. S/he will lead collaborative initiatives to ensure all approaches are sustainable, inclusive, cross-sectoral, and evidence-based.

The position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the principal liaison with the donor, key government officials, and international and local organizations, representing Winrock International;
• Coordinate and collaborate with private sector firms, farmers and farming groups, government counterparts, and other relevant to leverage resources and maximize results;
• Lead the development of strategies to transform the agricultural sector in Nepal into a more inclusive and resilient system, drawing on both proven tools for and new approaches to market systems and social inclusion;
• Provide technical direction to diagnostics and assessments for evaluating market opportunities, identifying partners, and designing project partnerships;
• Provide high-level oversight for project administrative functions including financial management, human resources and procurement while ensuring compliance with Winrock policies and principles and donor rules and regulations;
• Design and lead interventions that sustainably build the capacity of staff and key stakeholders in government, academic institutions, private sector, and producers;
• Provide supervision, support, and direction to long- and short-term staff and technical consultants;
• Monitor program performance through indicators and evaluate program effectiveness and results;
• Apply adaptive management and learning approach to iteratively evaluate program results and impact. Institute adjustments to replicate and scale successful activities and course correct activities that are not yielding desired results;
• Prepare annual work plans and progress reports and monitor the implementation of these plans. Prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports on the progress of activities and achievement of program results to USAID;
• Maintain close communication with Winrock home office and USAID to provide ongoing, informal updates of project progress;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education:

Academic degree in international development, business administration, agriculture, or related field. Master’s degree or higher strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience managing complex agriculture market systems development programs.
• At least 5 years previous executive experience managing USG-funded contracts.
• Experience training, managing, and coaching project staff and partners on systems-based interventions required.
• Experience operationalizing iterative learning systems consistent with the collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) framework.
• Experience designing and implementing services and/or activities to reach women, youth, and historically excluded communities.
• Experience developing partnerships with and supporting private sector actors.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to supervise, challenge, and build capacity of staff and coordinate activities with partners from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to build coalitions and networks with private sector actors that can provide synergies and sustainable solutions.
• Must be comfortable in a high-level representational role as well as interacting with beneficiaries.
• Sound knowledge of international donor contracts, financial and accounting regulations and procedures, particularly USAID regulations.
• Demonstrated understanding with USG M&E frameworks and reporting systems. Skills in knowledge management, qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, and data analysis preferred.
• Excellent management, communication, and organizational skills are required.
• Excellent computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases) are required.
• Fluency in English required, proficiency in Nepali preferred

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law.

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.

Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization.