The Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall leadership and direction to the Development Food Assistance Program (DFAP), ensuring the achievement of program objectives according to schedule and within budget. The program will be implemented through a consortium of local and international partners, in addition to key stakeholders from the Government of Malawi, and others. The program has an expected value of US $50 -$80 million over five years. The Chief of Party will coordinate the implementation of all aspects of the program to ensure program quality and timely reporting to donors. The COP will operate within the organizational structure of World Vision (WV) while coordinating the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in the implementation of the program interventions. The successful candidate will also be responsible for representing the DFAP to major stakeholders, especially USAID and key relevant ministries within the country. COP should embrace the shared USG/WV vision for the project and effectively manage available financial and human resources to make that vision a reality.
The COP is charged with supervising a professional team in the accomplishment of the program strategic objectives and intermediate results, in a complex implementation context. S/he must have a broad vision/strategy linked with a sound ability to get things done. The COP has overall responsibility for ensuring the proper management of DFAP activity planning and implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) efforts, and commodities (including monetisation and direct distribution logistics). S/he is also responsible for providing strategic leadership and supervision of sub-grantees and sub-contractors while ensuring the security, feasibility, and sustainability of the program. The COP represents the program to local USAID Mission and other in-country Cooperating Sponsors, international and national program/consortium partners, and the Government of Malawi and its relevant line ministries, UN Agencies, and other stakeholders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
- Supervise a team of senior level international and national staff with skills across a diverse set of technical areas.
- Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.
- Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with WV’s performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
- Represent the DFAP and World Vision to USAID, Government of Malawi, UN agencies, implementing and technical partners and other appropriate bodies. Actively represent WV at relevant meetings with the Government of Malawi and USAID counterparts to ensure provide updates on project progress and communicate challenges to program implementation.
- Maintain strict oversight over food commodity and cash resources.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Health, Nutrition, Development Economics Business, or another field directly related to the program summary above.
- A minimum of ten years of progressively increasing responsibility in overseas international management experience, preferably in administering USAID and/or Food for Peace programs is required, with a preference for two years of experience overseeing USG food aid programs (Title II or USDA).
- Proven ability to manage complex consortium or partnership relationships, including effectively coordinating with host country governments.
- Familiarity with U.S. Government (USG) food aid legislation and regulations.
- Prior experience and demonstrated knowledge of USG food aid programs and the relevant legislation; mastery of USAID regulations governing such programs.
- Excellent computer and internet skills are required.
Preferred: - Strong skills in financial personnel and process management.
- English language fluency is required.
- Experience as a COP.
- DCOP or senior expert preferred.
Required:
