Deputy Chief of Party

Lutheran World Relief

Details / requirements:

Deputy Chief of Party - Nepal Agricultural Inputs and Market Systems Activity

In anticipation of a new multi-year USAID Nepal Agricultural Inputs and Market Systems Activity, Lutheran World Relief is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party.

Corus International is a family of organizations which believes that those who were born into impossible circumstances deserve the opportunity for a better life. Corus was formed through the strategic merger of IMA World Health (operating as a public health organization since 1960), and Lutheran World Relief (operating as a livelihoods organization since 1945), and today includes the smaller entities of Charlie Goldsmith Associates, Ground Up Investing, and Farmers Market Coffee. Corus International works in over 20 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, with a primary focus on health, livelihoods, and emergency response.

Corus International’s country portfolio in Nepal has worked alongside the Nepal government, donors, and a variety of local and international partners since 2009. Programs reach marginalized communities through market systems facilitation, agriculture, food security, livelihoods, enterprise development, and disaster risk reduction activities. The portfolio includes a focus on both sustainable development and humanitarian assistance activities and operates out of Kathmandu. 

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will provide overall technical leadership and operational oversight for the anticipated “Agricultural Inputs and Market Systems Activity,” which is expected to: 1) develop a demand- and supply-responsive and financially viable seed system; 2) improve the soil fertility management and fertilizer distribution system; 3) enhance climate adaptive and sustainable water management systems; and 4) increase the adoption of modern agricultural equipment. The DCOP will take a leadership role in ensuring technical and administration implementation of high impact, proven interventions, while ensuring that the project meets stated goals and reporting requirements. The DCOP will assume the responsibilities of the COP in the absence of the COP. S/he will take a technical leadership role in coordination with key stakeholders and other implementing partners, including numerous government institutions and representatives, the private sector, and civil society partners to ensure that market systems interventions contribute towards outcomes in line with regional and global best practices. Ensuring effective implementation of the project and working closely with the program implementing partners and the COP to ensure adaptive management of the project takes place will be key to the role. A collaborative mindset and willingness to invest in the long-term success of local institutions (public, private, and civil society) also will be key. This position will be based in Nepal.

Actual hiring is contingent upon signed agreement and USAID approval.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the COP and senior management team in support of maintaining project objectives, evaluate program effectiveness, and determine corrective action needed to achieve objectives
  • Coordinate with key staff/component leads and partners in carrying out activities in accordance with the work plan and timelines for deliverables 
  • Provide technical leadership on one or more of the following topics: market systems facilitation, business development services, market analysis and support, agricultural inputs and service promotion and delivery, private sector engagement with public authorities, digital technology and introduction of new digital services, access to finance, and/or business model development for small-scale entrepreneurs
  • Support development of strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools, and efficient systems to ensure high quality implementation
  • Define strategy, iterate, and ensure consortium partner buy-in and adherence to the overall technical approach
  • Provide oversight of implementing partners, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment inclusive of both local and international partner organizations towards program objectives
  • Together with the COP and the technical implementation team, take a lead role in the development of the annual workplan and review of the existing performance monitoring plans; manage effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems to achieve results; and liaise with internal and external program evaluation technical staff and consultants
  • Supervise program staff and manage consortium partners in coordination with the COP
  • Build staff capacity through on-the-job training and mentoring in consultation with the COP
  • In coordination with the COP, represent the project in public and professional circles and during donor and other high-level visits (especially by USG and private agencies), through meetings, conferences, and presentations; support written correspondence to the donor as needed

Qualifications:

  • MA/MS or equivalent in agricultural economics, business administration, international development, governance, or related field pertaining to market-based development 
  • At least seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a team of both international and expatriate staff, as well as local or international partner organizations
  • Experience managing large, complex donor-funded international development programs required; experience managing USAID projects of similar size and complexity to this activity a significant advantage
  • Proven ability to work with government officials, international partners, local agricultural specialists, financial service providers, and other local stakeholders likely contributing to the design and implementation of market-based agricultural input improvement projects
  • Experience in adaptive management preferred, with proven ability to iterate, test, and adjust programming in line with contextual shifts
  • Experience working in fragile settings, ideally with prior experience in Nepal or the region
  • Ability to direct and manage change and inspire teamwork and high performing teams
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity a must; experience living and/or working in developing countries required
  • Excellent analytical written and oral communication skills
  • Professional level fluency in English, both oral and written; knowledge of Nepali is an asset
  • Willingness and ability to travel to project sites in Nepal

Based on the final solicitation for this opportunity and target geographic areas, this position will be based in Kathmandu. The role can be negotiated as an accompanied post for families.

To apply, please go to: Nepal Ag Inputs DCOP and follow the instructions for applying online.

LWR/Corus International is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, Corus makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant's or employee's race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, and local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify Corus's Human Resources department.

Overview

Category Development and Project
Openings 1
Position Type Contract
Experience 7+ years
Education Please check vacancy details
Posted Date 06 May, 2021
Apply Before 12 May, 2021
City Kathmandu