Classification: Regular Full-time
IRD is seeking candidates as Chief of Party (COP) for the upcoming Regional Agriculture Development Program-South in Afghanistan. The program will foster economic growth for farmers and agribusinesses, strengthen market access, build food security, and enhance three to four targeted high-value agricultural value chains as well as wheat, and at least one livestock value chain. The program will also continue to address counter-narcotics and transitional development objectives within the overall program goal of improved long-term agricultural development. The COP will provide overall project leadership, strategic guidance, managerial and technical oversight with final responsibility for achieving cost effective, timely, contractually compliant project results and impacts.
Essential Job Functions:
- Supervise senior project technical and administrative staff;
- Represent (primary point of contact) the project with USAID, the host government and donors;
- Serve as the strategic guide for program activities within all sectors – ensuring the program meets all required targets and anticipated results.
- Oversee development and implementation of administrative and operational procedures; strengthen finance, operations, and grant/subcontracts management systems;
- Ensure implementation supports the overall U.S. Government strategy for southern Afghanistan;
- Grow, mentor and aid the management of private sector and non-governmental Afghan partnering organizations in the successful implementation of program objectives;
- Liaise with other foreign assistance implementing partners and the U.S. military to ensure streamlined programming of U.S. government assistance.
Required Skills & Experience:
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible international development experience in managing and implementing large agriculture and/or business development programs.
- At least 5 years of successful experience as Project Director or Chief of Party of large donor-funded technical assistance teams for projects of similar magnitude and complexity, particularly in transitional, Islamic, and/or post-conflict countries.
- Demonstrated expertise in agriculture and agribusiness development, local capacity building or business enabling environment, and program design and implementation.
- Prior experience in designing and implementing agriculture programs in Afghanistan, the region, or a conflict or post conflict country is highly desirable.
- Experience working in the private sector is highly desirable.
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At least 10 years of progressively responsible supervisory experience, including:
- Direct supervision of professional and support staff.
- Experience in building and effectively supervising a diverse team of employees.
- Quality evaluation of staff performance and deliverables.
- Contract management.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to hold staff accountable for quality outputs and results as well as communication with external stakeholders such as governments, donors, etc.
- Professional fluency in English speaking, reading, and writing to a level 4 or native speaker.
- Professional oral presentation and concise writing skills in English (required) Dari/Pashto desirable
- Ability to interact regularly and professionally with senior host-government counterparts on policy and other strategic planning issues.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and strong track record in meeting deliverables and deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other Contractors, local implementing partners, and teams implementing USG- and other donor-funded programs, including activities in different sectors such as infrastructure and democracy/governance.
- Capacity to effectively deal with and resolve conflict.
- Demonstrated ethical management approach.
- Demonstrated team building and management skills.
Education
- Master’s degree or higher in agricultural production, agricultural science, water resources management, international development, business management or a related field;
Job Location
Kandahar, Afghanistan
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