Chief of Party – Economic Growth, Nepal

Winrock International (Winrock) is recruiting for a Chief of Party under the- Agriculture and Enterprise Group. The responsibilities, duties and qualifications for this position are described in the attached position description. Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

GENERAL:

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. Winrock matches innovative approaches in agriculture, natural resources management, clean energy, and leadership development with the unique needs of its partners. 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.

SALARY:

The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits include life, disability and medical insurance, retirement and other normal Winrock benefits.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants should send current resume, cover letter with three references by email only, with the MANDATORY subject line:  “Nepal Economic Growth CoP” in Subject Line to:  jobs@winrock.org.  Winrock would like to graciously thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are short listed will be contacted.  The deadline for applications is Friday, August 7, 2009.

POSITION TITLE: Chief of Party

LOCATION: Kathmandu

DEPARTMENT: Agriculture and Enterprise Group

REPORTS TO: Senior Program Officer

BACKGROUND:

Winrock International is seeking highly qualified candidates for a potential economic growth project in Nepal.  The Chief-of-Party (CoP) position will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The CoP will be responsible for the overall project management, including field team mobilization and leadership; development and implementation of work plans, operational budgets, and performance monitoring plans; periodic reports; communication and coordination with donor and partner organizations, and ensuring achievement of project results and objectives.  The position may require frequent travel to field location sites within the project area.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide overall program leadership and manage program activities and provide coordination and liaison with Government of Nepal agencies, USAID, partner organizations and NGOs;

§  Supervise performance of sub-contractors, sub-grantees, and project team; and builds strong collaborative relationships with all project partners;

• Manage of all project activities, including monitoring and evaluation; and timely preparation and submission of annual work plans quarterly reports and other deliverables and achievement of program to USAID;
• Supervise of internal control procedures and overall administrative systems;

§  Develop scopes of work and contracting mechanisms for local long-term support personnel and short-term technical assistance.

§  Provide supervision, support, and direction to long- and short-term staff.

§  Administer the project’s financial resources; establish monitoring procedures for financial allocations through grants and sub-grants, ensuring compliance with established Winrock accounting principles and USAID regulations.

§  Participate in regular field visits to the project zones to assure project progress towards activity objectives and goals.

§  Coordinate and communicate on a regular basis with Winrock’s Home Office.

§  Manage relationships with complementary USAID and donor projects

§  Represent Winrock International and the project to USAID at key meetings

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND

EDUCATION: Minimum Master’s Degree in enterprise development, agriculture, international development, or related field is required. Strong experience in micro enterprise, micro finance, and or value chain approaches is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE:

§  Minimum of ten years experience managing international economic growth programs with economic development components in developing countries;

§  Minimum of 5 years experience of senior management experience on a USAID funded project is mandatory, e.g. Project Director/Chief of Party preferred;

§  Demonstrated  and proven record to lead/motivate a multidisciplinary team under changeable and complex circumstances; and

§  Previous work experience and knowledge of conditions in Nepal or in the region.

SKILLS:

• Strong managerial skills, including well developed skills in managing complex institutional relations and interactions among a variety of entities.
• Previous experience with and clear understanding of results-based approach to USAID-funded project implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills in English (knowledge of Nepali is expected).
• Must be computer literate, specifically in Microsoft Word and Excel.