CHIEF OF PARTY (COP) – USAID MOLDOVA ENERGY SECURITY ACTIVITY

ECODIT is an international development firm working with governments, businesses, and local communities to advance environmentally- and socially-responsible development around the world. We provide technical assistance services ranging from quick-turnaround assessments and evaluations to design and implementation of long-term multi-million-dollar projects. Since its founding in 1993, ECODIT has provided professional services through more than 250 projects/contracts to diverse clients in more 50+ countries. Building on our track record of success, we have continuously expanded the depth and breadth of our expertise in the water, energy, environment, and urban and local governance sectors.

Overview

The Chief of Party (COP) will oversee all strategic, technical and operational aspects for the anticipated USAID Moldova Energy Security Activity (MESA). The objective of MESA is to strengthen Moldova’s energy security by: (1) advancing the physical and market integration of the Moldovan energy sector with Europe; (2) increasing renewable energy integration; and (3) increasing investment in energy efficiency and domestic power generation, particularly through increased adoption of renewable energy technologies.

The COP will act as the main point of contact between USAID, ECODIT and partner organizations; and ensure timely submission of high-quality deliverables in response to USAID’s priorities and expectations. Additionally, s/he will be expected to manage a team of technical experts, administrative staff and consultants; and oversee concurrent workstreams and priorities to ensure success over the life of the project, relying on a strong mix of energy sector expertise, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage relationships with a range of stakeholders and partners.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assume overall technical, financial, and administrative leadership of the Activity, ensuring that all tasks are implemented effectively and that all deliverables are submitted on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable United States Government (USG) regulations and ECODIT policies;
• Identify and execute strategies to build viable relationships with key stakeholders, including USAID, the private sector, civil society, beneficiaries; and other important actors throughout the energy, utility and/or power sector (both in Moldova and in Europe);
• Liaise regularly with USAID to ensure the timely production and submission of annual workplans, progress reports, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) plans, and other key deliverables;
• Work with the ECODIT Home Office to coordinate technical and editorial review of project deliverables prior to submission to USAID;
• Supervise a mix of long-term and short-term technical staff, subcontractors and consultants, and;
• Provide technical services for one or more project activities, and perform other tasks and duties as necessary for the success of the project.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An MBA or Masters’ Degree in International Development, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Energy, Engineering, or a related field;
• A minimum of 15 years of experience leading and/or supporting complex, long-term, donor-funded energy projects (preferably in Moldova or Eastern Europe);
• Prior experience leading complex teams with the ability to delegate authority as needed to enhance project performance;
• A track record for establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders in an international development context, and;
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.

Additional Qualifications:

• Strong technical knowledge of and experience in at least one of the following technical areas: renewable /clean energy development; energy efficiency; energy markets; policy, legal and regulatory affairs, or a related area;
• Ability and willingness to live and work in Moldova;
• Experience working on USAID-funded contracts preferred;
• Knowledge and understanding of EU Eastern Partnership framework, Energy Community Treaty, and EU Energy Directives;
• Knowledge and understanding of USAID’s Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Strategy;
• Demonstrable understanding experience engaging the private sector in development projects;
• Proven experience rapidly assembling and/or managing diverse teams to effectively execute tasks;
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, and;
• Written and verbal fluency in Moldavian, Romanian, Russian, or another relevant language highly desirable.