CHIEF OF PARTY (COP)/PROGRAM MANAGER – USAID SRI LANKA ENERGY PROGRAM

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 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 technical, financial and administrative aspects of the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program. The goal of this activity is to achieve affordable, reliable, and sustainable power in Sri Lanka to support the country’s self-reliance. This will be achieved through four objectives designed to: 1) improve the cost-reflectivity of electricity tariffs; 2) increase the deployment of renewable energy; 3) improve demand-side management; and 4) deploy advanced technologies. The place of performance for this project will be in/around Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The COP will act as the main point of contact between USAID, ECODIT and partner organizations, ensuring client satisfaction through timely and accurate submission of high-quality deliverables, responding to priorities and expectations. The COP will possess strong technical experience in the energy sector, and strong management and relationship building skills. 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.

Responsibilities

• Assume technical, financial, and administrative leadership of the project, ensuring that all tasks are implemented effectively and that all deliverables are submitted on time, within budget, and in compliance with USAID/USG rules and regulations, as well as ECODIT policies and procedures;
• Identify and execute strategies to build viable relationships with key stakeholders, including USAID, government ministries, utilities companies, private sector entities, NGOs, civil society, and beneficiaries;
• 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 technical experts, non-technical staff and short-term technical consultants over the life of the contract; 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

• A Masters’ Degree (or equivalent) in Energy Policy, Engineering, International Development, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or related field;
• A minimum of 10 years of experience leading or supporting long-term, donor-funded projects in the energy sector, preferably in Sri Lanka and/or Southeast Asia;
• 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 understanding of at least one of the following technical areas: renewable energy development; energy technology; costs and tariffs; demand-side management; engineering; energy policy; legal and regulatory affairs;
• Ability and willingness to live and work in Sri Lanka;
• Experience working on USAID-funded contracts preferred;
• Proven experience in 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 Sinhalese highly desirable