Deputy chief of party

Chemonics seeks a deputy chief of party – programs for the anticipated USAID/Women’s Economic Development (WED) Activity. The overall objective of WED is to provide a comprehensive approach to women’s entry into the economy and create the necessary conditions for achieving and maintaining peace. The focus of the activity’s technical assistance will be on providing women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Afghanistan with access to finance and capacity building opportunities as well as carrying out workforce development activities. The project will be based in Kabul, Afghanistan with potential domestic travel within Afghanistan. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide support to the chief of party (COP) in programmatic, strategic development and quality control duties.
• Build strong relationships with USAID, partners, the private sector, business associations, and government stakeholders.
• Oversee the private sector development, workforce development, business enabling environment and other cross-cutting teams.
• Oversee provincial team leaders and satellite offices to ensure activities are progressing in accordance with provincial workplans and are in alignment with the Kabul office.
• Work with key counterparts to identify priorities and resolve development and implementation challenges in a fast and effective way.

• Oversee the technical work planning process and assist in the identification, development, and implementation of a wide range of grants-under-contract and technical assistance activities.

• Ensures efficiency across private sector development, workforce development, and cross-cutting components, maintaining rigorous focus on project indicators, results, and more generally supporting the M&E and communications functions.

• Supports the COP in overseeing the development of capacity building efforts and the strengthening of technical staff and local partners.

• Supports periodic staff training and development activities and provide regular feedback to program staff.

• Provide acting chief of party coverage as needed, in coordination with the DCOP-Operations.

• Provide other duties as assigned by the chief of party.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in international development, conflict resolution, finance, business, economic development, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience

• Experience working in Afghanistan preferred, but not required

• Demonstrated experience in leadership positions on USAID-funded programs. USAID experience with grants under contract preferred

• Technical experience working in private sector development and/or workforce development – preferably in Afghanistan

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with clients, project leadership, and host-country counterparts at senior levels in government and in non-governmental organizations

• Knowledge of business and financial operations, strategic planning, return on investment and risk mitigation

• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder consultation, working with professional associations, and reaching consensus among multiple private sector stakeholders

• Ability to communicate effectively in a cross-cultural environment

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management, and reporting
• Excellent written and verbal English language skills
• Experience working with individuals in culturally diverse settings
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity