Deputy Chief of Party, Ethiopia ECAG

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant.

Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Position Purpose

Pact seeks an experienced Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the anticipated USAID/Ethiopia Coalitions for Accountable Governance (ECAG) Activity. The anticipated ECAG Activity will seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s civic fabric by supporting collective action by civic actors to advocate to and engage constructively with government in order to create more inclusive, accountable, and citizen-responsive policy and governance processes. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity. This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief of Party, the DCOP is responsible for helping the Chief of Party to meet the project’s technical objectives, manage financial resources, manage program staff, manage partnering agreements, maintain good working relationships with host government officials, consortium members, and local civil society partners, manage donor reporting and ensure a high-quality delivery of services. The Deputy Chief of Party will provide technical leadership and direction to the project on civil society strengthening, coalition building, advocacy, and civic engagement and will develop the capacities of key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, coalitions, and networks at the national and regional levels.

The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are listed below:

• Under the guidance of the COP, ensure high-quality technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the program’s strategic objectives and adhering to expected technical quality and reporting requirements.
• Participate in the project’s technical and programmatic design; represent Pact in negotiating with donors and partners.
• Help manage project planning, including the production of annual workplans; help guide and oversee the alignment of the budget to expected results, and review and approve annual budgets and quarterly reports.
• Support the implementation of a highly adaptive, context-driven programmatic approach.
• Ensure a responsive and innovative approach to developing the capacity of civil society organizations and coalitions and other civic actors.

· Support the design and implementation of a programmatic approach that engages women, youth, and marginalized groups in advocacy, outreach, and other civic activities.

· Manage a team of flexible and adaptive employees and oversee evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve greater impact.

· Ensure the cost-effective use of Pact resources.

• Ensure compliance with Pact and USAID requirements, policies, and regulations.
• Under the guidance of the COP, act as liaison to relevant donors and the local government
• As relevant, manage all local grantmaking mechanisms, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and Pact policy; coordinate and/or conduct monitoring visits to grantee programs.
• Provide training and mentoring to partners to strengthen capacity for technical service delivery and compliance with donor rules and regulations.

· Under the guidance of the COP, help recruit and directly supervise project staff in line with Pact HR policies; Oversee the management and development of project office human resources to ensure a diverse, skilled, and productive workforce, an effective leadership team, and an organizational culture where Pact’s values are practiced.

· Deliver technical presentations on program achievements to implementing partners, civil society organizations, government officials, donor, and other organizations.

Basic Requirements

· Minimum Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in social sciences, law, development studies or a relevant field; Master’s degree preferred.

· At least seven years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to democracy and governance activities; three years of which shall have been in senior program management including direct supervision of professional and support staff.

· Demonstrated experience working with national and sub-national civic actors and government institutions in Ethiopia.

· Experience building capacity and providing technical assistance to civil society actors, including though mentorship and coaching.

· Technical expertise in politically smart advocacy, network strengthening/coalition building, public policy, and/or civic engagement.

· Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.

· Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners.

· Demonstrated ability to work with and between different stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and funders.

· Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse government and civil society stakeholders.

· Demonstrated skills in problem-solving, negotiating, decision-making, and consensus-building.

· Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Ethiopia.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Fluency in English and Amharic (oral, writing, and reading) required.

· Ability to travel within Ethiopia and occasionally internationally, when health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 diminish.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements and/or knowledge of USAID rules, regulations, and policies.

· Demonstrated experience implementing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying systems-driven approaches and/or thinking and working politically (TWP) principles.

· Ethiopian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.