Position Title:              Chief of Party

Project (Forecasted):   Women and Men in Agriculture (WAMA) Activity                     

Location:                      Kabul, Afghanistan

Reports to:                   Chief Executive Officer

Contract Period:         October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2029 (5 yrs.). 

                                        Position is contingent upon successful award.

BACKGROUND

Since 2003, our Client has worked to rebuild Afghanistan's agricultural economy across all 34 provinces, transformingwar-torn lands into productive farmlands. With over 20 years of deep experience in the region and a strong network of localprofessionals and leadership, our commitment to co-creating locally-tailored solutions has established us as one of the fewtrusted INGOs in the country. From farm production to export facilitation, our suite of proven and sustainable market-driven interventions throughout Afghanistan promotes inclusive economic growth, food security, and resilience to climate change.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The People in Agriculture (WAMA) Activity aims to improve food security and resilience in Afghanistan through increased agricultural productivity, diversification, and market development. The project will focus on strengthening value chains, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting gender equality by empowering women in agriculture. Key activities include providing technical assistance to farmers, facilitating access to markets, and promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. The project will also implement a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, collaboration, learning, and adaptation plan to ensure effective progress tracking and adaptive management. Overall, WAMA seeks to create sustainable agricultural growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance the resilience of rural communities in Afghanistan. Funding levels are anticipated to be between $50 - $60M over five years.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief of Party (COP) will lead the Women and Men in Agriculture (WAMA) Activity, aimed at improving food security, resilience, and gender equality through enhanced agricultural productivity and market development in Afghanistan. The COP will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of the project, ensuring that all activities are aligned with USAID’s objectives and implemented effectively to achieve the desired outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction for the WAMA Activity.
• Ensure effective coordination and collaboration among project partners, stakeholders, and team members.
• Develop and implement annual implementation plans and Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (MECLA) Plans in line with USAID guidelines and project objectives.
• Ensure that the project is appropriately staffed to achieve objectives within set timeframes.
• Manage and oversee all contract management and implementation tasks based on established USG regulations, procedures, and Client's policy.

Technical Oversight

• Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of project activities to ensure technical excellence and the achievement of project goals.
• Promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and strengthen value chains.
• Ensure gender integration and the empowerment of women in agriculture.
• Support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools, and efficient systems to ensure high-quality implementation.
• Address emerging agricultural or economic growth issues through the Opportunity Response Mechanism (ORM) as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with USAID, local authorities, NGOs, private sector partners, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the project in meetings, conferences, and other forums.
• Maintain positive relationships with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economy, and other relevant bodies.
• Ensure that cordial and productive working relations are maintained with all stakeholders and that reports, and other documentation are provided in a timely fashion.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

• Implement a comprehensive MECLA plan.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of project activities, progress, and outcomes to ROP and USAID.
• Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the project team.
• Track progress toward program objectives and targets, and adjust methodology when necessary.
• Develop strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools, and efficient systems to ensure high-quality implementation.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with ROP policies and USAID rules, regulations, and contractual requirements.
• Prepare and submit high-quality progress reports, financial reports, and other deliverables as required by USAID.
• Manage all communications with USAID, highlighting specific challenges and proposing solutions.
• Respond to USAID ad hoc information requests in a timely and professional manner.

Administration

• Oversee program administration operations, implementation, and fiscal management to ensure technical and financial activity aligns with scope and budget allocations, internal policies, and donor regulations.
• Manage project budgets and monitor expenditures against those budgets.
• Anticipate purchasing needs and oversee procurements to maintain compliance with USAID regulations and Client policies.
• Ensure the safety and security of all project personnel, facilities, and resources.
• Maintain close collaboration with the Home Office team, including management, finance, and human resource personnel.
• Oversee all hiring, firing, position changes, and salary changes for the teams, ensuring compliance with organizational and donor requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in agriculture, economics, international development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of senior management experience in international development, preferably in agriculture or food security projects.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large, complex donor-funded projects in challenging environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience working in Afghanistan or similar conflict-prone environments is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an advantage.
• Experience managing large teams of diverse individuals from different backgrounds and ethnic groups.
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations.
• Strong analytical, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to think and communicate clearly with others, motivate, and lead.
• Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively.
• Multiple Country work experience is required.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Educational Background (10 points):

• Advanced degree in relevant fields such as agriculture, economics, international development, etc.

Relevant Experience (30 points):

• Minimum of 12 years of senior management experience in international development projects, with a focus on agriculture or food security.
• Experience managing large, complex donor-funded projects in challenging environments.

Technical Expertise (25 points):

• Demonstrated expertise in agriculture development, smart climate-practices, and gender integration.
• Experience with USAID rules and regulations.

Leadership and Management Skills (20 points):

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing large teams and working with diverse stakeholders.

Regional Experience (10 points):

• Experience working in Afghanistan or similar conflict-prone environments.
• Proficiency in local languages (Dari or Pashto) is an advantage.

Analytical and Reporting Skills (5 points):

• Strong analytical, report writing, and presentation skills.

LOCATION

Throughout the assignment, the COP will reside in Kabul, with periodic remote work as appropriate.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this position will be based on past compensation.  Special allowances will be provided for time in the country.  Living quarters are provided at Interlink.  All transportation, security, and logistics are provided.  Three paid leave trips home per year.  Paid leave and holidays are provided.  For more details, you will be provided with the firm's Personnel Plan.  This plan will be provided along with a job offer.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTION:   To apply, please submit the following documents to linda.aines@internationalink.net  with “Chief of Party - Afghanistan” in the Subject line and attach:

1.) Resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the Qualifications requirements, and  

2.) a list of at least three professional referees; list will include name, contact information, and work relationship to the referee.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. 

Deadline for Application:   July 22, 2024,   (no longer available-filled)