ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Chief of Party for an upcoming Agricultural Diversification Activity in Zambia funded by USAID. The anticipated program will transform Zambia’s agricultural sector into an efficient, equitable, and sustainable producer of high quality and nutritious food for consumption, sale, and trade. 

The Chief of Party will provide oversight to programmatic and operations activities including procurement, personnel, and financial activities directly linked to this award. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in Zambia.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise work of all local project staff and subcontractors and local and international consultants  
• Lead the overall strategic planning, implementation, and management of the program  
• Develop an effective integrated approach of program components, participants, government actors, private sector partners, and other stakeholders  
• Ensure quality control and timeliness of all deliverables  
• Serve as principal liaison with USAID staff, institutions, and client country partners to exchange information and develop professional relationships  
• Monitor program indicators, evaluate program results, and guide program implementation to achieve maximum impact  
• Spearhead strategy development and utilize managerial tools and frameworks to improve the ability of the team to achieve project goals successfully and sustainably  
• Facilitate the development of the program’s evolving theory of change, overseeing the implementation of the work plan and tracking progress towards core indicators and learning objectives  
• Develop systems that support collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) approach, including establishing a culture of adaptive management 
• Mentor, coach and empower project team leads and local subcontracting partners 
• Administer the program’s financial oversight and procedures, ensuring compliance with established ACDI/VOCA’s accounting principles and USAID regulations  
• Identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate program adjustments  

• Represent ACDI/VOCA and the program to the public and donor community 

• Bachelor’s degree in food systems, business administration, international development, finance, or related field required; master’s degree preferred.  
• Minimum 10 years of experience in agriculture, value chain development and/or economic development, promoting private sector engagement and/or access to finance.   
• Previous leadership experience for projects with similar magnitude and complexity.  
• Previous experience working on nutrition and/or health related projects (desired). 
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID rules and regulations.  
• Proven ability to collaborate successfully with host-country government officials, financial institutions, international donors, and private sector stakeholders.  
• Demonstrated experience in program designs, planning and implementation of similar projects.  
• Fluency in English required.