The Chief of Party (COP) for the Feed the Future Zimbabwe Non-Timber Forest Products Global Development Alliance (NTFP GDA) activity is responsible for overall program implementation, strategic direction, relationship management with USAID and Organic Africa, financial and programmatic reporting, management of the activity staff and operations, and external representation of the program. The COP will be the main implementation point of contact between the program, Organic Africa, and USAID.
Program Description:
The purpose of the Feed the Future Zimbabwe NTFP GDA is to increase the sustainable commercialization of non-timber forest products through investments in value chain development, value addition, and improved natural resource management, leading to increased incomes and resilience in vulnerable and marginalized communities, particularly for women and youth. CNFA and private sector partner, Organic Africa, will work together to engage a minimum of 12,000 new farmers and wild collectors as sustainable NTFP suppliers and will support communities to strengthen natural resource and forest management practices. The program also seeks to benefit communities and the environment through carbon sequestration efforts and carbon market engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities
-Lead all aspects of the program, including compliance, operations, program management, monitoring, and reporting;
-Provide programmatic guidance to the program staff;
-Lead the d evelop ment (including directly writing and producing) of technical reports, annual work plans, outreach materials, and other deliverables of the program, ensuring thoroughness, accuracy, quality, and timely completion in line with USAID guidelines;
-Liaise directly with USAID-Zimbabwe as needed;
-Manage the program budget and spending, overseeing financial management in line with policies, procedures, and best practices for providing accurate and timely spending projections;
-Support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools and efficient systems to ensure data quality;
-Ensure compliance with USAID regulations, the terms of the cooperative agreement, and CNFA policies and procedures;
-Develop the program’s network of partners in Zimbabwe, including relevant government institutions, private companies, associations, USAID-funded projects, and other donors;
-Establish effective coordination mechanisms for working with private sector partner, Organic Africa, including the CEO and management team members, to achieve program objectives;
-Perform regular visits to program sites;
-Represent the program as needed at meetings, conferences, and other networking events;
-Ensure the safety and security of all staff and assets on the program; including, but not limited to:
-Ensuring all CNFA policies are implemented and enforced;
-Ensuring the fundamental elements of safety and security management are fulfilled and staff are trained on topics such as first aid, evacuation drills, risk management, vehicle safety, etc
-Adhering to a location-specific Incident Management Plan (IMP);
-Ensuring new staff are properly onboarded and receive safety and security briefings;
-Keeping the Associate Vice President, Security Risk Management informed of the current security situation, possible scenarios, and any anticipated concerns that may impact staff and resources; and
-Recommending courses of action to mitigate risk to staff and assets in emergency situations and developing and managing communication plans.
-Collaborate with the home office PMU;
-Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation in a timely manner; and
-Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
-Bachelor’s degree in a field related to economic development, international development, agriculture, livestock management, and economics. Master’s degree preferred.
-Minimum of eight (8) years of experience managing programming focused on agriculture, community development, market development, NRM, or carbon markets development, successfully achieving meaningful and sustainable results;
-Must have significant experience managing non-timber forest product activities;
-Regional or international technical and/or program management experience;
-Experience in managing complex markets and/or agricultural development programs with a private sector/multi-value chain development focus;
-Demonstrated experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, as well as with non-government organizations (including private sector associations/organizations) in managing international development assistance activities;
-In-depth knowledge of USAID policies, and regulations;
-Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead large teams and work effectively and collaboratively in team environments;
-Strong technical expertise, management skills, and a strong command of English technical writing and communication skills.
