Chief of Party, USAID Ghana Trade and Investment Activity

Abt Associates, a major American research, technical assistance, and international development company, seeks highly qualified candidates for the Chief of Party position for the anticipated five-year USAID-funded Ghana Trade and Investment Activity. The project’s objectives are to facilitate the growth and development of higher-value commercial crops in support of the Gov. of Ghana’s plan to recapture market share and access new markets. The position will be based in Accra, Ghana and is contingent upon project award to Abt Associates.

The Chief of Party is responsible for overseeing the implementation of project activities, management of project staff, liaising and collaborating with USAID Senegal, and coordination with partner organizations. S/he will establish and maintain systems for project operations, coordinate and maintain working relationships with project stakeholders (including USAID, ministries, high-level government officials, and private sector partners), manage local implementation teams, and collaborate with local partners. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage country-level project operations and assist in the development of annual planning and timely, high quality implementation of activities and deliverables
• Serve as lead technical advisor providing guidance and oversight to technical staff, as needed

• Oversee the country office and supervise a multi-disciplinary team of short and long-term experts
• Manage the project budget and ensure the submission of timely and accurate program, financial, and procurement reports
• Manage collaborative activities with partners
• Ensure the timely delivery of assistance under the work plan and coordinate with senior technical staff to share relevant technical models, coordination of activities and quality control of the work
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with USAID and local counterparts to ensure effective coordination of project activities with relevant ministries and agencies, civil society and private sector organizations, international donor institutions, various project stakeholders, and other USAID and U.S. government-funded initiatives

Preferred Skills / Prerequisites

• MBA or a Master’s degree in trade, international business, agriculture, economics, or related field
• At least 10 years progressively responsible experience implementing multisector international development programs focusing on one or several of the following technical sectors: trade, agriculture; access to finance; market systems; small and medium enterprise development growth; business enabling environment; and business development
• At least 5 years of experience in a managerial or leadership role for a multi-sectoral international development program
• USAID experience preferred
• Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa required; experience living or working in Ghana strongly preferred