Chief of Party, Nigeria Food Basket Activity at RTI International

Position Description

• SG&R is seeking a Chief of Party for USAID/Food Basket (Nigeria) Activity. The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution ensuring all project deliverables are exceptionally exceeded within budget and compliance for small to mid-size projects.
• This position will provide project planning, oversight. Leadership, and coordination.
• The COP will build and maintain strong and favorable client, partner, community, home office and team relations. They may provide technical assistance and support activities where necessary.

Responsibilities

• Hold primary responsibility for project performance and budget management.
• Leads planning, oversight and coordination of all project activities and personnel, operational and technical.
• Ensures all project deliverables exceed expectations and managed within budget. 
• Manages client relations and serves as primary liaison and IDG Representative with the client and stakeholders regarding overall policy, resource mobilization and allocation, joint initiatives and coordination of project management and planning.
• Ensure internal integration of project activities through 1) the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) creating/maintaining an effective project management team; 3) overseeing an effective monitoring and evaluation system.
• Provide leadership and oversight for areas such as Finance, Operations, Reporting, Public Affairs, Fund Management and Human Resources; liaise with Regional Office and business partners per policy and practice.
• Responsible to ensure all staff receives adequate security and operational support and that Standard Operating Procedures are implemented.
• Manage all aspects of staffing and creating/maintaining a clear organizational structure with specific roles, responsibilities and reporting lines.
• Ensure management systems are operational to track expenditures (including labor) and monitor same against the Program work plan and budget, according to both company policy and client standards/regulations.
• Responsible for developing and implementing practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 15 years of experience, Master's degree and 12 years of experience, PhD and 8 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in the implementation of similar sized and complex projects relating to food security and agriculture, market systems development, and/or inclusive development.
• Ten (10) years of progressive senior management experience on programs of similar sized international donor programs with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, procurement and budgeting similar size and scope. Demonstrated experience managing technically, operationally, and geographically diverse multidisciplinary teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders in strengthening market systems, food security, agriculture, local capacity development, and inclusive participation.
• Experience working with civil society organizations, government and private sector in Nigeria, with demonstrated understanding of local agricultural market systems, particularly in rice, maize, and horticulture is preferred.
• Familiarity with international development systems, policies, finances, and management in developing countries.
• Knowledgeable and experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures, specifically USAID.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
• Strong skills in project and administrative management.
• Ability to build consensus and demonstrated ability to recruit and develop high performing teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work throughout Nigeria.
• Native/Advanced fluency in English required.