Deputy Chief of Party - Nigeria Livestock Development at Heifer International

Description

• We are seeking qualified applicants for the following positions for an anticipated USAID-funded 5-year Feed the Future Nigeria Livestock Development Activity in Nigeria.
• The Activity will potentially explore practical, cost effective, and multi-stakeholder adaptation solutions to improve livelihoods of poor and vulnerable communities in target states through:
  • Improved agricultural productivity, livelihood and agroecosystem resilience through climate-smart practices;
  • Improved ecological and environmental services and functions, including enhanced climate-resilient water and other resource management and supply systems in vulnerable agropastoral communities;
  • Strengthened institutional capacity to reduce risks associated with climate-induced socio-economic losses and livelihood failures in the target states; and
  • Improved and productive livestock systems to improve food security and nutrition by (potentially) improving consumption of animal source / protein foods, providing income generation opportunities, and fostering mutual relationships among targeted households and communities.
• These positions are contingent upon funding and donor approval.

Function

• The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will closely collaborate with COP to ensure successful management and representation of the activity.
• H/She will be responsible for the technical delivery, operational and administrative oversight of the project and will ensure contractual and legal compliance during implementation of activities.

Responsibilities / Deliverables

• Support the COP in providing technical leadership and direction and defining and implementing activities to achieve the greatest impact toward project goals and objectives.
• Provide support to programmatic teams, including identifying and promoting clear communications on budget management and programmatic activities, compliance, monitoring, evaluation and learning, and communication.
• In coordination with the COP, oversee budgets to ensure all expenditures follow Heifer and donor policies and regulations as well as within the scope of the program budget. 
• Contribute to the development of strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, reports, and other deliverables in line with USAID guidelines to achieve objectives.
• Support efforts to collaborate, learn and adapt with internal and external collaborators, adapting program as needed to optimize results per learning and contextual changes.
• Ensure that the activities and results are implemented in a timely manner within the approved budget.
• Ensure quality activity implementation and employ use of project M&E tools and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
• Support project staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, learning, and adaptation and empowers staff to take responsibility.
• Assist COP in maintaining active, cooperative, and collaborative relationships with all key stakeholders, including government officials, project partners, other implementing agencies, and related institutions.
• Serve as Acting COP in absence of COP and represent Heifer with partners and key stakeholders.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree or higher in Agriculture, Economics, or Business Administration.
• Demonstrated expertise and a minimum of five (5) years in international development work managing all integrated aspects of complex programs of similar scale, with a particular emphasis on livestock-related programming
• Past DCOP experience in managing large to medium (preferably $10 million and above) in livelihood, agricultural development activities with knowledge of resilience and market system programming in the Nigerian context preferred.
• At least three (3) years of field-based work in a conflict-prone and/or active insurgency environment.
• Strong technical experience in market system approach to development.
• Demonstrated ability to be collaborative across activities utilizing strong communication and interpersonal skills, with evidence of the ability to productively interact with a wide range and levels of organizations (government, private sector, donor counterparts, implementing partners, other activities, NGOs).
• Prior experience working in Nigeria is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.