Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Feed the Future – Farming for Nutrition Activity

Semilla Nueva, in partnership with IICA, ICTA, and INCAP, is implementing the USAID-funded FTF Farming for Nutrition Activity. The purpose of this activity is to sustainably increase rural incomes and decrease nutritional deficiencies in Guatemala, mainly in the FTF zone of influence, by creating a commercially viable market for high-yielding biofortified maize seed. Rural Guatemalan communities, especially smallholder farmers and their families, including Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, will experience increased income from higher maize yields and improved nutrition from the consumption of biofortified maize products, also contributing to a decrease in irregular migration. Additionally, seed providers will increase their market penetration and the commercial feasibility of biofortified seeds.

Summary of the Position

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will be responsible for supporting the Chief of Party in all technical, operational, and management aspects of the project, serving as second-in-command in the Chief of Party’s absence and ensuring proper administration of the project. The DCOP will facilitate both the technical and operational aspects of the project implementation. The DCOP will oversee sub-awardee management, planning, and reporting, and support overall operations.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for supporting the COP in providing leadership and overall management of a multidisciplinary team to implement solutions to the development challenges in project implementation.
• Support the Chief of Party in all technical, operational, and management aspects of the project and serve as second-in-command in the Chief of Party’s absence.
• Ensure the proper administration of the project and facilitate operational or technical areas of responsibility as assigned.
• Provide operational guidance and serve as a subject matter expert in the assigned area of responsibility.
• Assist the Chief of Party in managing all aspects of staffing and maintaining a clear organizational structure with specific roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
• Develop partnerships with clients, implementers, and stakeholders and foster coordination.
• Coordinate and oversee the operation of sub-awardees.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and reporting on detailed management plans, which may include implementation plans, deliverable tracking, etc., in the assigned area of responsibility.
• Track and report quarterly on programmatic achievements as required for project deliverable reporting.
• Produce technical and/or operational reports and updates for deliverable reporting.Ensure the quality and consistency of the project objectives approach.
• Lead pause and reflection sessions and ensure that the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) approach is integrated into project activities and reporting.
• Interact with various levels and locations of the organization for project management and technical and operational support.Interface with both USAID and other counterparts regarding the overall direction of the project in the absence of the COP.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with key stakeholders, including government counterparts and implementing partners.
• Manage, supervise, and mentor the program’s technical staff.Liaise regularly with COP and senior technical staff on management and decision-making.
• Act as Chief of Party in the COP’s absence.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, industrial engineering, international development, or a related field, and at least 12 years of professional experience.
• Ten (10) years or more of progressively responsible work experience implementing social and economic development programs with demonstrated strong management and coordination skills.
• Five (5) years of management experience, including direct supervision of professional and support staff, and assembling teams working on multifaceted international development programs.
• Significant experience in the administration and management of donor-supported development projects of similar size and complexity.
• Proven track record in working effectively with other projects, high-level host government counterparts, and other international partners.
• Knowledgeable and experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures, specifically USAID.Strong skills in project and administrative management.

Power Skills:

• The ability to build consensus and recruit and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong leadership skills across various levels of staff and locations.
• Ability to work across technical and operational areas within business groups and corporations.
• Familiarity with international development systems, policies, finances, and management in developing countries.
• Results-oriented and problem-solving mindset.
• Process-based management.Ability to work well with others.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong interpersonal skills and culturally sensitive and respectful.
• Fluency in Spanish and English.

Hiring Process:

• 30-45 minute introductory conversation.
• A technical activity to assess analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Interview with the leadership team.
• Psychometric tests, background check, and references.
• Offer and final negotiation.

Compensation and Location

• Compensation of $60,000 to $75,000 USD per year, based on experience.
• Health insurance.
• Location: Guatemala City, with availability to travel to the different departments covered by the project.
• Start date: as soon as the right person is identified.
• Position type: full-time.

To apply, please email your CV with a cover letter to trabajo@semillanueva.org with the subject line “DCOP Farming for Nutrition – your name.”

Semilla Nueva is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out of home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.