Chief of Party (COP) - USAID Pacific Economic Growth Activity

Deadline extended!

Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Position Type: Full-Time

Duration: 5-years

About the Project: Adam Smith International (ASI) is recruiting a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID Pacific Economic Growth Activity (PEGA). PEGA aims to foster sustainable economic growth and resilience in the Pacific region. This initiative focuses on enhancing trade, investment, and economic opportunities in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands while promoting environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

Job Summary: The Chief of Party (COP) will lead the PEGA project award in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, overseeing all aspects of project implementation, management, and coordination. The COP will be responsible for ensuring the project meets its objectives, delivers high-quality results, and adheres to USAID regulations and standards.

Please note that this position is contingent upon receiving the award.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and management of the project. Ensure effective and efficient implementation of project activities. Provide technical leadership to subject matter experts covering the following areas of expertise:  Private Sector Development, Competitiveness and Access to Markets, Climate Resiliency, Access to Finance, Investment Facilitation, and Public Financial Management (PFM).

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities. Ensure alignment with USAID requirements, goals, and objectives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with USAID, government counterparts, private sector partners, and other stakeholders in project countries. Represent the project at meetings, conferences, and other events.

• Oversee the project’s financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Ensure compliance with USAID financial regulations and policies.

• Lead and manage a diverse team of project staff. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

• Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to track project progress and impact. Use data to inform decision-making and improve project performance.

• Prepare and submit high-quality reports to USAID and other stakeholders. Ensure timely and accurate reporting of project activities and outcomes.

• Identify and mitigate risks to project implementation. Develop and implement contingency plans as needed.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in economics, international development, business administration, or a related field. Education may be substituted for experience.

• Minimum of twelve years of experience in international development, with at least eight years in a senior management role. Experience with USAID-funded projects is required.

• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• In-depth understanding of economic growth, trade, and investment issues in the Pacific region. Familiarity with USAID regulations and compliance requirements.

• Five years of professional experience in the Pacific Islands.

• Proficiency in English is required.

• Must be able to work throughout Papua New Guinea and travel as needed.
  

About ASI

ASI (Adam Smith International) is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate economic growth, stability and good governance.

For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development.

Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed.

Company-wide, both our pipeline of business opportunities and portfolio of programmes are growing. We want to recruit high calibre candidates to support the continued growth and delivery of our global portfolio against the quality and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. This is an exciting time to join Adam Smith International and become part of a team of bright, dynamic and committed people, determined to transform lives for the better.

ASI is owned and operated by its employees. We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance. ASI is a registered B Corp, one of the highest-ranking B Corps in the UK on its measure of positive social and environmental impact.

What we Offer You

Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career. The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board.

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do. This is an exciting role managing a number of interesting and innovative programmes and with considerable growth potential within ASI.

ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Heard Enough? Ready to Apply?

We are keen to hear from you. Please submit a CV with detailed past experience. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. A full Terms of Reference for the position will be provided to shortlisted candidates. ASI encourages applications from candidates of all social backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and orientations.

Deadline for applications is 15th January 2024.