ECODIT is an international development firm working with governments, businesses, and local communities to advance environmentally- and socially-responsible development around the world. We provide technical assistance services ranging from quick-turnaround assessments and evaluations to design and implementation of long-term multi-million-dollar projects. Since its founding in 1993, ECODIT has provided professional services through more than 250 projects/contracts to diverse clients in more than 60 countries. Building on our track record of success, we have continuously expanded the depth and breadth of our expertise in the water, energy, environment, and urban and local governance sectors.

Responsibilities:

ECODIT is seeking a qualified Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated five-year USAID/East Africa Conserving the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Activity, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This activity aims to improve the management of protected areas and the climate adaptability of community members, and to increase the connectivity between protected areas. The Activity will work with WIO governing bodies, local communities (focusing on women and youth), and the private sector. Specific countries of involvement may include Kenya, Somalia, the Seychelles, Comoros, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Mauritius, and Madagascar. The COP will be responsible for technical leadership and overall management and operations of the Activity, ensuring achievement of all objectives.

The COP will bear primary responsibility for the strategic direction, overall coordination, and management of the Activity, including oversight of financial and contract management. S/he will be responsible for ensuring compliance with USG rules and regulations. The COP will serve as the primary interlocutor with USAID and key stakeholders in the region. S/he will ensure the program meets stated objectives and reporting requirements in a timely manner. The COP will assume the leadership role in coordination among various partners and subcontractors. The COP will also work closely with the ECODIT Home Office Project Manager (HOPM) and other Home Office (HO) support staff and will serve as an important link between USAID and the ECODIT HO.

• Lead the technical and operational aspects of the Activity including planning and implementation, ensuring clarity over plans and priorities, and encouraging effective teamwork and adaptive management.
• Ensure compliance with USAID requirements, U.S. Government regulations, and ECODIT policies and procedures.
• Lead preparation of high-quality deliverables, including annual work-plans, budgets and project activity updates, technical reports, and other project-related communication and reporting materials in accordance with USAID deadlines.
• Provide overall financial oversight of the budget over the life of the Activity (e.g., budget, ensuring cost effective management, financial projections, and systems to ensure proper use of funds).
• Collaborate with ECODIT’s contracts management team to ensure continuous compliance with contract rules and regulations.
• Ensure continuous communication with ECODIT’s HO and work with the HO to coordinate technical and editorial review of project deliverables prior to submission to USAID.
• Liaise with USAID and other stakeholders in the country to coordinate activities and facilitate monitoring and reporting of project objectives and achievements.
• Liaise with USG partners and other donors and implementing agencies as needed to ensure coordination and synergy.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced  degree (e.g., Master’s) in international development, international affairs, environmental policy, environment and conservation, natural resources management, economics, finance, or a related field;
• At least 10 years of prior technical and management expertise leading and/or supporting projects focused on marine/coastal biodiversity conservation, marine protected area establishment/management, sustainable fisheries management and promotion, distant water fleets, marine science, public policy and governance, conservation finance, community-based natural resource management, sustainable livelihoods, or related fields;
• Demonstrated prior experience leading and supervising teams for complex donor financed projects;
• Experience working in East and Southern Africa;
• Demonstrated prior ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of diverse partners and stakeholders;
• Highly developed interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills; and
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English.

Preferred / Desirable Qualifications

• Experience managing and/or supporting USAID projects;
• Experience engaging financial institutions and mobilizing public and private investments to support biodiversity, and/or climate resilience;
• A strong understanding of USAID’s localization, private sector engagement, gender equality and women’s empowerment, and local capacity strengthening policies; and
• Fluency in a relevant foreign language (e.g., French, Swahili, Portuguese).

To apply, please send an updated resume/CV and cover letter in English through the “Our Jobs” section of the ECODIT website. Applications will be received and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants who fail to meet the application criteria may be disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ECODIT provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant that requires a reasonable accommodation, please email us at  recruiter@ecodit.com. Please reference the position in your email.

ECODIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics. ECODIT is an E-Verify and VEVRAA Federal Contractor.