Chief of Party (COP): USAID Ukraine Private Sector Support (PSS) Activity

About the Project

DAI seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity in Ukraine entitled Private Sector Support (PSS) Activity that is a follow-on to the current Competitive Economy Program (CEP). PSS will be a five-year activity to boost jobs, increase exports, and increase sales of Ukrainian Small-Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), as well as foster a better business enabling environment, and provide support for competitive industries and firms. The anticipated value of this program is $100-$300 million.

Position Description

The COP will lead the project, providing overall technical guidance, strategic vision, project management, and supervision of staff, in addition to serving as the primary point of contact for USAID regarding project activities. The COP will be responsible for developing and implementing work plans, operational budgets, and performance monitoring plans, and coordinating activities with the USAID mission, government officials, and partner organizations to ensure achievement of project results and objectives. The COP will ensure compliance with USAID rules and regulations as well as DAI policies, and ensure flexibility and responsive reorientation of project priorities as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic vision to the project including development, management, and implementation.
• Oversee program set-up, strategic planning, and all financial and administrative matters.
• Facilitate communication and serve as principal liaison with all stakeholders, including USAID, Government of Ukraine (GOU), DAI Home Office, and community partners on program activities and technical implementation.
• Maintain high level of responsiveness to community, government and other stakeholders to ensure the project is effectively communicated.
• Coordinate program activities with government officials and partner organizations.
• Provide technical direction, intellectual leadership, coaching and mentoring to all project staff.
• Manage, lead and oversee staff and consultants in achieving project results.
• Oversee development and implementation of work plans and monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Monitor quality of all program activities, ensure timely achievement of deliverables, and provide timely and accurate reporting to USAID on all program areas.
• Act on behalf of DAI in project-related contracts and negotiations.
• Ensure program implementation aligns with budget allocations, internal DAI policies, and USAID regulations.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Economics, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum ten years of experience implementing and managing project activities focused on economic growth, job creation, export promotion, and business development.
• Prior experience working on USAID-funded projects and knowledge of USAID operations, priorities, and programming.
• Experience working in complex and rapidly changing conflict environments.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, project management, and personnel management, with exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated strong technical, analytical, and writing skills.
• Experience developing and maintaining productive relationships with project stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively interact with and facilitate dialogue among government counterparts, local organizations, and private sector actors.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English, Ukrainian language skills a plus.
• Experience managing international donor funded programs or portfolios of at least $50 million preferred.