Paraguay: Chief of Party, PMI AIRS Project, Paraguay
Organization: Abt Associates
Country: Paraguay
Closing date: 10 Apr 2017
Opportunity
Abt Associates seeks a qualified Chief of Party (COP) for the expansion of a PMI-funded vector-borne disease control project in Paraguay. The project will focus on Zika virus-related disease prevention through vector control measures, community mobilization, and capacity building efforts. The COP will engage partners and subcontractors, local stakeholders and authorities, and collaborate with other implementation partners including USAID- funded projects in the maternal child health and behavioral change communication technical areas, US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and UNICEF. The COP will lead all in-country activities working closely with the HO team and the Technical Director.
The Chief of Party (COP) provides leadership, management, and strategic direction for the entire project. This position is responsible for guiding senior technical staff and for ensuring the responsiveness and quality of work along with efficient use of resources and achievement of results. The COP has the final authority within the project team for decisions related to technical, management, resource allocation and personnel issues. The COP will be accountable for the successful implementation of all aspects of the project. In carrying out these responsibilities the COP works in partnership with PMI, national, state and local government agencies and officials, local and community organizations, other partners, and project staff.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Provides strategic direction and technical leadership to produce project results and deliverables, and overall management of the operational, financial, and administrative aspects of the project;
- Functions as the primary liaison between PMI/USAID missions , federal and state ministries of health, and other partners and stakeholders;
- Creates management systems in line with Abt standard operating procedures consistent with the needs of the project;
- Designs and oversees an annual project cycle in accordance with the PMI/USAID annual planning cycle;
- Works with staff and partners to translate project goals and objectives into implementable strategies and plans;
- Directs and oversees planning and budgeting processes. Prepares project deliverables as specified in the contract;
- Monitors the progress and pace of project implementation, assuring that the full potential of the program is realized through the promotion of high quality work and internal control;
- Supervises the work and assesses the performance of all long term and short term advisors, consultants and staff;
- Clarifies roles, delegates responsibilities to senior staff, and clearly communicates expectations for staff contribution to project activities;
- Manages and supervises project staff and partners in the identification of all the project’s technical assistance needs, development of suitable scopes of work, recruitment of consultants, and execution of technical assistance contracts;
- Maintains productive working relationships with PMI, relevant federal and state ministries, project partners and key counterparts, and reports to the Technical Program Manager in Abt Associates’ home office.
Preferred Skills / Prerequisites
- Master’s degree with at least 15 years of senior-level international project management experience in designing, implementing and managing large, complex programs in developing countries, particularly as related to vector control.
- Prior experience successfully implementing donor-funded programs with wide geographic reach.
- Significant experience in Latin America and the Caribbean, including thorough knowledge of specific health priorities a plus.
- Deep knowledge of geo-political, ethnic, cultural, and other factors affecting programming in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Background in public health, vector-borne diseases, particularly prior experience in entomological surveillance, control of Dengue and Chikungunya vector/s, and program management preferred.
- Ability to liaise effectively with and develop consensus among key stakeholders, including PMI, national and local officials, public, private and civil society partners to ensure effective collaboration among stakeholders.
- Strong client management, communication, and people management skills highly desirable.
- Experience developing project vision, aligning key stakeholders around that vision, and assuring that the vision is translated into implementable strategies.
- Familiarity with environmental compliance measures, gender integration, and capacity building a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary, multicultural teams, manage complex programs, and ensure that project staff adhere to the highest standards of quality, relevance, and timeliness.
- PMI project experience or other relevant development partner experience highly desired.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in Spanish and English.
Minimum Qualifications
MA/MBA with 13-15 years OR PhD with 8-10 years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.
How to apply:
https://career4.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=40620&company=AbtPROD&usernam…=
