Chief of Party

Creative Associates International

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Project Summary

The USAID-funded Business Enabling Environment Activity will aim to contribute to an inclusive and more prosperous Guatemala through high quality job creation, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction and improved Public Financial Management (PFM) in areas with high outmigration and secondary cities.

Position Summary

Creative is recruiting for an anticipated USAID-funded program in Guatemala.

The Chief of Party (COP) is responsible for the overall technical and administrative leadership of the project. S/he is the primary liaison with USAID/Guatemala and other organizations. The COP will take a leadership role in coordinating with USAID/Guatemala, other donors, government institutions, local organizations, and the private sector.

Responsibilities

Understand, build consensus, and continually refine the vision guiding implementation of the project.
Working closely with the Deputy Chief of Party, develop and oversee the implementation of annual work plans with team members.
Identify and develop mitigation strategies for potential future problems in time to ensure that preventive measures can be taken.
Actively draw on lessons learned from project monitoring and evaluation to continually improve performance and identify required changes to approaches and work plans.
Provide intellectual, strategic leadership, technical input and management support to achieve contractual objectives and targets in all project technical areas.
Lead technical assignments to identify constraints in export development. Responsible for final presentation/submission of all technical deliverables to USAID.
Oversee and take an active role in maintaining the overall technical quality and integrity of project deliverables and outputs.
Maintain effective and open communication throughout the project with Client, Project Director, project operations teams, and other relevant stakeholders.
Actively build relationships with project partners and potential partners, representing the Project to stakeholders and in public forums.
Oversee the preparation of periodic reports to client on progress towards project objectives.
Oversee the effective communication in a variety of media of project results, in close consultation with USAID.
Serve as the strategic leader of a diverse and talented project team, cultivating a positive environment for collaboration, communication, and successful project implementation.
In close coordination with the Deputy Chief of Party, provide clear guidance to Component Leaders and other project staff to focus and prioritize activities.
Where required, oversee the implementation of remedial action and performance improvement plans for staff.
Oversee the recruitment and hiring of new project staff, upholding ethical, transparent, and compliant processes.
In support of Creative safety and security standards, oversee in-country personnel, processes, and systems to ensure the safety and welfare of the project field team and visiting consultants.
Cultivate a positive and motivating environment for staff at all levels through communication, team building, and responsiveness.
Execute contract in compliance with contract provisions.
With the support of the Project Operations team, oversee and maintain compliance in the management of contract finances (budget and funds), including grants under contract.

Qualifications

Master’s degree is required in a relevant field;
Bachelor’s degree is required;
At least ten (10) years of general work experience; experience in Central America and/or Guatemala is preferred;
At least 3 years of experience working or managing a program/activity in Latin America (Central America preferred);
Professional experience working on successful business development, trade and investment, and/or business enabling environment interventions and a strong private sector development orientation;
Demonstrated strong leadership ability for effective project management, technical and analytical skills, personnel management/interpersonal skills;
Experience effectively interacting with government counterparts, local organizations, and private sector executives;
Demonstrated ability to form innovative partnerships for mutual benefit.
Excellent oral and written English preferred.
Experience working with USAID and understanding of the country's strategies and priorities is preferred.
Ability to work in Guatemala.
High level of fluency in spoken and written English