Chief of Party - USAID South Sudan MAGIC Project
About CNFA:
CNFA is an enterprise development organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to stimulating economic growth in the agricultural sector by nurturing entrepreneurship, private enterprise and market linkages. CNFA specializes in fostering private sector investments in training, new technologies and marketing as a means to increase the overall competitiveness of agricultural value chains, to expand exports, and to develop skills in the rural workforce. CNFA assists smallholders in increasing household-level food security and nutrition through improved agricultural practices, introduction of new varieties, diversification of crop production, food preservation and storage, development of farmer-based organizations (FBOs) and strengthened linkages to markets.
Project Description:
CNFA is receiving applications for a Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID-funded MAGIC project, operating in South Sudan’s Central, Eastern and Western Equatoria regions. The project will support various agricultural programs in these regions, with specific involvement in Maize, Sorghum, Cassava, and Ground Nuts value chains.The COP will oversee all project value chain activities.
Position Summary:
The COP will be responsible for the overall management, including the technical, financial and administrative functions of the project. He/she will manage all national and international staff and will oversee reporting on program results and monitoring and evaluation is completed according to donor and headquarters standards. He/she will establish and maintain positive, collaborative and productive relationships with the Government of South Sudan, USAID, implementing partners, sector stakeholders and private sector actors. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in private sector agricultural development, particularly in supporting local community initiatives that utilize value chain analysis to increase agricultural productivity, increase local incomes, and reduce food insecurity.
Essential Job Functions:
- Program Management, manages all operations related to the project according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy;
- Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities – provides overall supervision for the implementation and integration of all program activities and provides overall direction to daily implementation plans to ensure all program goals are met;
- Develop and implement a work plan using the technique of logical framework to guarantee the application of the results and objectives of the project, within budget and timing set;
- Ensure and support the correct identification of the target areas of the project and conduct feasibility assessments to support agricultural activities and food security of farmers groups;
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the components, agriculture, gender, climate change and food security, and make appropriate recommendations for improvement;
- Monitor the achievement of results, ensuring compliance of project indicators;
- Monitor and manage the budget and financing expenses ensuring that they are within the framework of regulations and procedures;
- Promote the project liaison with local producer organizations;
- Ensure active participation and representation at different levels of the project nationally and internationally.
- Ensure the implementation of project activities with gender considerations.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Agriculture Economics, Agriculture Business, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field or equivalent work experience;
- Minimum 10 years' experience managing value chain development projects, 5 on USAID-funded programs;
- Preferred experience in Maize, Sorghum, Cassava, and Ground Nutsprogramming, value addition, value chains, agro-business or agriculture market development;
- Minimum 3 years' experience in the region, 2 years’ experience in South Sudan preferred;
- Proven experience in budget development and management, multi-sector work plan development, program reporting for diverse audiences, development and maintenance of positive and productive relationships with clients, consultants and home offices;
- Demonstrated experience remote managing;
- Knowledge and understanding of USAID rules and regulations;
- Private sector experience preferred;
- Proven ability to manage a large, diverse team;
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
- English language (written and spoken) fluency.
All applicants should submit their CVs and cover letter justifying their qualifications for the position to Eric Sedlacek, esedlacek@cnfa.org, and Alex Samel, asamel@cnfa.org, with the words “Chief of Party – MAGIC” in the subject line.
