Colombia: Chief of Party, Formalizing Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining

Nov 13, 2021 | Pact
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A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization.

Department

Program Operations (PrOps) - Pact exists to help create a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership of their future. The Program Operations teams contribute to realizing this by: ensuring effective project management through supporting project startups, implementation, reporting and financial management as well as closeouts; portfolio coordination: providing a coordinating role across departments in DC that support country offices and programs; working with country teams to develop, refine and pursue their strategies by leveraging technical knowledge (our own and others) and supporting business development as needed; knowledge sharing and learning: enhancing communication between country offices and DC-based teams to ensure better understanding of the diverse operating environments and program approaches.

Position Overview

Pact is recruiting for a Chief of Party for an upcoming project focused on artisanal gold mining, environmental rehabilitation, and alternative livelihoods in Los Programas de Desarrollo con Enfoque Territorial (PDET) regions in Colombia (with focus on the departments of Antioquia, Choco, and Bolivar). By formalizing small-scale mining, addressing environmental degradation, and promoting alternative livelihood opportunities, mining communities in Colombia can experience more equitable and environmentally sustainable economic growth.

The Chief of Party will provide technical leadership, strategic planning and operational oversight for overall implementation of the project and will serve as the primary liaison with USAID, project partners and relevant project stakeholders. The Chief of Party will have primary responsibility for achieving and executing the project’s vision and strategy, managing critical relationships with key partners to maximize synergy and collaboration, and ensuring that all contractual requirements are met on time and within budget. This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee technical direction of the project and project activities, providing leadership to the project team to ensure high quality programming to achieve project results.
  • Serve as the project’s primary liaison with USAID, partners, governments, and other key project stakeholders.
  • Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across all members of the project’s consortium, ensuring integration of activities
  • Oversee project planning (i.e., development of work plans and operating budget) and reporting (i.e., review and approve periodic budgets and reports).
  • Oversee project budget to meet expected results, ensuring cost-effective use of donor and Pact resources.
  • Provides strategic management and oversight of the project’s subaward portfolio.
  • Ensure that all project reporting requirements are met to the highest standards.
  • Oversee project staff in helping partners establish reporting and tracking systems to provide key information in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Ensure close coordination with other relevant in-country initiatives.
  • Represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and Pact’s thought leadership in capacity development and governance.
  • Provide regular written/oral program progress updates as requested.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements

  • At least eight (8) years of experience implementing governance, human rights, civil society or community development programs, with at least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role under a USAID program.
  • Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a relevant field, such as human rights or international development.
  • Fluency in Spanish; Professional-level English language skills (written and oral).
  • Deep knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Colombia.
  • Demonstrated ability to think ‘outside of the box’ to design and implement innovative and adaptive programmatic approaches.
  • Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing diverse teams of employees.
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ethical management practices.
  • Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with governments and civil society partners.
  • Ability to travel internationally periodically.

Preferred Qualifications

Colombian National strongly preferred.