Chief of Party (CoP)

The University of Rhode Island, Coastal Resources Center (https://web.uri.edu/crc/) seeks a Chief of Party to lead an anticipated five-year USAID-funded project implementation for USAID fisheries management activity in the Pacific Islands region (specific countries TBD). Key investment areas of this project include sustainable management of coastal fisheries, monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement in coastal waters and private sector engagement to promote sustainable supply chains in marine fisheries, biodiversity conservation and livelihood development. The CoP will provide overall program leadership, management, and technical direction. The CoP will work closely with Pacific Islands fisheries agencies, universities and research institutions, local NGOs, and other fisheries stakeholders. The project is anticipated to start sometime after August 2020. The CoP will be based in Suva (Fiji) or Manila (Philippines) contingent on approval by the Philippines’ USAID mission. This position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding and candidate approvals by the donor. This position will be a personal services contract and not a staff position with the University of Rhode Island.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical supervision and administrative oversight for all activities and at all levels.
• Responsible for all aspects of coordination and communication, including with USAID, the governments of the Pacific Island countries (TBD), other donors, the private sector, universities, and other counterparts.
• Oversee program work planning, performance management, and strategic communications.
• Responsible for implementation of activities defined in approved annual work plans and ensuring that all program assistance is technically sound, high quality and delivered on time.
• Ensure program’s strategic objectives and performance targets are fully accomplished.
• Oversee program’s monitoring and evaluation and learning system supporting use of data as the basis for measuring performance and adapting project interventions.
• Develop synergies with other donor projects and local institutions.

• Ensure staff and sub-contractor understanding of, and compliance with all USAID and University of Rhode Island financial and administrative operating policies and procedures.
• Manage and supervise the work and performance of program personnel and contractors.
• Supervise all project staff, their performance relative to contract terms of reference (TORs), and deliverables.
• Develop and manage program budget, including tracking of financial and material resources.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of project finances against project progress and outcomes.
• Develop TORs for local consultants and sub-contracts.
• Provide written and oral reports to USAID when requested.
• Oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marking requirements.
• Provide quarterly programmatic reports to project manager at the Coastal Resources Center.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required in Fisheries Management, Natural Resource Management, Marine Policy, Supply Chain Management or relevant fields of study related to the project. PhD in relevant discipline would be a distinct asset.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in similar position in fields related to results and objectives of the project required for the successful implementation of this project.
• Proven exceptional leadership as project director or chief of party in the design, management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of similar size and complex international donor support projects with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
• Proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse public and private partners and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Technical understanding of fisheries and coastal management, Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fisheries issues, as well as managerial experience in the Pacific Islands or Southeast Asia is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of USAID and other donor policies and procedures as related to project management preferred.

• Work experience in the Pacific Islands and knowledge of the regional and local political, social, cultural, environmental, and development context is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government stakeholders, international donors, and local partners at the national and sub-national levels; record of building capacity of local partners.
• Ability to travel frequently to and across the Pacific Islands region, as required.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Application Instructions:

To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, and three references (all in English) to the following email:

Kim Kaine ( kkaine@uri.edu ).  Email subject line: Chief of Party (CoP)

URI is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of affirmative action.

Industry experience

Education: Masters

Seniority: Manager, Director, Professor

Years of experience: 10 to 20 years

Media

Taxonomy

• Fisheries governance