Project Director (Chief of Party) – Seed Systems Support Activity

DAI is an international development company. For more than 45 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 120 countries. Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.

DAI seeks qualified Project Director (Chief of Party) candidates for the anticipated Seed Systems Support Activity (S3A) funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The global Seed Systems Support Activity focuses on inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth, and strengthened resilience among people and systems through the identification and deployment of improvements to seed systems, with a focus on the faster and more reliable production, distribution, and marketing of improved and quality seed through formal, informal, and where needed, emergency seed systems. This effort will have an intensive focus on informal seed systems and the interface between informal and formal seed systems. The Project Director (Chief of Party) will be responsible for the technical leadership and management of the global project from DAI’s headquarters in Washington DC metropolitan area. S/he will serve as the lead interlocutor between USAID and the Seed Systems team. S/he will work closely with partners and project staff to identify key issues, develop recommendations, and test solutions. The COP will manage efforts to collaborate with a broad set of stakeholders, including government representatives, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other donors.

Responsibilities and Key Tasks:

• Provide overall leadership, management and technical direction of the entire program to ensure an integrated vision and successful achievement of Seed Systems program objectives

• Serve as principal liaison with the U.S. and national governments, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors, seed industry organizations, farmer organizations, NGOs and CSOs on technical implementation activities and program communications

• Oversee the participatory planning process to produce a strategic work plan for project deliverables; lead development of work plans for project activities

• Mobilize and manage technical resources to facilitate the strengthening of seed systems in Asia, Africa, and Latin America in countries prioritized by USAID

• Facilitate the development of human and institutional capacities at regional and national States levels for implementing sustainable seed systems

• Oversee all financial and administrative matters of the contract

• Represent the Seed Systems Support Program, USAID, and the DAI partners at public conferences, forums and events

• Manage, lead, and oversee all expatriate/third-country national, cooperating country national, and regional staff and sub-awardees in achieving project results.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in management, agriculture, international development, or a related field

• At least 15 years’ experience leading, managing and implementing large international projects, specifically with experience in two or more of the following areas: management, agriculture, natural resource management, ecology or food security, including at least 5 years of experience on seed-systems specific programming

• At least 15 years’ experience demonstrating broad understanding of agriculture and food security as they relate to seed systems and should be knowledgeable about the relevant socioeconomic, institutional and policy issues that are related to seed systems

• Professional experience interacting with U.S. Government agencies, host country governments, and other relevant stakeholders

• Demonstrated experience working in partnership with international donors and agencies

• Professional experience working in nutrition programs in low or middle income countries

Interested candidates should express interest with a CV to: DAISeed@dai.com with a reference to Project Director (Chief of Party) in the subject line.