Chief of Party - Local Governance Strengthening Activity - Myanmar

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. 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. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Program Delivery (PDEL) - 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 Delivery Team, contributes to realizing this purpose by: Forging smart partnerships and treating all people with dignity and respect; Applying organizational policies and regulatory compliance appropriately and consistently; Facilitating team spirit among colleagues and promoting the organization through communications; Influencing decision makers through focused, relevant communications; Continually striving to learn and share knowledge and find small ways to make the workplace more enjoyable for all; Cultivating and harvesting innovation; Contributing to the organization’s ability to think and act strategically at all times; Inspiring and spreading our desired organizational culture across the global enterprise.

Position Overview

Pact seeks an experienced Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID/Burma Local Governance Strengthening Activity (LGSA). Under this anticipated Activity, USAID/Burma seeks to improve the inclusivity and accountability at the sub-national level in Burma. The COP will be responsible for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the USAID LGSA. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID/Burma development objectives. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination of all activities across all relevant parties, including USAID, the Government of Myanmar, civil society organizations, key stakeholders, and implementing partners. The COP will also oversee all project staff and sub-partners for results-oriented planning, leadership, and coordination of project activities. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) on management and technical matters.
• Ensure compliance with USAID rules/regulations and Pact processes.
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements.
• Take a leadership role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders, including partners, government stakeholders, civil society, and other USAID projects.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across project partners, ensuring successful integration of activities.
• Liaise closely with Pact Myanmar’s Country Director and finance team, and Pact’s U.S. team to ensure that all project activities are compliant with USG rules and regulations, as well as consistent Pact’s policies, procedures and best practices.
• Oversee project planning (i.e., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (i.e., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports) in accordance with the highest standards.
• Oversee project budget and work in close coordination with the Finance/Grants Directors to meet expected results, ensuring cost-effective use of donor and Pact’s resources.
• Support the implementation of a highly adaptive, context-driven programmatic approach.
• Ensure a responsive and innovative approach to developing the capacity of government and civil society actors.
• Provide strategic management and oversight of the project’s sub-award portfolio.
• Manage a team of flexible and adaptive employees and oversee evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve greater impact.
• Oversee project staff in helping partners establish reporting and tracking systems to provide key information in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure that program meets programmatic and financial targets and makes accurate projections.
• Represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and Pact’s thought leadership in local governance, capacity development, and civil society strengthening.
• Adhere to all of Pact's Code of Conduct policies including our Zerio Tolerance Policy on Harassment, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in the workplace. Report any abuses towards staff and beneficiaries to your immediate supervisor or the Senior HR Coordinator when appropriate.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in social sciences, law, development studies or a relevant field.
• At least ten years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to democracy and governance activities.
• At least five years of experience as a COP or in a comparable managerial position on donor-funded democracy and governance projects, preferably for USAID programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of civil society in accountable local governance in Myanmar.
• Experience building capacity for local government actors or civil society organizations in Myanmar.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements
• Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, and work with and between different stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with government and civil society stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading).
• Ability to travel within Myanmar and occasionally internationally, when health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 diminish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in Myanmar language (oral, writing, and reading).
• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Myanmar.
• Myanmar nationals are encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.

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