Deputy Chief of Party - Local Governance Activity

Pact Overview

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)

Department Overview:

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 Purpose:

Pact seeks an experienced Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the anticipated USAID/Zimbabwe Local Governance Activity. This anticipated activity will promote implementation of the devolution prescriptions in the 2013 Constitution and greater understanding among stakeholders of the associated rights and responsibilities. The activity may support legal and academic analysis of devolution and civil society efforts to enhance public understanding and participation. The activity may develop capacities of local organizations on devolution themes. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity.

The DCOP will provide support to the Chief of Party in leading the implementation team and ensuring effective execution of the day-to-day activities of the USAID Local Governance Activity. Supporting the Chief of Party, the DCOP will help oversee the implementation of innovative and adaptive technical strategies aimed at empowering local stakeholders to promote implementation of Zimbabwe’s devolution prescriptions, enhance understanding of rights and responsibilities, and encourage public participation in devolution. The DCOP will coordinate with the project donor and ensure compliance with all donor requirements, including those related to project reporting, timely submission of deliverables, and financial burn rates. The DCOP will supervise, manage, coach and mentor technical staff members, improving their capacity to succeed in their positions. The DCOP will report to the Chief of Party and will work in close collaboration with project partner organizations. This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise program implementation as directed by the Chief of Party, with a focus on achieving the program objectives.
• Support the design and implementation of high-quality technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the program objectives.

• Support program planning, including annual work planning and budget development, including ensuring the alignment of the budget to expected results

• Work with Chief of Party and other team members to ensure that all project deliverables are met in a high quality and timely fashion, using adaptive management approaches.

• Contribute to the development of quarterly and annual programmatic and financial reports.

• Ensure compliance with all donor, Pact, and project-specific policies.

• Assist in supervising and coordinating the sub-grant management process, including advice on assessing the programmatic potential of proposed grants, and establishing appropriate procedures for project funds.

• Liaise with program partners, stakeholders, and donor as needed.

• In collaboration with the Chief of Party, represent the project with the donor, the Zimbabwe government, and national policy actors and maintain positive relations.

• As needed, backstop the COP, serving in his/her stead and assuming all required responsibilities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Adhere to all of Pact's Code of Conduct policies including our Zero 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:

• Bachelor’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 senior level management experience designing, implementing, and managing large, complex democracy and governance programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of various stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s devolution process.
• Experience building capacity for local government actors, civil society organizations and/or research institutions in Zimbabwe.
• 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 effectively managing a team of diverse employees and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with different stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading).
• Ability to travel within Zimbabwe when health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 diminish.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluency in one or more official languages of Zimbabwe (aside from English).
• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Experience in program management and administration, financial management, award compliance, sub-award management, and tracking program performance and costs.
• Knowledge of the current political, social, and economic context of Zimbabwe.
• Zimbabwe nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply Here