Location: Northern Caucasus, Russia
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development support to victims of violent conflict. IRC has been present in Northern Caucasus since 1994. Today through our offices in Grozny and Moscow we continue our assistance programs for diverse beneficiary populations. IRC’s programs in Northern Caucasus have transitioned from direct relief services to working with local communities, non-governmental organizations, government and business to foster post-conflict social and economic recovery. IRC’s recent and current programs in Northern Caucasus include water and sanitation, livelihoods/income generation and agricultural economic recovery.
A new USAID RFA on Agro-Business Promotion is anticipated in June/July 2010. This multimillion dollar project will encourage farmers in Northern Caucasus Republics to consolidate their production and enter into marketing chains that allow them to earn the highest possible returns. The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Chief of Party for this project. This position is contingent on IRC being awarded funding and is anticipated to begin on or around September 1, 2010.
Scope of Work:
The COP is responsible for ensuring that the project is implemented in accordance with the cooperative agreement, USAID and IRC regulations, and at the highest professional standards. The COP provides direct technical and managerial supervision to all program staff and the maintenance of high quality program implementation to achieve maximum coverage and impact. S/He will be the primary representational link with USAID Moscow, government offices and other donors, multinationals and technical agencies as applicable. The COP will work closely with the USAID Mission to provide project updates, and to discuss strategies, obstacles, performance plans, and indicator success. The candidate will be responsible for completion of required reports to the donor, and will serve as the primary liaison with the project’s partner organizations to ensure timely, quality deliverables. The COP will represent the project to all key stakeholders, government officials and donors at workshops, conferences and coordination meetings. The COP will ensure that project initiatives cost-effectively address the needs of the beneficiary population.
Position is accompanied and housing provided for staff and family in Tbiisi.
Requirements:
- Masters in Business Administration, Agriculture Economics, Economic Development/Rural Development or a related discipline
- At least 10 years experience in designing, implementing and managing economic recovery and development programs, preferably in the post-conflict context
- Previous experience as Chief of Party of USAID-funded programs
- Proven credentials in the field of market-led agro-business development
- Previous experience in CIS countries, preferably Northern Caucasus or Russian Federation
- Strong negotiation skills essential with experience in conflict resolution desirable
- Flexibility and experience to operate in the environment which requires frequent change of plans
- Demonstrated innovation and success in staff capacity-building, participatory and holistic programming and implementation
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Russian is preferred
