Job Summary
AECOM has excellent career opportunities for a creative, highly talented and experienced Chief of Party (COP) for improved water security projects in multiple locations in the Middle East. Based in our host-country project office, the COP will lead all professional, technical, and administrative activities required for successful implementation of USAID-funded projects in the water, wastewater, and environmental sectors. This position will report to AECOM’s East Region-Water Business Line out of Chelmsford, MA, USA.
The COP will lead a multi-discipline architecture and engineering services team including specialized staff and technical experts to deliver innovative solutions in a complex and developing environment. Working in coordination with national and community-level stakeholders, the COP will supervise technical services supporting increased water security, improved government capacity to manage resources and improved environmental protection. The COP will oversee water and wastewater infrastructure development work for all project phases including planning, design, procurement, construction oversight, and operations and management planning and training. Technical project activities include engineering assessments, studies, site investigation, network modeling, Geographic Information System (GIS) development, preparation of tender documents, support to the tendering process, and construction management. The COP leads an integrated team that builds the capacity across the water and wastewater sectors as part of delivery of improved infrastructure.
The COP will be the primary point of contact with USAID in-country. The COP will bear primary responsibility for all technical aspects of work activity performance, as well as management-related requirements of the project such as procurement, personnel, reporting, and financial administration. The COP brings the vision to develop, coordinate and manage multiple simultaneous tasks, strong decision making skills and the ability to ensure coherence and consistency throughout the project lifecycle.
Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Provide leadership, technical direction and quality oversight to achieve project objectives and contractual requirements
- Development and management of effective project strategies to achieve multiple integrated results in coordination with stakeholders and partners
- Establish good working relationships with high-level local and national government officials and key staff
- Manage technical teams in the development of technical deliverables in the water and wastewater sector including assessments, studies, designs and plans
- Effectively represent AECOM through communication and reporting to USAID technical and contract personnel
- Identify and manage technical resource needs with AECOM project support staff
- Identify issues and risks related to project implementation, provide mitigation strategies and monitor through resolution
- Ensure that systems are established and maintained, and adequate resources are applied to meet requirements for cost, schedule and quality requirements
- Ensure compliance with USAID reporting requirements, budget and schedule
- Manage consultants and staff in the development and implementation of gender and social inclusion programming and reporting.
- Monitor project subcontractors and partners through meetings and communications, work with AECOM contracts staff to achieve efficient and effective subcontract compliance
- Monitor project financials, liaise with Finance Director and Project Director to ensure compliance with AECOM requirements
- Ensure establishment of quality control processes in a consistent and transparent manner for all work activities and functions
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related degree;
- 10 plus years of professional experience in A&E infrastructure design programs and construction management programs (with specific focus on water and wastewater programs)
- At least five years at a level of project manager for large projects with multiple tasks or contracts, including feasibility studies and designs of water and wastewater projects;
- Experience at managing multiple administrative and technical components of a USAID contract or at least 5 years’ field experience with the management and/or design of international projects;
- Field or TDY experience with water related projects in the Middle East
- Demonstrated progressive experience in managing teams and support staff
- Capable of establishing good working relationships with high-level local and national government officials as well as private sector/civil society actors
- Proven ability to develop management plans and reports and deliver per contract schedule
- Experience in developing and managing the preparation of design reports, drawings, specifications, and construction management manuals;
- Experience in selecting and managing subcontractors;
- Experience in services during construction, including answering RFI’s, preparing addenda, and reviewing submittals;
- Experience with GIS applications in infrastructure management
- Professional Engineer (PE) license, Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or related licensure/registration;
- Ability to work and live internationally to support project;
- Ability to collaborate with remote teams online, proficiency in MS Suite, SharePoint (or similar collaboration tools) and remote communications applications such as Teams, Zoom, etc.;
- Ability to pass all necessary screening requirements, including successful background check, substance abuse test, and medical clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Chief of Party experience and/ or experience leading a multi-million-dollar, multi-year program.
- Post graduate degree in relevant engineering discipline
- Professional Engineering registration preferred.
- 15 plus years of professional experience in A&E infrastructure design programs and construction management programs (with specific focus on water and wastewater programs);
- Experience in the management of USAID or other donor funded programs
- Experience with BOT programs, infrastructure financing and/or public private partnerships a plus
- Oversight experience in the delivery capacity building programs and/ or social inclusion initiatives within technical programs
- Oversight of monitoring, evaluation and learning components within a program and understanding of USAID data requirements.
- Familiarity with US Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR)
- Previous experience working internationally on USAID programs in the Middle East and/ or Previous experience working internationally to support U.S. government projects;
- Demonstrated high level organizational, communication, leadership, problem solving, and time management skills;
- Familiarity with USAID procedures and protocols, reporting and organizational structure.
What We Offer
When you join AECOM, you become part of a company that is pioneering the future. Our teams around the world are involved in some of the most cutting-edge and innovative projects and programs of our time, addressing the big challenges of today and shaping the built environment for generations to come. We ensure a workplace that encourages growth, flexibility and creativity, as well as a company culture that champions inclusion, diversity and overall employee well-being through programs supported by company leadership. Our core values define who we are, how we act and what we aspire to, which comes down to not only delivering a better world, but working to “make amazing happen” in each neighborhood, community and city we touch. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.
Job Category Engineering – Civil
Business Line Water
Business Group Design and Consulting Services Group (DCS)
Country United States of America
Position Status Full-Time
Requisition/Vacancy No. 255831BR
Clearance Required No
Virtual: No
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
