Winrock is seeking a qualified Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID-funded project that aims to strengthen regional cooperation on shared water resources and address current and emerging environmental challenges to promote stability, economic prosperity and healthy ecosystems in Central Asia. The COP will manage the overall program, reporting to the Director of Winrock’s Water Unit. This position is contingent on receipt of donor funding.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide overall technical leadership to achieve the results of the project.
- Develop and implement project’s strategy to strengthen regional cooperation on shared water resources.
- Lead team to review existing policies, acts, and regulations for water resource management at the national and transnational levels.
- Establish an international framework for knowledge exchange and coordination for watershed management across countries.
- Provide programmatic leadership and oversee the strategic planning of activities in support of the project goals and objectives, including the determination of project priorities and appropriate technical initiatives.
- Ensure results-oriented technical components and high-quality and timely deliverables and reports, focusing on synergistic coordination of all technical areas.
- Advise national counterparts on technical issues and participate in relevant advisory and/or working groups with counterparts, partner institutions, relevant Government Ministries in target countries and all other local stakeholders.
- Represent the project in public and professional circles through meetings, conferences, and presentations.
- Develop and modify as necessary the technical work plans and budget.
- Serve as principal liaison to USAID/Central Asia.
- Coordinate and communicate on a regular basis with Winrock’s Home Office.
- Manage relationships with complementary USAID and donor projects.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Represent Winrock at meetings and events as required and keep Winrock Home Office informed regarding new opportunities in the country and region.
QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:
Education:
- Master’s Degree (or foreign equivalent) in international development, public/business administration, international relations, other social sciences, natural resource management, or a similar relevant field (a bachelor’s degree and at least 15 years’ experience may be substituted).
- PhD in a relevant discipline would be a distinct asset.
Work Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of DCOP- or COP-level experience for large contracts.
- Contract management experience for USAID required.
- Technical experience working in Central Asia, preferably in river basin management, integrated water resource management, transboundary water issues / management, etc.
- Professional experience in sustainable water management, natural resources management, and/or governance and capacity building strongly preferred.
- An understanding of policy, economics, and market issues in the sustainable water management.
- Proven exceptional leadership in the design, management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of similar size and complex international donor support programs with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
- Proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse public and private partners and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
- Contract management experience for USAID.
Skills:
- Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental, and development context of Central Asia.
- Knowledge of USAID policies and procedures as related to project management required.
- Ability to diplomatically supervise staff and coordinate programs with partners from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to build coalitions and networks that can provide synergies and sustainable solutions for the project.
- Must be comfortable in high-level representational role and in interacting with government stakeholders.
- Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written, to fulfill the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the initiative and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of regional stakeholders.
- Fluency in written and oral English is required. Proficiency in Russian strongly preferred.
*Please note that all CVs must be submitted in English.
