Position Type:
US-based Staff
ECODIT is an international development firm working with governments, businesses, and local communities to advance environmentally and socially responsible development around the world. We provide technical assistance services ranging from quick-turnaround assessments and evaluations to design and implementation of long-term multi-million-dollar projects. Since its founding in 1993, ECODIT has provided professional services through more than 250 projects/contracts to diverse clients in more than 60 countries. Building on our track record of success, we have continuously expanded the depth and breadth of our expertise in the water, energy, environment, and governance sectors.
Responsibilities:
ECODIT is seeking a qualified Project Director (PD) for the anticipated five-year USAID Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Environmental Support Services Contract – II (ESSC-II). The project will provide expert technical assistance, training and facilitation, adaptive management, and communication services necessary to strengthen regional and bilateral environment and energy programs, and the integration of environment and energy considerations into other USAID technical sectors. The project also will support the Environment and Energy (ENVE) team at the Office of Regional Sustainable Development (RSD) within the LAC Bureau to provide mission support in such technical areas as 1) biodiversity conservation, 2) adaptation and climate resilience, 3) natural climate solutions, 4) clean and renewable energy, 5) mobilizing climate finance, 6) water resources management, and 7) ocean plastic pollution. The project’s four key tasks are as follows:
- Task 1: Provide technical support for strategy and activity planning and design.
- Task 2: Support implementation and adaptive management of LAC environment and energy programming.
- Task 3: Provide training and capacity building for USAID staff, implementing partners, and other key actors on topics related to environment and energy.
- Task 4: Communicate successes and share lessons learned.
The contract will provide for the possibility of Field Support buy-ins, allowing USAID Missions to procure support services in these areas.
The PD will provide vision, strategic direction, leadership, and overall management to the contract, and will ultimately be responsible for ensuring activities performed under the contract meet USAID’s expectations. The PD will oversee project implementation teams (including subcontractors and short-term technical assistance) and will be responsible for overseeing all contract deliverables, budgets, and timelines. The PD will be the primary point of contact for USAID on all matters pertaining to the contract and will be responsible for the smooth functioning of the contract. S/he will be responsible for ensuring compliance with USG rules and regulations. The PD also will work closely with the ECODIT Home Office Project Manager (HOPM) and other Home Office (HO) support staff and will serve as an important link between USAID and the ECODIT HO. Specifically, the PD will:
- Lead the technical and operational aspects of the project including start-up, planning and implementation, ensuring clarity over plans and priorities, and encouraging effective teamwork;
- Facilitate a collaborative process with the client and project team to develop a shared vision for success and an effective adaptive management process;
- Establish a management team and management processes, including for buy-in management, which facilitate a timely and efficient response to buy-in requests;
- Deliver exceptional service across performance areas reviewed under the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS);
- Provide technical leadership for one or more of the above project Tasks and deliver ongoing technical assistance;
- Oversee the incorporation of cross-cutting priorities into programming, including localization, and gender equity and social inclusion;
- Supervise a capable and diverse team of technical and administrative staff, provide them with mentoring and support, and foster teamwork;
- Ensure compliance with USAID requirements, U.S. Government regulations, and ECODIT policies and procedures;
- Lead or support the preparation of deliverables, including annual work-plans, budgets and project activity updates, and other project-related communication and reporting materials in accordance with USAID deadlines;
- Provide overall financial oversight of the budget over the life of the project (e.g., ensuring cost effective management, financial projections, and systems to ensure proper use of funds);
- Collaborate with ECODIT’s contracts management team to ensure continuous compliance with contract rules and regulations; and
- Ensure continuous communication with ECODIT’s HO and work with the HO to coordinate technical and editorial review of project deliverables prior to submission to USAID.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s degree) in biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, climate change, natural resources management, or a related field
- A minimum of 15 years of professional experience, including experience managing programs of similar size and complexity
- Prior experience working in the LAC region
- Thought and/or professional leadership in the environment and energy sector
- Strong knowledge of the technical areas relevant to the activity (e.g., biodiversity conservation, climate resilience)
- Strong management skills and ability to work with diverse teams of technical and administrative staff and develop professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and subcontractors
- Demonstrated ability to ensure coherence and consistency under tight deadlines, working in a fast-paced environment, responding to requests for support quickly and managing multiple dynamic workflows and priorities
- Highly developed collaboration, coordination, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English
- Professional level fluency in Spanish
- Experience in and ability to inspire and motivate project staff and supervise senior personnel
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading or supporting programs focused on activity design, training, capacity building, and/or communications, preferably for USAID
- Demonstrated successful experience stewarding a client relationship
- Consulting or employment experience with USAID or a similar US Government agency in the environment or broader international development sector
To apply, please send an updated resume/CV and cover letter in English through the posting on our website under the “Our Jobs” section of the ECODIT website by no later than May 15, 2024. Please note that the position is contingent upon contract award. Applications will be received and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants who fail to meet the application criteria may be disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.
