Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector in managing their environment and natural resources. We have delivered innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors, including countering wildlife crime, forestry, protected area management, climate change, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), economic livelihood development, community engagement, and institutional capacity building.
Project Description:
The purpose of this anticipated USAID-funded Jal Jangal (Freshwater & Forest) Activity in Nepal is to reduce multiple threats to ecosystems and species in order to conserve nature, enhance human well-being, and safeguard the future. The Activity aims to improve health of ecosystems, safeguard natural resources and improve climate resilience, and reduce environmental crimes. The project will work in targeted landscapes and ecosystems in Nepal to conserve and manage biodiversity to promote environmental and economic sustainability. The project will work with local community organizations, the Government of Nepal, academic institutions, and the private sector to ensure an integrated sustainable management program. The anticipated budget for this 5-year Activity is $25-$50 million.
Position Description:
RTI is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for an anticipated USAID-Nepal Jal Jangal Activity. This is a senior-level position and candidates should have a proven track record of leadership and the ability to navigate complex political environments. The DCOP will play an integral role in leading programmatic activities, providing daily operations, compliance, and financial direction and managerial supervision over all aspects of the program The position will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal with the need to travel to project areas throughout the year. This position is contingent on RTI being awarded the anticipated project.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- The DCOP will be responsible for supporting the Chief of Party in all technical, operation and management aspects of the project, serving as second in command in the Chief of Party absence.
- Ensure efficient and compliant administration of the project and oversee all financial, procurement and operational areas of responsibility, in keeping with internal and external compliance requirements.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with USAID, RTI International’s home office, project subcontractors and grantees, senior Government of Nepal officials, private sector partners, research institutions, community groups, and other stakeholders in his/her role as a public representative of the program.
- Ensure a high level of responsiveness to the wide range of information requests, tasks, and follow-up actions requested of the project.
- Coordinate the development, implementation and reporting on detailed management plans that may include but are not limited to: implementation plans, deliverable tracking, financial analysis, risk forecasting and mitigation, etc., in assigned areas of responsibility.
- Monitor and review project budget and expenditures, financial forecasts, working with Home Office, International Regional Office and local counterparts to ensure compliance with corporate and client regulations.
- Track and report quarterly on programmatic achievements as required for project deliverable reporting. Produces technical and/or operational reports and updates for deliverable reporting and project success stories.
- Collaborate with Chief of Party to identify, mitigate and manage risks and actively participates in the resolution of performance issues with project staff and sub-contractors or sub-awardees.
- Assist Chief of Party in managing all aspects of staffing and creating/maintaining a clear organizational structure with appropriate operational controls, specific roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
- Regularly confer with client with regard to performance feedback and to resolve problems or issues should they arise.
- Regularly travel to the project’s target geographies to monitor site-level implementation.
- Serve as the acting COP as needed in the absence of the COP.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and 12 years of experience, Master’s degree and 10 years of experience, PhD and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Eight years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in the implementation of large and complex projects ($25-50 million), preferably relating to biodiversity and conservation, wildlife trafficking, and climate change adaptation.
- Experience working and coordinating activities with local stakeholders and partner organizations;
- Senior management experience on USAID projects with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting. Demonstrated experience managing technically, operationally, and geographically diverse teams.
- Substantive experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, community groups, and other stakeholders in natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, and/or enforcement of conservation regulations;
- Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams;
- Superior English written and verbal communication skills, including expertise writing and editing reports and communications products for a USAID and US Government audience.
- Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands;
- Proven ability to manage projects with satellite or remote offices and team members;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to travel and work in rural areas and difficult terrain/conditions at times;
- Work experience in Nepal required.
