Overview

Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.

Chief of Party, Ghana

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Chief of Party for an upcoming youth activity in Ghana funded by USAID. The program will improve the socioeconomic status of youth in northern Ghana through youth-led and youth-serving organizations, among others, to generate cross-sectoral, positive youth development outcomes, allowing them to make better life decisions and influence policy. The program will give special attention to the needs of girls, the disabled, and other disadvantaged groups.

The Chief of Party will provide overall management oversight and technical direction and will guide the entire program with a clear, consistent, and committed vision. They will monitor progress to ensure program goals and reporting requirements are met on time and within budget, complying with USAID and ACDI/VOCA policies and procedures. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position is based in Tamale, Ghana.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic planning, implementation, and management of the program
• Develop an effective integrated approach of program components, participants, government actors, private sector partners, and other stakeholders
• Ensure quality control and timeliness of all deliverables
• Serve as principal liaison with USAID staff, institutions, and client country partners to exchange information and develop professional relationships
• Monitor program indicators, evaluate program results, and guide program implementation to achieve maximum impact
• Spearhead strategy development and utilize managerial tools and frameworks to improve the ability of the team to achieve project goals successfully and sustainably
• Facilitate the development of the program’s evolving theory of change, overseeing the implementation of the work plan and tracking progress towards core indicators and learning objectives
• Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout program implementation and operations while also promoting an evidence-based positive youth development approach
• Develop systems that support the collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) approach, including establishing a culture of adaptive management
• Administer the program’s financial oversight and procedures, ensuring compliance with established ACDI/VOCA’s accounting principles and USAID regulations
• Identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate program adjustments
• Represent ACDI/VOCA and the program to the public and donor community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, international development, youth development, economics, education, business administration, or related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience leading youth-focused programs, including experience in workforce development, positive youth development, education, or related field.
• Previous experience as a Chief of Party for projects with similar magnitude and complexity is highly desired.
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID rules and regulations is required.
• Proven ability to collaborate successfully with host-country government officials, international donors, and private sector stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in program design, policy dialogue, strategic planning and implementation of workforce development, education, and systems improvement.
• Proven leadership style that is inclusive and empowering to team members.
• Experience leading teams and projects with meaningful youth engagement approaches, including youth leadership opportunities and youth involvement in design, implementation, and MEL processes.
• Demonstrated capacity to develop collaborative, respectful, and high-impact relationships with communities, young people, youth-led and youth-serving organizations, government, private sector, and CSOs/NGOs.
• Experience working in northern Ghana strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English required.

Ghanaian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.