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.

Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), Tajikistan

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for an anticipated employment and enterprise development activity in Tajikistan. The main goal of the Activity is the creation of decent and productive employment for Tajik youth, women and men through enterprise creation and growth, entrepreneurship development and skills training and facilitating access to finance, in sectors with a high potential for economic growth**.** The program is anticipated to start in 2023. This position will be based in Dushanbe.

The Deputy Chief of Party will adopt a holistic approach towards improving the overall business enabling environment to facilitate growth across broad swaths of the economy, strengthening market systems and select value chains to achieve tangible economic benefits, and ensuring that market systems are growing more competitive, resilient, and inclusive. They will coordinate the technical aspects of the Program and supervise the design and execution of strategic programs assigned to it within the intervention of ACDI/VOCA.

Responsibilities

• Support the overall leadership and technical oversight for the activity and deliverables in collaboration with the Chief of Party, USAID, local government, local organizations, private sector actors and other partners
• Ensure objectives under each component are met, including budgetary and indicator goals
• Facilitate collaboration and coordination between the activity’s components, subcontractors, grantees, consultants, and project staff
• Supervise sub-activity design and programmatic decision making
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting and submission of deliverables
• Oversee and coordinate M&E activities
• Lead the analysis and strategy of ACDI/VOCA’s market systems development approach
• Drive implementation of project activities, across geographies and project outcome areas
• Oversee efforts to analyze market system performance and dynamics, identify the root causes of poor performance, and develop strategies to drive improved performance
• Identify risks related to the implementation of the program in a timely manner and suggest corrective measures
• Champion and integrate adaptive management systems and a culture of collaborating, learning, and adapting that encourages the flow of information and reflection to maximize performance and continuous improvement across project teams and external partners
• Ensure compliance with program objectives and USAID rules and regulations
• Lead regular strategy meetings with the Chief of Party, other Activity personnel, and USAID to analyze progress and lessons learned to inform and update work plans
• Supervise staff, subcontractors, short- and long- term consultants, and others directly involved in the implementation of the Activity as delegated by the Chief of Party
• Represent ACDI/VOCA at meetings, workshops, and other events as required. Coordinates activities with government officials, other development partners, stakeholders, and institutions active in the target areas

Qualifications

• A master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as economics studies, business administration, international relations, public administration, project management, and international development is required, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years of professional experience and six years of supervisory experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in leading international donor-supported programs (implementation, logistics, budgeting, staffing), preferably those funded by USAID and in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
• Experience in market system, value chain and private sector development in developing countries, preferably in agribusiness, textile, IT, and start-up business ecosystem development fields.
• Prior experience in the development of the green economy and mobilizing private finance and access to credit are highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a rapidly evolving environment and shifting local partners, and multiple competing priorities, preferably in managing large donor projects involving coordination with multiple implementing partners and private sector stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, managerial, administrative, budgeting, financial, writing, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) skills and proven training and facilitation skills.
• Proven excellent communications, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements is preferred.
• Experience in a formal setting interacting with executive level government representatives.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to lead and build consensus, cooperation, and coalitions among individuals with competing interests.
• Excellent speaking, reading, and writing in English, Russian, and Tajik are required.

Tajikistani nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.