Chief of Party (CoP)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization has been active in Colombia since 2005, focusing on humanitarian and development activities that support the implementation of peace agreements and Sustainable Development Goals. Mercy Corps has reached over one million people in Colombia through its various projects, demonstrating its commitment to fostering peaceful and productive communities.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party (CoP) will lead the anticipated USDA-funded Food for Progress (FFPr) project in Colombia, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity and expand trade of agricultural products. The CoP will provide strategic oversight, management, and leadership for the project, ensuring that it meets its targets and deliverables within the specified timeline and budget. This role involves supervising project staff, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps policies and donor regulations, and representing the project to various stakeholders, including USDA and government entities. The FFPr project is expected to last five years, with a projected start date around October 1, 202

• The CoP will be responsible for creating a vision and strategy for the project, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that project activities align with global best practices in agricultural development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party will be responsible for the following duties:

• Strategy and Planning: Develop a shared vision and strategy for the FFPr project, recognizing opportunities for innovative actions and fostering a culture of collaboration and learning.
• Project Management: Oversee project management and administration, ensuring effective implementation of work plans, monitoring progress, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with donor expectations.
• Team Management: Recruit and onboard project staff, promote accountability, provide feedback, and develop team capacity.
• Finance & Compliance: Ensure compliance with USDA and Mercy Corps policies, manage financial resources, and maintain transparent reporting systems.
• Influence & Representation: Represent Mercy Corps at relevant events and coordinate activities with partners and stakeholders.
• Risk Management: Collaborate with leadership to support preparedness for disruptive events and ensure safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of team members.
• Supervisory Responsibility: Supervise the FFPr project team, ensuring effective coordination and implementation of activities according to schedule and quality standards.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Chief of Party position should possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as agricultural economics, crop science, or development studies.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in international development, with a focus on agricultural development, export and trade promotion, and food security programming.
• At least five years of experience in senior project management roles with direct supervision of project teams.
• Experience with USDA Food for Progress or similar projects is highly preferred, along with experience working with high-profile U.S. government donors.
• Proven ability to strengthen the capacity of staff and partner organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as agricultural economics, crop science, or development studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural development and the implementation of related projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in international development, particularly in agricultural development, export and trade promotion, and food security programming. At least five years of this experience should be in senior project management roles that included direct supervision of project teams. Experience with USDA Food for Progress or similar projects is highly preferred, and candidates should also have experience working with high-profile U.S. government donors.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish is required for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with project stakeholders, team members, and local communities.

Additional Notes:
The Chief of Party position is based in Bogotá, Colombia, and requires up to 40% travel to other regions of Colombia, which may include insecure locations. The project is expected to last five years, with a start date around October 1, 202

• For international candidates, housing will be provided in individual accommodations, and expatriate benefits are available only for non-Colombian hires. Mercy Corps is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer.