Deputy Chief of Party
Lutheran World Relief (LWR)
Job Description
Job Advertisement
Position Title: Deputy Chief of PartyLocation: Ecuador
Country: Ecuador
Deadline Date:
Job Details
Job Posting Organization:Corus International is a leading organization in the field of international development, established in 1945. With a mission to end Extreme Poverty, Corus operates through a family of organizations, including Lutheran World Relief, IMA World Health, CGA Technologies, Ground Up Investing, and Farmers Market Brands. The organization has over 800 employees worldwide, dedicated to delivering holistic and lasting solutions to the world's most vulnerable populations. Corus has a rich history of 150 years of combined experience across its brands, and it collaborates with local partners to implement programs that promote inclusive and climate-resilient rural economies, reduce poverty, and respond to humanitarian crises. More information can be found at their website: https://corusinternational.org.
Job Overview:
The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) position is a leadership role within a USAID-funded project in Ecuador, aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and advancing natural climate solutions in areas impacted by deforestation and land degradation. This five-year project, with a budget ranging from $10 million to $24.9 million, focuses on greenhouse gas emissions reduction and mitigation efforts. The DCOP will be responsible for ensuring the technical and administrative implementation of high-impact interventions, meeting project goals, and fulfilling reporting requirements. The role requires collaboration with key stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, and civil society partners, to ensure that market systems interventions align with regional and global best practices. The DCOP will also support adaptive management of the project and invest in the long-term success of local institutions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The DCOP will collaborate with the Chief of Party (COP) and senior management to maintain project objectives, evaluate program effectiveness, and determine necessary corrective actions. Responsibilities include coordinating with staff and partners to execute activities according to work plans, providing technical leadership on topics such as Biodiversity conservation and Climate Change, and developing strong Monitoring and Evaluation mechanisms. The DCOP will oversee implementing partners, foster a collaborative working environment, and lead the development of the annual workplan. Additionally, the DCOP will supervise program staff, build staff capacity through training and mentoring, and represent the project in public and professional circles during high-level visits and meetings.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (MA/MS) or equivalent in fields such as international development, Environmental Sciences, climate change, or sustainable Agriculture. A minimum of seven years of experience managing and supervising teams, as well as experience with large, complex donor-funded international development programs, is required. Experience managing USAID projects of similar size and complexity is a significant advantage. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work with government officials and local stakeholders, possess excellent interpersonal skills, and have cross-cultural sensitivity. Strong analytical, written, and Oral Communication skills are essential.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as international development, integrated rural development, environmental sciences/management, climate change/adaptation, economics, or sustainable agriculture. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of the project and effectively leading the team.
Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of demonstrated experience in managing and supervising both international and local staff, as well as partner organizations. Candidates should have experience managing large, complex donor-funded international development programs, with a preference for those who have managed USAID projects of similar size and complexity. Experience in adaptive management is also preferred, showcasing the ability to adjust programming based on contextual shifts.
Languages:
Professional level fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory, with strong oral and written communication skills in both languages. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the project.
Additional Notes:
The position is based in Ecuador, and actual hiring is contingent upon successful agreement award and USAID approval. The anticipated start date for this role is projected to be around October 2025. The role may require travel to project sites within Ecuador, and candidates should be willing and able to undertake such travel.