Deputy Chief of Party, Lake Malawi Fisheries Conservation Project

Pact seeks a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the anticipated USAID-funded Lake Malawi Fisheries Conservation Project, which seeks to build on over three decades of work focused on addressing threats to the biodiversity and natural resources of Lake Malawi that are important to the economic resilience and food security of Malawians as well as global conservation efforts. The new activity aims to strengthen economic, regulatory, and social governance mechanisms that effectively conserve the exceptional biodiversity of Lake Malawi and deliver sustainable, profitable, and equitable wild-caught fisheries in priority areas of the Lake.​ This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2024-2029). This is a Malawi-based local position open to Malawian nationals and individuals with legal authorization to work in Malawi without employer sponsorship only. This position is contingent upon award.  

The DCOP is a senior management position responsible for working with the Chief of Party (COP) and the technical and operational team on daily implementation of the project. S/he will support the project team to meet the project’s technical objectives, manage project staff and financial resources, and liaise with project stakeholders and partners.  

The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are:

• Ensure high-quality technical programming in natural resource management, fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, community and enterprise development, governance, and livelihoods through technical leadership, hands-on staff supervision, and partner support.
• Contribute to project planning, including the development of annual work plans and budgets; help guide and oversee the alignment of the budget to expected results. 
• Ensure the cost-effective use of resource, including thorough review of budgets. 
• Lead drafting project performance reports, including quarterly and annual reports to USAID, and other required project reporting. 
• Build excellent working relationships, networks and alliances with government institutions, other projects, private sector, partners and other stakeholders.  
• In coordination with the COP and key personnel integrate learning, communications and policy development across relevant donor, government, and other stakeholder networks. 
• Ensure compliance with HQ and donor requirements, policies, and regulations. 
• Represent Pact at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support Pact’s thought leadership. 
• Serve as Acting COP in the COP’s absence. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• Master’s degree and 9+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, including 5 years of management experience in relevant areas such as fisheries management and governance, aquatic biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and right based approaches, and community level enterprise development. 
• A minimum of 7 years related experience in implementing technical and organizational capacity building programs, with substantial experience in development and implementation of innovative strategies to resolve issues.
• Demonstrated excellence in a management position, preferably including direct supervision of professional and support staff, quality evaluation of staff performance and deliverables, and contract/grant management.
• Demonstrated track record in successfully building and effectively managing diverse teams of employees.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and ethical management.
• Proven track record in building strong relationships with government officials and policy makers, donors, private sector and environment program actors.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills. Strong planning and inter-cultural communication skills.  
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and ability to perform and collaborate under challenging conditions.
• Ability to work independently and produce timely and high-quality results. 
  Ability to live, work, and travel within Malawi without employment sponsorship. 

• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations.
• Experience working on US Government-funded projects.
• Experience with personnel, budget, and program management.
• Fluency in Malawian local languages for day-to-day communication.