Deputy Chief of Party/Technical Director, USAID/Ecuador Climate Change Mitigation Through Sustainable Land Use Activity

Pact seeks an experienced Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)/Technical Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Ecuador Climate Change Mitigation Through Sustainable Land Use Activity. The project will aim to advance natural climate solutions and promote sustainable livelihoods in areas affected by deforestation and land degradation through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and mitigation efforts. The primary objectives of this activity are as follows:

1. Support the conservation, restoration, or management of Ecuadorian landscapes with a climate change mitigation benefit
2. Mobilize climate finance to support sustainable land use; and
3. Generate measurable results in terms of avoided, reduced or sequestered GHG emissions.

The DCOP will directly assist the Chief of Party by providing technical and strategic leadership and oversight of project implementation and management. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2025-2030, in the $15-25 million range. This position is contingent upon award. The location of this position will be decided at a later date.

This solicitation is anticipated to be released in early February 2025 and awarded in June. Frequent travel to provinces outside of Quito is anticipated.

Please note: the requirements and qualifications for this Deputy Chief of Party position may change after the final solicitation is released.

The DCOP/Technical Director will work closely with the Chief of Party to provide technical leadership and expert advice on strategies and interventions to effectively provide technical leadership on natural climate solutions, reduction and mitigation of deforestation and land degradation, and climate financing, including monitoring, verification, and reporting of greenhouse gas mitigation. Along with the COP, the DCOP will support a consortium of local partners in efforts providing the necessary scale and reach in key ecosystems of the country e.g., Amazonian rainforest and highland paramos (to be determined).

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

• Lead and/or facilitate technical programming across result areas, while ensuring quality, responsiveness, and relevance of technical assistance and capacity development.
• Coordinate development, implementation, monitoring and reporting on all project work plans.
• Supervise program monitoring, evaluating, and reporting activities, ensuring that all project deliverables are met and delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
• In coordination with the COP, serve as a Pact liaison to USAID and national and local partners, including government officials, civil society, and community leaders, particularly on technical matters.
• Coordinate with project partners and appropriate stakeholders in all aspects of project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Supervise key technical staff, ensuring high-quality technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the program's strategic objectives and adhering to expected technical quality and reporting requirements.
• Assist with all programmatic aspects, ensuring that objectives are met on time and within budget.
• Ensure rapid startup; day-to-day implementation of activities; working with the COP, oversee the oversee and coordinate tech outputs/activities, as well as sub-grantees, sub-contractors, and consultants.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with USAID in absence of the COP with regard to day-to-day implementation and management matters related to the agreement.
• Provide training and mentoring to partners to strengthen capacity for technical service delivery and compliance with donor rules and regulations.
• Under the guidance of the COP, help recruit and directly support project staff in line with Pact HR policies; oversee the management and development of project office human resources to ensure a diverse, skilled, and productive workforce, an effective leadership team, and an organizational culture where Pact's values are practiced.
• Deliver, as needed, technical presentations on program achievements to implementing partners, civil society organizations, government officials, donor, and other organizations.
• Support with other tasks, as assigned by the COP.

• Master’s degree and 9+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, including 5 years of management experience. Alternatively, Bachelor's degree and 11 years of experience. Professional degree from an accredited university in environmental sciences, climate policy, sustainable agriculture, international development, or a relevant field strongly preferred.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to direct implementation of climate change, sustainable agriculture, natural resource management activities and/or similar programming.
• At least 5 years of experience as a DCOP, Technical Director, or in a comparable senior-level leadership position on international donor-funded projects, with a track record of effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners with conflict sensitivity.
• Possess qualities of subject matter expertise in climate change mitigation/adaptation, with deep understanding of GHG emissions reduction, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and/or watershed management.
• Be fully conversant on global, regional, and local best practices and evidence-based approaches in climate change mitigation to further advance and/or adopt for the Ecuadorian context. 
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including local organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and funders.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (oral, writing, and reading) required.

• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements and/or knowledge of USAID rules, regulations, and policies.
• Demonstrated experience working with integrated projects in Latin America or similar contexts.
• Ecuadorian nationals, particularly female candidates, are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving, negotiating, decision-making, and consensus building.
• Ability to travel within Ecuador and occasionally internationally.