Chief of Party, USAID/Ecuador Climate Change Mitigation Through Sustainable Land Use

Pact seeks an experienced Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID-funded Climate Change activity that aims 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.

This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2025-2030), in the $15-25M range. This solicitation is anticipated to be released in early February 2025 and awarded in June. This position is contingent upon award; it is anticipated to be based in Quito with frequent travel across Ecuador.

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

The COP will be responsible for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the Activity as well as the Pact Ecuador office. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and by extension USAID/Ecuador development objectives. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination of all activities across all relevant parties including USAID, the Government of Ecuador, local organizations, key stakeholders, and implementing partners. The COP will also oversee all project staff and consortium partners for results-oriented planning, leadership, and coordination of project activities. The Chief of Party will also serve as the Country Manager. As such, the individual will be the main contact for all organizational matters pertaining to the Pact Ecuador office and will liaise with the Pact DC office, Pact LAC Regional staff and other country office teams.

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

• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans. 
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across project partners, ensuring successful integration of activities. 
• Serve as the primary liaison with the USAID Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) on management and technical matters.  
• Ensure compliance with USAID rules/regulations and Pact processes.  
• Supervise the Deputy Chief of Party/Technical Director, Senior Finance Manager, Senior MERL Manager, and others as needed.
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements.  
• Take a leadership role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders, including partners, government stakeholders, civil society, and other USAID projects.  
• Promote the use of recognized evidence-based tools and promising innovations in natural climate solutions.
• Liaise closely with the Pact Regional Director and Finance team, and Pact’s U.S. team to ensure that all project activities are compliant with USG rules and regulations, as well as consistent with Pact’s policies, procedures and best practices.  
• Oversee project planning (i.e., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (i.e., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports) in accordance with the highest standards.  
• Oversee project budget and work in close coordination with Activity and Pact DC finance leadership to meet expected results, ensuring cost-effective use of donor and Pact resources.  
• Support the implementation of a highly adaptive, context-driven programmatic approach. 
• Provide strategic management and oversight of the project’s partner portfolio.  
• Manage a team of flexible and adaptive employees and oversee evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve greater impact.  
• Oversee project staff in helping partners establish reporting and tracking systems to provide key information in an efficient and timely manner.  
• Ensure the program meets programmatic and financial targets and makes accurate projections.  
• Represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and Pact’s thought leadership in building climate resilience.
• Ensure that Pact’s operations in Ecuador are compliant with national laws and regulations, and that Pact’s good reputation is maintained.
• Champion and disseminate Pact’s values and strategic priorities to other staff.

• Master's degree with eleven (11) years’ work experience or bachelor's degree with at least (13+) years’ work experience. Graduate degree in a relevant environmental field (e.g., environmental sciences, sustainable agriculture, climate policy, environmental economics) strongly preferred.
• At least six (6+) years management experience, preferably as a COP or in a comparable managerial position on donor-funded climate/environment-related projects, preferably for USAID programs.
• At least ten (10) years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with demonstrable experience in climate change, sustainable development, environmental sciences, and/or environment policy.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners with conflict sensitivity.   
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, and work with and between different stakeholders, including local organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.   
• Possess qualities of subject matter expertise in climate change mitigation, with deep understanding of low emissions development, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and/or watershed management.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (oral, writing, and reading)   
• Experience with national environmental policy development and implementation, including national climate/sustainable development policies.Ability to travel within Ecuador and occasionally internationally.

• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying systems-driven approaches and/or thinking and working politically principles. 
• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context, and a broad understanding of environment systems, climate change, and sustainable land use practices in Ecuador.
• Preference for individuals with experience leading climate change, sustainable agriculture, and/or biodiversity conservation projects.
• Ecuadorian nationals, especially women, are strongly encouraged to apply.