Chief of Party, USAID Guatemala Citizen Participation Project

Pact seeks an experienced Chief of Party (COP) for the upcoming USAID-funded Citizen Participation Project in Guatemala. The project aims to foster an accountable government, active citizenship, and democratic culture by strengthening citizens, civil society, and media organizations’ capacities to participate effectively and impactfully in anti-corruption actions and enhancing political dialogue within and between them and different actors and sectors in Guatemala.

The project is anticipated to be a five-year,  $25M - $50M cooperative agreement. The position is expected to be based in Guatemala City, with regular travel to project activity locations. The position description is subject to change, based on the final qualifications stipulated by USAID in the notice of funding opportunity, and hiring is contingent upon award.

The Chief of Party will be responsible for the technical leadership and directing the overall management and operations of the project in Guatemala. The COP will be responsible for delivering high-quality project implementation and ensure full achievement of the stated goals, expected results, and reporting requirements. The COP will assume a leadership role in coordination of the project activities among all relevant parties including USAID, Government of Guatemala (GOG), implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders. The COP will also serve as the Country Manager. As such, the individual will be the main contact for all organizational matters pertaining to the Pact Guatemala office and will liaise with Pact DC office, the Regional office and relevant local authorities. The COP will supervise the senior management team.

The specific duties are:

•  Lead the overall technical and programmatic design and delivery of the project, including components implemented by partners.
• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance based on the project strategic objectives and approved workplans in full compliance with technical quality and reporting requirements.
• Provide overall technical leadership to the project by ensuring highly adaptive, systems-driven, and context appropriate methods for promoting civic engagement, empowering civil society and media organizations, and advancing anti-corruption and advocacy objectives.
• Lead project planning, including the production of annual workplans, budgets and performance monitoring plans (PMPs) in line with the budget to expected results. Ensure cost-effective use of Pact’s resources.
• Review and approve annual budgets and quarterly reports, ensuring they are completed and submitted in a timely manner. Ensure compliance with USAID and Pact HQ requirements, policies, and regulations.
• Serve as Pact’s key representative to USAID by assuming all communications and coordination with USAID officials. Act as a liaison to and ensure effective relationships with relevant donors, GOG, national policy actors, sub-partners, and other key stakeholders ensuring strong cooperation and collaboration.
• As the Country Manager, supervise local and international project staff in line with Pact’s Human Resources policies, oversee the financial and subaward management as well as ensure diversity, equality, and inclusivity within Pact’s organizational culture and practice.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, including completing all compliance training topics by the deadline to satisfy each and receiving the corresponding acknowledgment statement that the training has been completed.
• All other duties as assigned

• Master’s degree in social siences, law, international development and 11+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience; or a Bachelor’s degree and 13+ years relevant experience may be substituted.
•  At least 6+ years of management experience, preferably as a COP or in a similar management leadership position on donor-funded governance projects, preferably USAID programs.
•  At least ten (10) years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with demonstrable experience leading or supporting interventions focused on civil society society strengthening, media strengthening, accountability and anti-corruption, and policy reform.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners with conflict sensitivity.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments
• Deep understanding of the role of civil society and media in development and experience in strengthening capacity of civil society organizations, media networks and coalition in Guatemala and sound knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Guatemala and/or Central America region.
• 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.
• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements. Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.
• Ability to travel within Guatemala and Internationally.
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, and oral presentation skills in English.

• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying systems-driven approaches and/or thinking and working politically (TWP) principles.
• Guatemala nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary for this position is commensurate with local office salary scales and will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications