ACDI/VOCA is a global development design and delivery partner that has implemented effective economic and social development projects in nearly 150 countries since 1963. We empower people to make positive changes in their lives by applying our expertise in sustainable agriculture, resilience, economic opportunity, access to finance, and equity & inclusion to create meaningful, lasting impact. ACDI/VOCA and its affiliates design and implement donor-funded projects, facilitate impact investing, deliver financial services, and partner with businesses to promote inclusive practices and build sustainable supply chains. In 2024, ACDI/VOCA was named a Top Workplace by the Washington Post and received 2024 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence recognition for its innovation, work-life flexibility, compensation & benefits, leadership, and purpose & values.

Chief of Party, Laos Trade Integration and Competitiveness

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Chief of Party for an upcoming Trade Integration and Competitiveness Activity in Laos funded by USAID. The anticipated program will aim to diversify economic growth in Laos by stimulating trade and investment, strengthening private sector competitiveness, and facilitating regional integration.

The Chief of Party will provide strategic leadership and direction for the program, and foster strong relationships with USAID, public and private sectors, and civil society. They will oversee the administrative and financial aspects of the award and ensure that results are achieved on time, within budget, and in compliance with USAID policies. The program is anticipated to start in 2025 and this position will be based in Vientiane, Laos.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic, technical, programmatic, and management guidance and support for activities
• Foster strong relationships with USAID, local government, and all other stakeholders to ensure long term program success
• Build the capacity of government authorities at all levels with local community-based organizations and with the private sector
• Ensure day-to-day administrative, technical and financial performance of the activity in accordance with the scope of work, budgets, and annual work plans
• Deliver high-quality work plans, periodic reports, and other technical and financial documents in a timely manner, setting targets, keeping track of costs and expenditures per activity, and ensuring efficient monitoring and evaluation throughout the progress of the activity
• Apply a deep understanding of biodiversity conservation, sustainable revenues from natural resource management, climate change, environmental policy, and sustainability to guide program activities and decision-making
• Coordinate the development of the program’s evolving theory of change and track progress towards core indicators and learning objectives
• Develop systems that support the collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) approach, including establishing a culture of adaptive management in different socio-economic contexts
• Actively propose and justify strategic adaptations in response to program learning and shifts in the marketplace to maximize the scale and sustainability of its impact and the value of USAID’s investment
• Directly liaise with USAID missions to ensure strategic alignment and client satisfaction

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, international trade, business administration, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience on donor funded development projects, with 5 years of senior management experience of economic growth porgrams.
• Expertise in private sector development, access to finance, business enabling environment, trade, and investment preferred
• Proven ability to collaborate successfully with host-country government officials, financial institutions, international donors, and private sector stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in program design, planning, and implementation of similar projects.
• Experience working in Southeast Asia preferred.
• Fluency in English is required.

Lao nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.