Position Description 

The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution, ensuring that all project deliverables are of highest quality and within budget and compliance for small to mid-size projects. This position will provide project planning, oversight, leadership, and coordination. The COP will build and maintain strong and favorable client, government, partner, community, RTI home office, and team relations. The COP may provide technical assistance and support activities where necessary. 

This position is anticipated to be based in Maputo, Mozambique.  

Position is contingent upon award and funding. 

Responsibilities

• Hold primary responsibility for project performance and budget management.   

• Lead planning, oversight, and coordination of all project activities and personnel, including operational and technical aspects. 

• Ensure all project deliverables exceed expectations and are managed within budget.   

• Manage client relations and serve as primary liaison and RTI Representative with the client and stakeholders regarding overall policy, resource mobilization and allocation, joint initiatives, and coordination of project management and planning. 

• Ensure internal integration of project activities through 1) the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) creating/maintaining an effective project management team; and 3) overseeing an effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning system. 

• Provide leadership and oversight for areas such as Finance, Operations, Reporting, Public Affairs, Fund Management, and Human Resources; liaise with Regional Office and business partners per policy and practice. 

• Ensure that all staff receive adequate security and operational support and that Standard Operating Procedures are implemented. 

• Manage all aspects of staffing and creating and maintaining a clear organizational structure with specific roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.  

• Ensure management systems are operational to track expenditures (including labor) and monitor same against the project work plan and budget, according to both company policy and client standards and regulations. 

• Develop and implement practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 15 years of experience, Master’s degree and 12 years of experience, PhD and 8 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in the implementation of complex projects relating to biodiversity or conservation management or related field.  

• Ten (10) years of progressive senior management experience on international donor programs of similar size with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, procurement, and budgeting. 

• Demonstrated experience managing technically, operationally, and geographically diverse teams. 

• Five years of substantive experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders in biodiversity conservation, natural resource conservation, terrestrial conservation, marine conservation, and/or related field. 

• Demonstrated experience working with USAID or other donor-funded projects strongly preferred.  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.   

• Demonstrated managerial skills. 

• Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa strongly preferred. 

• Fluency in English and Portuguese required.