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, Ethiopia Resilience in Pastoral Areas Activity

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Chief of Party for an upcoming Resilience in Pastoral Areas Activity in Ethiopia funded by USAID. The anticipated program will increase the resilience of households, markets, and governance institutions as well as the utilization of early warning signs across pastoralist areas in Ethiopia’s lowlands, contributing to enhanced food security and inclusive economic growth.

The Chief of Party will provide overall management oversight and technical direction with a clear, consistent, and committed vision. They will monitor progress to ensure program goals and reporting requirements are met on time, within budget, and in compliance with USAID and ACDI/VOCA policies and procedures. The program is anticipated to start in October 2025, but this is subject to USAID release dates and this position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic planning, implementation, and management of the program
• Develop an effective integrated approach of program components, participants, government actors, private sector partners, and other stakeholders
• Ensure compliance and quality control and timeliness of all deliverables subject to final agreement with USAID
• Serve as principal liaison with USAID staff, Government of Ethiopia (GoE), civil society, institutions, and client country partners to exchange information and develop professional relationships
• Monitor program indicators, evaluate program results, develop learning questions and guide program implementation to achieve maximum impact
• Spearhead strategy development and learning agenda while utilizing managerial tools and frameworks to improve the ability of the team and all local partners to achieve project goals successfully and sustainably
• Facilitate the development of the program’s evolving theory of change, overseeing the implementation of the work plan and tracking progress towards core indicators and learning objectives
• Develop systems that support collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) approach, including establishing a culture of adaptive management and deliberate learning outcomes.
• Administer the program’s financial oversight and procedures, ensuring compliance with established ACDI/VOCA’s accounting principles and USAID regulations
• Identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate program adjustments
• Represent ACDI/VOCA and the program to the public, GoE employees and the donor community.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, international development, or a relevant field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing complex, multi stakeholder agricultural development projects.
• Previous experience as a Chief of Party for projects with similar magnitude and complexity is highly desired.
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID rules and regulations is required.
• Proven ability to collaborate successfully with host-country government officials, international donors, and private sector stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in program designs, policy dialogue, strategic planning and implementation of workforce development, education, and systems improvement.
• Experience working in Ethiopia preferred.
• Fluency in English is required.

Ethiopian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.