EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC) is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

Project Description

USAID Burundi is planning to launch Itongo Ryanje, Itunga Ryanje, a new activity. The Itongo Ryanje, Itunga Ryanje Activity in Burundi aims to address critical challenges faced by women in the agriculture sector, particularly in accessing land, increasing productivity, and adapting to climate change. By empowering women in agriculture value chains, the project seeks to enhance their economic and social standing, ability to influence their families and communities, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. The activity will be implemented in close coordination with a variety of local actors, including the private sector, other project implementers, and the Government of Burundi (GOB), to strengthen women participation in market-driven enterprises and build their entrepreneurial, leadership and management skills to achieve greater economic independence. 

Position Description

The Chief of Party (COP) shall be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the project and report directly to the EDC Project Director (home office) and will serve as the interface with the USAID Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR). The COP provides oversight of program implementation and ensures quality of program deliverables and good stewardship of program resources. S/he is responsible for managing all project staff and for financial oversight and operations. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination among USAID, GOB, key stakeholders, and other implementing partners. The COP position requires political savvy and close coordination with USAID, as the individual will interact with numerous local government institutions and senior-level national officials.

Education:

A Master’s degree or higher in a relevant discipline; an advanced degree in relevant field with COP experience shall also be acceptable.

Responsibilities and Experience:

• At least 12 years of relevant experience preferably in Burundi and/or East Africa region, in one or more of the following areas: Women’s Organizations economic empowerment strengthening, entrepreneurship and climate-smart agriculture programs, etc.
• Demonstrated exemplary management, supervision, communication, and interpersonal skills to ensure internal coherence among diverse team members and productive relations with the local government, donors, and the international community;
• Ensuring compliance with EDC and donor policies, practices, procedures, and regulations;
• Mentors and trains staff in strategic implementation of programs, overall program management, integration of MEL data for decision making, and reporting. Ensures all approved targets and components are effectively resourced to optimize attainment of the objectives;
• Provides leadership, coaching, counseling, development to and through assigned employees;
• Creates, fosters, nurtures, and expands working relationships with host government representatives, local actors, other NGOs, and similarly situated entities to bolster and enhance the opportunity for achieving/exceeding EDC program objectives; and
• Proven experience as COP or Program Director of USAID-funded project is preferred.

Language:

Fluency in French and English is required.

Due to the volume of applications submitted, only finalists will be notified.  No phone calls, please.

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring a highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.