Management Systems International (MSI) is a global international development firm based in Washington, D.C. providing specialized short- and long-term technical assistance. MSI is part of Coffey International Development, a global international development consulting firm. Together with Coffey ID, MSI now has more than 1,500 development professionals
worldwide, a corporate presence in 11 countries and manages more than 200 projects worldwide. It currently manages more than 20 long-term projects in countries, including Iraq, Sudan, Colombia and Russia. Broadly, MSI implements a range of analytical and field projects in its core technical areas, including democracy and governance, strategic management and performance improvement, organizational capacity building, human development and natural resource management. For more information on MSI, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.
Project Summary:
Resiliency in Northern Ghana (RING) is an integrated project and partnership effort under USAID’s Feed the Future (FtF) Initiative designed to contribute to Government of Ghana (GoG) efforts to sustainably reduce poverty and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable populations. The purpose of the RING project is to improve the livelihood and nutritional status of vulnerable households in targeted communities of twelve Districts in Northern Region. This purpose will be achieved through three complementary project components: 1) Increasing consumption of diverse quality foods, especially among women and children; 2) Improving behaviors related to nutrition and hygiene of women and young children; and 3) Strengthening local support networks to address the ongoing needs of vulnerable households. Economic growth and agriculture activities will be complemented by social mobilization and health education messages, which strive to improve nutritional status among women and children.
Position Summary:
MSI is seeking an experienced Chief of Party to lead an upcoming USAID FtF Initiative in Ghana. The COP will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, technical direction of the project, and ensuring that all deliverables are met. S/he will serve as the key liaison between USAID Ghana and all other counterparts, implementing partners, and GoG officials involved in the RING and FtF programs.
The Chief of Party position is based in Tamale, Ghana. The project is expected to begin in late 2012 and will run for a three-year period, with a possible two year extension period.
Responsibilities:
• Provide overall leadership, management, and general technical direction of the Contract, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the Contract.
• Identify issues and risks related to RING implementation in a timely manner, and suggest appropriate project adjustments.
• Act as the key liaison with USAID/Ghana and all other counterparts, implementing partners and Government of Ghana officials involved with RING and the FTF program.
• Manage annual work plan development and project reporting.
• Maintain a focus on capacity strengthening of key partners and, in particular, of the Regional Coordinating Council and District Assemblies.
Qualifications:
• Ten years or more of progressively responsible international work experience implementing multi-sectoral development programs with demonstrated strong management and coordinating skills.
• Five or more years of management experience, including direct supervision of professional and support staff and assembling teams working on multi-faceted, complex international development programs.
• Prior experience as CoP of a similar USAID funded project strongly preferred;
• Expertise and experience in working directly to strength the capacity of host country governments, especially at decentralized levels, and particularly in the areas of planning, financial management, agriculture, agricultural livelihoods, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, and gender empowerment.
• Experience in managing broad-based integrated rural development programs.
• Familiarity with and commitment to addressing gender equality is also required, as demonstrated by at least two years of senior-level experience working on projects that addressed gender-related constraints in either the agriculture or nutrition sector.
• Master’s degree or higher in international development, agriculture, economics, public health, nutrition, or related field of study;
• Must be willing and able to travel throughout Northern Ghana;
• Fluency in English required.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
How to apply:
To apply, please visit our website: www.msiworldwide.com.
Closing date: 27 Sep 2012
