Chief of Party - Enhancing Development through Energy in Southern Africa (EDE SA) at RTI International

Project Description

The purpose of the USAID Power Africa Enhancing Development through Energy in Southern Africa (EDESA) is expected to be to increase the availability of and access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy in Southern Africa in order to reach measurable economic growth, development outcomes, such as reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and increasing inclusive access to electricity enabled services in such areas as health, education, sanitation, and food security. The anticipated program will be based in Pretoria, South Africa and potentially cover Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Position Description 

RTI seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID Power Africa program. The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution ensuring all project deliverables are exceptionally exceeded 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, partner, community, home office and team relations. They may provide technical assistance and support activities where necessary. This position will be based in Pretoria, South Africa and will report to RTI’s Home Office.

This position is contingent upon award and funding. Local nationals are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for overall vision, management, and strategic leadership for the project.
• Identify adjustments in scope and operations to ensure that the project adapts to changes in need and context.
• Supervise and empower all personnel.
• Establish effective partnerships with other US government agencies, African partners, development partners, non-governmental organizations, and a wide variety of other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively in large public settings, as well as with senior government officials.
• Ensure that managerial, administrative, and financial procedures comply with USAID and RTI policies and procedures.
• Oversee preparation and delivery of high-quality reports to USAID, including quarterly and annual reports, and other reports required by the contract.

Qualifications
 

• Bachelor's Degree and 18 years of experience, Master's degree and 14 years of experience, PhD and 10 years of experience
• Minimum ten (10) years of management experience implementing energy programs on- and beyond-the-grid; work experience in South Africa is highly desirable.
• Minimum eight (8) years of progressive senior management experience on donor-funded programs of similar size and scale with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, procurement and budgeting similar size and scope.
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, and leadership skills, including the ability to manage high-level relationships.
• Proven ability to form collaborative relationships with intergovernmental, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead a dynamic team of professionals across large geographies.
• Prior experience effectively managing large, complex activities, and achieving performance objectives.
• Proficiency in English is required.