**Location: To be determined, based on final USDA Notice of Funding Opportunity**

**Reports to: Senior Regional Director**

***Please Note: This position is contingent upon award and USDA approval with an anticipated start date of October 2026.***

**Overview:**

*Global Communities champions innovative solutions to complex challenges at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion. We ensure our approaches are as dynamic and diverse as the communities we serve. We bring together local ingenuity and global insights to save lives and secure strong futures.*

Global Communities is seeking a **Chief of Party (COP)** for an anticipated five-year, **USDA Food for Progress project**. The [Food for Progress Program](https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/food-progress) has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade in agricultural products.

The COP will lead and oversee the overall implementation of the program, including technical strategy, attaining targeted project deliverables, financial and operational leadership, and human resources. The COP is responsible for overall program implementation, strategic vision, and outcome achievement. The COP provides an integrated vision for the program and will manage a team of senior staff to ensure the quality, timeliness, and efficiency of all products and activities generated under the project. The COP will be responsible for communications with USDA, for publicly representing the project, and for liaising with Government entities and other institutions/stakeholders.

**Responsibilities:**

- Provide program leadership, direction, and supervision, including oversight of staff, consultants, and partners, monitoring and evaluation, and program implementation.
- Ensure implementation of technical interventions, resulting in concrete and on-time and on-target outcomes.
- Lead regular work plan, budget, and implementation reviews to facilitate the cost-effective and timely achievement of project deliverables.
- Manage team members, including highly specialized technical staff, to deliver against the annual workplan.
- Ensure project activities maximize impact and are completed in compliance with Global Communities, USDA rules and regulations, local laws, and donor agreement requirements.
- Engage with private sector companies and trade groups to identify opportunities to strengthen trade.
- Oversee the production and submission of timely activity and financial reports to USDA, effectively and accurately communicating project progress, achievements, challenges, and utilization of funds.
- Ensure establishment and maintenance of systems for project operations.
- Serve as the primary representative of the project with USDA, government counterparts, and other critical in-country stakeholders.
- Represent Global Communities and overall program interests as necessary and appropriate.
- Build and maintain strong working relations with key internal and external stakeholders, suppliers, and partners. Provide effective and timely responses to inquiries and concerns.
- Foster good working relationships with other agencies working on similar or complementary projects, increasing efficiency and strengthening impact.
- Undertake all other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.
- Frequent travel to project locations required

**Qualifications:**

- Master’s degree (or equivalent)in a discipline related to agriculture, agri-business, international trade, economics, or other relevant field with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, including managing agricultural development and trade projects with increasing responsibilities and duties; or,
- Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to agriculture, agri-business, international trade, economics, or other relevant field with a minimum of 12 years of professional experience, including managing agricultural development and trade projects with increasing responsibilities and duties.
- At least 5 years’ experience as Chief of Party, senior management position, or equivalent, leading implementation of large international programs.
- Technical expertise in market systems development, value chain development, and/or agricultural production.
- Experience working with the US private sector and in emerging markets.
- High level of interpersonal, technical, and analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaborate with a broad range of public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USDA Food for Progress programs.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships with government officials, private sector actors, implementing partners, international donors, and other stakeholders.
- Proven ability to communicate a common vision among diverse partners and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams is desired.
- Evidence of effective communication skills, both oral and written, to fulfill diverse technical and managerial requirements.
- Languages: Full Professional Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Must be able to use English fluently and accurately. Proficiency in additional languages is preferred.
- A passion for the mission and values of Global Communities.
- Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

*Global Communities positively welcomes and seeks applications from all sections of society. We are committed to a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of everyone and offers equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.*

*Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.*