Chief of Party, Climate Change Mitigation through Sustainable Land Use

Counterpart International is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID-funded activity “Climate Change Mitigation through Sustainable Land Use,” which aims to promote sustainable livelihoods and advance natural climate solutions in areas affected by deforestation and land degradation through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and mitigation efforts. The Chief of Party will be responsible for overall technical direction, successful project implementation, and will represent Counterpart International and the program to donors and other stakeholders. This position is open to nationals from Ecuador and Third-Country Nationals. The position will be based in Quito, Ecuador.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall management of the program and achievement of all objectives, deliverables and performance indicators.
• Lead the development of program strategies, planning and implementation of program activities while ensuring cohesion among the program components and with respect to the project workplan and Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan.
• Provide technical leadership on natural climate solutions, reduction and mitigation of deforestation and land degradation, and climate financing, including monitoring, verification, and reporting of greenhouse gas mitigation.
• Manage a team of technical advisors, support staff, and consultants to ensure quality and 100 percent achievement of program objectives.
• Coordinate with local and regional partners and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, private sector, and government authorities.
• Represent Counterpart to USAID, local and national governmental authorities, local CSO partners, and community organizations.
• Prepare periodic technical, programmatic, and other reports or communications products to USAID and Counterpart headquarters as required on the progress of the program’s activities in achieving their stated goals.
• Ensure compliance with Counterpart and USAID rules and regulations, particularly with respect to financial and grant management.
• Support the conservation, restoration, or management of landscapes with a climate change mitigation benefit.
• Facilitate financing for climate change mitigation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental or natural resource management, biology, international development, and/or another related field. Significant relevant experience may be substituted for an advanced degree.
• 15 years of progressive leadership in managing complex programs for multisectoral goals and objectives.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in climate change programming (adaptation, mitigation, natural climate solutions).
• Experience working with Indigenous and marginalized communities to support participative democracy.
• Experience with multiple award types including contracts, cooperative agreements, and co-creation processes.
• Knowledge of monitoring, verification, and reporting methodologies for greenhouse gas mitigation.
• Demonstrated experience implementing USAID programming and ensuring strict compliance with donor requirements.
• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead a team, create a positive work environment, and enable all team members to contribute their very best.