Chief of Party

Chemonics seeks a Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID-funded Market Finance Accelerator (MFA) Program in Burkina Faso. The Market Finance Accelerator Program is a five-year activity to increase private sector financing to target group micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the agriculture/agribusiness sector, particularly those owned/operated by women and youth entrepreneurs/youth-led enterprises, who are underserved by the financial sector in Burkina Faso. The Market Finance Accelerator Program builds on the existing USAID CATALYZE Finance for Resilience (F4R) – Sahel Activity.

Based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the Chief of Party will assume strategic leadership and administrative responsibility for contract requirements, ensuring the fulfillment of key performance indicators, objectives, and deliverables. They will act as the primary communication conduit with USAID, fostering effective and transparent collaboration with team and consortia partners. Overseeing project implementation, they will set the strategic direction and long-term vision, working with a high-profile team of diverse thinkers and doers. We are seeking individuals with a profound understanding of Burkina Faso agriculture/agribusiness sector, along with gender equality and youth development, coupled with a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on Burkina Faso-based MSMEs – in particular those led by women and youth – and the agribusiness market writ large.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic long-term vision and assume overall leadership, management, administrative, and technical direction for the MFA Program
• Act as the primary point of contact to establish, manage, and nurture effective working relationships with stakeholders, including civil society, private sector partners, and national and local government entities, concerning all program-related matters
• Oversee operations of the project office in Burkina Faso in accordance with the policies and procedures established by Chemonics management, including human resources, security, procurement, grants, finance and administration, and subcontracting
• Develop and implement budgets and annual works plans reflecting the needs and priorities of USAID and local stakeholders, including gender and social inclusion, conflict and adaptive management, collaborative learning, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting
• Foster close collaboration and teamwork among the project’s staff, including mentorship and professional development opportunities, and close collaboration with partners to include joint strategizing, work planning, implementation, learning and shared indicators among the various awards
• Serve as a key liaison with USAID and ensure compliance with all USAID rules and regulations, contractual requirements, and Chemonics’ policies and systems
• Model ethical behavior and set clear expectations for all staff and third parties with whom the project collaborates based on Chemonics’ Standards of Business Conduct

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in business administration, management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, or a related field and significant relevant regional/international work experience, such as experience with the private sector, international development for business investment project management, entrepreneurship, or investment banking
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in development – with a minimum of 5 years in senior-level roles and 5 years in Sahelian countries, preferably Burkina Faso
• Previous experience as a chief of party (COP) or similar leadership role on USAID-funded programs with an agribusiness/finance (or related areas) focus required
• Demonstrated experience supporting development of businesses and/or investors, particularly women-led and/or youth-led agribusiness MSMEs
• Demonstrated technical knowledge in gender equality, women economic empowerment and positive youth development.
• Practical relationship and coalition building experience working with a range of program partners, including local, regional, and national government entities, financial institutions, civil society, local communities, and the private sector in the Sahel region and in Burkina Faso in particular
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, technical, and oral/written communication skills to fulfill the project’s diverse technical and managerial requirements and effectively coordinate with a range of stakeholders
• Experience managing complex contracts and/or agreements, USAID operating procedures, regulations, and reporting requirements
• Experience working in fluid conflict environments with an aptitude to pivot as required by a shifting security situation
• Demonstrated ethical leadership, versatility, and integrity
• French language fluency required, English language fluency highly desired