Chief of Party – FTF FORK

CNFA is currently seeking qualified Chief of Party (COP) candidates for the upcoming USAID-funded Feed the Future (FTF) FORK Activity. The Activity will increase access to safe and nutritious foods by improving business and technical practices related to food processing, strengthening market linkages, and facilitating knowledge sharing. The COP will be responsible for the overall management, including the technical, financial, and administrative functions of the project.

Job Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive project leadership, management, quality control, and technical direction, while ensuring compliance with USAID requirements, ensuring alignment with USAID Washington’s Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS) priorities, policies, and frameworks.
• Build an integrated vision among diverse project components and stakeholders, with a focus on achieving results.
• Identify and address obstacles and risks related to implementation in a timely manner, proposing adjustments based on evidence-based methodologies.
• Liaise with USAID Washington, specifically including various centers within REFS, on behalf of the program.
• Manage and supervise the work of project personnel, subcontractors, and grantees, with a focus on achieving work plan targets and core results in a timely manner.
• Provide professional development and capacity building to staff.
• Oversee finances and administration of sub-contracts and sub-awards.
• Oversee HR practices, ensuring hiring, employee evaluations and promotions are in compliance with CNFA policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all project assistance is technically sound and appropriate and aligns with most recent USAID policies, strategies, and frameworks.
• Participate in specialized content (technical) events such as workshops and roundtables, supporting knowledge management, and sharing learning across key networks.
• Leverage networks, program investments, and project successes to identify opportunities for program expansion, with a focus on promoting CNFA practice areas.
• Integrate knowledge of USAID mechanisms, including ELEVATE Nutrition, NuMERAL, AFFORD, REAL, and various Innovation Labs, as well as platforms like MarketLinks, AgriLinks, and ClimateLinks.
• Incorporate expertise in agri-food financing models, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, climate resilience (including projections), and innovative technologies, Social and Behavior Change (SBC), among other relevant areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a field related to agriculture, economics, or business administration from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of demonstrated experience in managing and implementing development projects in the agricultural sector, with a focus on agri-food development, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and food systems, successfully achieving meaningful and sustainable results.
• Experience in agri-food processing, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and private sector development, and agri-financing.
• Experience managing USAID global mechanisms and working directly with USAID REFS in Washington.
• Previous experience as a Chief of Party supporting USG-funded agri-food systems development, nutritious food processing and financing, private sector engagement, and other related programs is preferred.
• Experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, non-government organizations (including private sector associations/organizations), research institutions, and local partners in managing international development assistance activities.
• In-depth knowledge of USAID policies and regulations, including the latest policies, frameworks, and strategies for USAID/Washington and REFS in particular.
• Extensive knowledge of food processing techniques, agri-food financing models, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and climate resilience.
• Demonstrated expertise in food systems, food environment, nutritious foods, agri-food development, safe use and handling, food loss and waste, and experience with metrics around food and market systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead large teams and work effectively and collaboratively in team environments.
• Fluency in English and French required, additionally fluency in Spanish is preferred.

CNFA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of CNFA to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, veteran status, or on the basis of personal favoritism or other non-merit factors, except where otherwise provided by law.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION & CONTACT INFORMATION CNFA provides a reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact the CNFA Home Office Human Resources Department via email at [email protected] or via phone at 202-296-3920 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job with us.