Chief of Party - Kenya Local Food Systems Activity at RTI International

Responsibilities

• Manages client relations and serves as primary liaison and IDG Representative with the client and stakeholders regarding overall policy, resource mobilization and allocation, joint initiatives and coordination of project management and planning. 
• Provides technical direction and oversight of activities.  
• Holds primary responsibility for project performance and budget management.    
• Leads planning, oversight and coordination of all project activities and personnel, operational and technical.  
• Ensures all project deliverables exceed expectations and are managed within budget.    
• Ensure internal integration of project activities through 1) the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) creating/maintaining an effective project management team; 3) overseeing an effective monitoring and evaluation system. 
• Provide leadership and oversight for areas such as Finance, Operations, Reporting, Public Affairs, Fund Management and Human Resources; liaise with Regional Office and business partners per policy and practice.   
• Responsible for ensuring all staff receives adequate security and operational support and that Standard Operating Procedures are implemented.   
• Manage all aspects of staffing, including creating and maintaining a clear organizational structure with specific roles, responsibilities and reporting lines.   
• Ensure management systems are operational to track expenditures (including labor) and monitor same against the Program work plan and budget, according to both company policy and client standards/regulations. 
• Responsible for developing and implementing practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.   

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 15 years of experience, Master's degree and 12 years of experience, PhD and 8 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise working on international development programming. Experience on complex value chain or agribusiness projects and demonstrated knowledge of production, agricultural economics, market intelligence, or related field strongly preferred. 
• Knowledgeable and experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures, specifically USAID, DfID, or Australian Aid as applicable. 
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to productively interact with a wide range and levels of organizations (government, private sector, NGOs, research institutions).  
• Experience managing large subcontracts or grants under contracts preferred.    
• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.  
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.  
• Demonstrated ability to be collaborative across projects, flexible and creative. 
• Culturally sensitive and respectful.  
• Written and verbal fluency in English required. 
• Work experience in Kenya required.