The World at Abt 

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges. We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment and energy do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.  

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you. 

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance. 

The Opportunity  

Abt Associates seeks a qualified Chief of Party (COP) to lead the expected USAID-funded Feed the Future Value Chain and Markets Linkages activity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

This project will focus on food system value chains in selected priority geographic areas of the country.

As the Chief of Party (COP), you will oversee program operations, program administration, and technical tasks for this activity. You will be responsible for collaboratively creating and implementing a strategic, long-term programmatic vision and for providing overall technical leadership and management. You will be the main point of contact with USAID, and other organizations.  

The position is anticipated to be full-time, and based in DRC, Kinshasa. The position is contingent upon the activity’s award and USAID approval.  

Core Responsibilities  

Provide leadership and strategic direction for the entire project, resolves problems, and has overall responsibility and accountability to USAID for ensuring that the Abt project team provides high-quality technical products and services, delivers required results, and uses resources efficiently.  Represent the project to international donors, other USAID projects, and key stakeholders working in the civil society and private sector.  Oversee all management/administrative reports and monitoring and evaluation activities in accordance with a Performance Monitoring Plan which monitors progress toward achieving the SO and Intermediate Results.  Oversee all financial report activities, including submission of quarterly reports detailing fund categories and status for core and field activities.  In concert with the Deputy Chief of Party, manage short-term technical assistance resources.   Scan the environment and take leadership actions to maximize opportunities and to strengthen partnerships and alliances.   Clarify roles, delegate responsibilities to senior staff, communicate expectations for work and contribution to project activities.  Represent Abt Associates corporate interests in country. 

What We Value 

Master’s Degree (minimum), or a PhD (desirable) in international development, or another relevant field.  12+ years of relevant professional experience with a master’s degree, or 10+ years with a PhD.  Familiarity with USAID's approaches to market systems, agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizer, irrigation, and agricultural equipment) in DRC, and\/or small\/medium enterprise development approaches in support of such development. Demonstrated leadership in management skills and ability to lead multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with USAID, ministry officials, civil society partners and other development partners.  Experience developing project vision, aligning key stakeholders around that vision, and assuring that the vision is translated into implementable strategies.  Ability to develop consensus among stakeholders and to assure effective collaboration among development partners.  Demonstrated ability to assure that individuals and teams adhere to the highest standards of quality, ethics, and timeliness.  Demonstrated ability on social behavior change activities preferred. 

What We Offer 

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development. 

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates are preferred. 

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.