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. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation 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 Global seeks a qualified Chief of Party (COP) to lead one of two expected USAID-funded Pacific Economic Growth (PEG) Activities. These two activities, covering (1) Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu; and (2) Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Nauru, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu will provide technical advisory services to promote resilient and inclusive economic growth in these two geographical areas. The Pacific Economic Growth activity seeks to advance economic growth, climate resilience, and inclusive development by:

Improving the climate resiliency of local enterprises and infrastructure (ref: DO1 IR 1.1)  Supporting local small and medium enterprises to access markets and financing (ref: DO2 IR 2.1);  Facilitating greater trade and private investment (ref: DO2 IR 2.1 and 2.3)  Strengthening public financial management and domestic resource mobilization (ref: DO2 IR 2.2);

The Chief of Party (COP) will oversee program technical tasks, operations, and administration. The COP will be responsible for collaboratively creating and implementing a strategic, long-term programmatic vision and for providing overall technical leadership and management for the activity. S/he will be the main point of contact with USAID, key public and private sector partners, and other international organizations. The position is anticipated to be full-time for the five-year duration of the program and based in either Fiji or Papua New Guinea. The position is contingent upon the activity’s award and USAID approval. The tentative start date is October 2025.

Core Responsibilities

Provides overall technical leadership, management oversight and strategic direction for the activity. Serves as the primary liaison with USAI/Fiji or USAID/PNG, USAID/Manila, other key US Governments organizations, regional organizations, private sector institutions, senior local government officials and counterparts, and the donor community. Supervises the activity’s senior technical team to ensure a focus on core results, achievements of annual work plan and targets, and timely/effective implementation of activities to achieve the activity’s objectives. Supervises the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) responsible for day-to-day activity operations including finance, accounting, procurement, grants management, recruiting and HR functions in compliance with USAID, US Government, and Abt Associates policy and regulations. Monitors the progress and pace of the activity’s implementation, assuring that the full potential of the activity is realized through the promotion of high-quality work and internal control. Responsible for ensuring activity deliverables and reporting, such as annual and quarterly reports, meet high quality standards set by USAID and Abt Associates. Lead the strategy, and assist in the development of project communications, including public relations campaigns, targeted campaigns for the private sector, and the development of success stories.

What We Value

An advanced degree in policy, engineering, economics, finance, international development, business, or a related field. 12+ years of progressive experience leading economic development donor funded projects focused on resilience, trade, investment mobilization, public financial management, sustainable economic growth, agriculture, or related programs in developing country contexts; implementation of these programs in the Pacific Islands is preferred or other small island developing states (SIDS). Prior Chief of Party experience, or equivalent level position experience. Experience building the capacity of national and subnational governments, regional organizations, civil society, and the private sector to sustain, develop, and expand financing, trade, and domestic resource mobilization Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative working partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including governments, the donor community, private sector, civil society, and academia. Experience working with and including marginalized or vulnerable communities into decision making processes. Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, and leadership skills, including the ability to manage high-level relationships and motivate subordinates. Strong skills in verbal and written communication required. Fluency in English required.

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 Global Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

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

Abt is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate background checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Abt also participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

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