RTI International is seeking qualified candidates for the Chief of Party (COP) who will manage and lead the implementation of an expected five-year USAID Feed the Future Livestock Market Systems Development Activity that will support activities in Kenya’s Arid Lands.

The Livestock Market Systems Development Activity will support USAID’s Feed the Future Initiative to improve household incomes, productive assets, and resilience to drought and other shocks. Illustrative objectives are likely to include: diversified livelihood options, increased inclusiveness of value chains, improved nutrition, improved capacity to peacefully manage conflicts, and community-based natural resource management. The goal of the program is to enable people, households, and communities to escape poverty and chronic vulnerability and strengthen their resilience so they can do so sustainably, in the face of complex risk and recurrent shocks and stresses.

The COP will manage all aspects of the program with a focus on achieving results, including providing overall technical, administrative, operational, and logistical management. The COP will be responsible for developing a coherent program vision and initiating innovative strategies across the proposed program activities. The position requires significant long-term experience in pastoral systems and livestock issues in the region, as well as strong leadership, communication, and ability to work collaboratively with the Leader with Associate (LWA) lead.

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to the Northern Counties.

Responsibilities:
Provide leadership and strategic vision in all aspects of program implementation, development, and management. Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners, and aligned with RTI International’s principles, values, and strategic plan;
Coordinate with program and finance and administration staff to ensure operational systems are in place to support field activities, including logistics (transport, warehousing, and asset management), procurement, security, administration, and human resources;
Ensure internal integration of project activities through: 1) the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) creating and maintaining an effective project management team; and 3) an effective monitoring and evaluation system;
Provide leadership and oversight for all project activities, including management of the technical and operations teams;
Work closely with RTI’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of program implementation;
Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites;
Ensure project activities are working to support and help achieve relevant county government objectives, while strengthening their capacities;
Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub-grantees, and other implementers, as well as with other RTI programs;
Ensure management systems are operational to track expenditures (including labor) per both RTI policy and USAID rules and regulations; and

Develop and implement practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.

Organizational Learning: As part of RTI’s commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit a certain percentage of their time to learning activities that benefit RTI as well as themselves.

Minimum Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in food security or resilience required; Master’s degree preferred;
· 12 years of overseas experience, including five years in a senior management position;
· Prior experience as a Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party for a USAID-funded program;
· At least 8 years of experience in international agriculture, with proven technical experience in pastoralist livelihoods, livestock development, conflict mitigation, and natural resource management required;
· Experience in organizational development, institutional capacity building, and/or agribusiness management and market development preferred;
· High level of leadership and technical skills including a demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a broad range of public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders;
· Strong understanding of USAID rules and regulations;
· Proven experience managing a large, complex program with teams based across multiple regional field offices;
· Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report writing and editing;
· Strong management skills, with an excellent understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues;
· Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and problem solve with a strong attention to detail and ability to communicate a strategic vision are essential; and
· Previous experience in Kenya or the Horn of Africa is highly preferable.

HOW TO APPLY:
To Respond: Individuals are invited to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) with current contact information and details (including achievements) of relevant experience to F_Agrecruit@rti.org**. All applicants should list the position they are applying for as the subject line in their e-mail.**