Deputy Chief of Party

About CNFA: 

CNFA is an international enterprise development non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to stimulating sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.  CNFA specializes in fostering private sector investments in training, new technologies and marketing as a means to increase the overall competitiveness of agricultural value chains, expand exports and develop skills in the rural workforce. By generating higher incomes for farmers, processors, entrepreneurs and distributors, CNFA helps improve livelihoods and reduce poverty. 

About the Project:   

The USAID Quality Technologies Revitalizing Agriculture (Q’tra) Activity is a four-year (soon five-year) activity that will work with farmers in the West Bank and Gaza (WBG) to improve agricultural practices using the power of science and technology. The Activity aims to improve climate-resilient conservation and management of freshwater resources and associated ecosystems by increasing the availability, quality, and environmental resilience of drinking water supply sources. Its main purpose is to reduce the non-beneficial water use in irrigation and reduce the use of fertilizers and other chemicals through improved agricultural practices. This will, in turn, improve the quantity and quality of available fresh groundwater resources.   

Position Description:  

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) is responsible for supporting the Chief of Party (COP) with the overall management and oversight of the activity. The DCOP will participate in the development of technical approaches and strategies that take into consideration local context. His/her role ensures that work streams primarily at the field site levels are effectively coordinated and consistent with the agreed strategies and suite of priority activities identified by the core technical team members. The DCOP supports the COP in the quality control of the technical reports, serves as strategic advisor to Chief of Party (COP), and as Acting-COP in his absence. He/her will specifically be responsible for overseeing project areas related to administration, grant and contract management with stakeholders, local and international consultant assignments, and ensure that the project will achieve its targets, in close support of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Director. The Deputy Chief of Party will be based in Ramallah.    

Position Responsibilities:   

The DCOP’s specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:  

• Support the COP in the overall management of the program for administration, operations, implementation, and compliance to ensure achievement of objectives within set timelines, scope, and budget allocations following USAID regulations and CNFA internal policies.   

• Lead and closely work with the Activity team to provide effective coordination and guidance among smallholder farmers, the private sector, government entities, service providers, research and academic institutions, and other key stakeholders.   

• Support the COP in the development and update of Annual Implementation Plans to ensure implementation following the set course.   

• Ensure quality control and provide overall technical and management leadership under the award.   

• Represent CNFA with partners and key stakeholders, at conferences, workshops, meetings, and other industry gatherings.   

• Maintain positive relationships with USAID, local authorities, and the country office team.   

• Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation on time.   

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

The DCOP will highly contribute to the overall strategy and implementation for Q’tra project.  He will provide an operational and programmatic overview of activities for its three programmatic components: 

1- Improve the Efficiency of Water Use of Irrigation 

2- Adapting and Building Resilience to Climate Change 

3- Revitalizing the Agriculture Sector  

Q’tra requires frequent coordination with USAID, farmers, cooperatives, associations, traders and government agencies organizations to fulfill host country compliance requirements. The DCOP is expected to work with the COP in guiding Q’tra Activity and staff in daily activities, and should specifically be able to excel in the following roles:  

Program Oversight role:  

• Contribute and Develop and Update the Life of Project Implementation Activity Plan.  

• Implement the activities and strategies to achieve the objectives and the targets of all indicators as per the Life of Project Implementation Activity Plan, through a yearly Annual Implementation Plan. 

• With the support of the MEL Director and the Communication Specialist, put in place a system of quarterly reports and annual reports, success stories and monthly letters for the technical staff under his/her supervision. Supervise and complete the reports in time and quality.  

• Assist the COP in cycle management.  

Management Role:  

• Supervise and manage all the technical staff of the project, including the Short-Term Technical Assistance Consultants, the grantees and subcontractors.  

• Directly supervise on the technical side the team in the two offices:  West Bank and Gaza.  

• Directly supervise and manage the technical staff of the project: 

• Program Manager Gaza 

• Water Management Lead 

• Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist 

• Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist 

• Capacity Building Specialist 

• Identify issues in program implementation and actively coordinate with the COP to address and mitigate programmatic challenges as they arise.  

• Conduct field trips related to project monitoring and special assignments as advised from time to time by the COP.  

• Ensure compliance with all USAID, CNFA, and federal and local Government reporting requirements. 

Technical Lead Role: 

• Oversee and lead the technical work of three related programmatic components: a) Improve the Efficiency of Water Use of Irrigation b) Adapting and Building Resilience to Climate Change and c) Revitalizing the Agriculture. 

• Lead the efforts with all stakeholders to get a good collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, and the buy-in of the Water User Associations, the cooperatives and companies, and all agriculture, livestock and fisheries associations in the Gaza Strip.   

Coordination Role:  

• Coordinate and maintain strong relationships with other USAID programs, international donors and NGOs, and other related stakeholders in the agriculture sector in West Bank and Gaza.  

• Serve as a liaison between Q’tra technical team and the stakeholders to ensure coordination during the implementation of program activities.  Provide coordination and guidance among academic institutions, local Governments, smallholder farmers, service providers and other key stakeholders.  

• Ensure programmatic and operational support to the Q’tra team, maximizing their ability to produce results and achieve sustainable impact; 

• Review all reports to ensure they are technically on-target, impactful and professional, including marketing/communication materials transmitted to USAID.  

Representative Role:  

• Represent CNFA with partners and key stakeholders, at conferences, workshops, meetings, and other industry gatherings.  

• Serve as the direct liaison with Government representatives and other key stakeholders,  maintaining positive relationships for the smooth implementation of the project. 

• Serve as Acting COP when delegated in the absence of COP.  

• Support the COP in all West Bank and Gaza – Palestine Representative duties. 

• Other duties as required or assigned by the COP.

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

Job Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agronomy, agricultural engineering, environmental science, or a related discipline, with a specific focus on water conservation and sustainable water management practices.  

• Minimum of 12 years of demonstrated experience in managing and implementing development projects in the agricultural sector, with a significant portion of this experience dedicated to water conservation initiatives. This experience should include designing and executing projects that optimize water usage, reduce water wastage, and promote efficient irrigation techniques.  

• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse team of professionals, and coordinate with project partners, local communities, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful integration of water-saving solutions into agricultural practices. 

• Proven experience in project management, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. The candidate should have a track record of effectively utilizing funds to implement similar projects in size and scope and achieve project objectives. 

• A track record of successfully completing at least two projects similar in type and size to this project in developing countries within the past ten years, with a primary focus on incorporating water conservation technologies. The candidate should have experience in applying innovative water-saving solutions, promoting water-efficient irrigation methods, and implementing measures to enhance water-use efficiency in agriculture. 

• Extensive knowledge of water conservation technologies and cutting-edge water-saving approaches. The candidate should have hands-on experience in deploying these technologies and adapting them to the specific needs and challenges of the target region. 

• Familiarity with local and international regulations and policies related to water and agriculture sectors in the region. 

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. 

   

  Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.