Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, Belgium with offices in 16 countries throughout Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.
We work with businesses, foundations, governments and communities to build customized local and global partnerships that meet the world’s growing demand for food. Since our inception in 1985, we have designed and implemented enterprise-based, agricultural development initiatives to facilitate market access, enhance agribusiness competitiveness, increase productivity and improve access to inputs and credit across 45 countries worldwide.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Chief of Party
Job Code: 926 Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Full Time
Category: International
Career Level: Senior Manager
Travel: Up to 25%
Job Description
CNFA is currently seeking Chief of Party (COP) candidates for the upcoming USAID-funded Value Chain Activity based in Nigeria.
The Activity will improve agricultural and food systems productivity and commercialization.
The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for the overall management, including the technical, financial and administrative functions of the project.
The COP will identify issues and risks related to the program implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate program adjustments.
S/he acts as the key liaison between USAID and all other counterparts, local implementing partners, as well as public, private, and NGO stakeholders involved with the program.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the agricultural sector in West Africa, particularly managing value chain projects valued between $25-$50 million. He or she will be required to work with various stakeholders, including private sector firms, government officials, and other entities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, and overall management of the program in line with USAID guidelines and within set timelines to achieve objectives
Oversee program administration, operations, implementation, and fiscal management to ensure technical and financial activity aligns with scope and budget allocations, internal policies, and donor regulations
Lead team to provide effective coordination and guidance among academic institutions, local Government, smallholder farmers, service providers and other key stakeholders
Support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools and efficient systems to ensure high quality implementation
Ensure quality control and provide overall technical and management leadership under the award; adjust programs and operations in response to USAID/Nigeria technical direction
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
Manage and oversee all contract management and implementation tasks based on established USG regulations, procedures and CNFA guidelines
Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation in a timely manner; and  Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Master's Degrees or higher in Agriculture, Agronomy, Economics, Business Administration, Political Economy, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related fields
Fifteen years of international experience and expertise in agricultural development, food security, and/or the private sector to successfully achieve meaningful and sustainable results
Meaningful experience in Africa with knowledge of West Africa and Nigeria is preferred
Commitment to gender and youth integration in food security programming is required
Extensive and substantive experience in working with counterparts at various levels of government, as well as with non-government organizations (including private sector associations and organizations) in managing international development programs is required
Strong technical expertise, superb management skills, effective interpersonal skills, and exceptional English writing and communication skills are essential for this position.