Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Nigeria Feed the Future Value Chains Activity at ABT Associates

Abt Associates is an engine for social impact, fueled by caring, curiosity and cutting-edge research that moves people from vulnerability to security. Whether it's welfare or weather disasters, the environment or economics, agriculture or HIV and AIDS, we address the world's most pressing issues. Our work is diverse and so is our bold workforce. We never fail to ask "What if?" We identify patterns, we search for the best way.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Nigeria Feed the Future Value Chains Activity

Job Identification: 104846
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Schedule: Full-time
Job Category: Program Delivery

The Opportunity 

• Abt seeks a qualified Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) to support an anticipated USAID-funded Nigeria Feed the Future (FTF) activity to catalyze private sector investment in the agriculture sector as part of USAID’s Global Food Security Strategy.
• The Activity will apply market systems development approach to increase productivity of focus commodities, increase access to markets, increase income and livelihoods opportunities for farmers, increase access to affordable and nutritious foods for vulnerable communities, and facilitate private investment in the agriculture sector. The Activity will apply a value chain development approach to value chains identified by USAID.
• The DCOP, under the direction of the Chief of Party, will provide technical leadership and management to develop and refine the project’s technical approach, building a high-performing team, and overseeing day-to-day implementation of project activities. 
• The position will be based in Abuja, Nigeria and is contingent upon project award.

Core Responsibilities 

• Provide managerial and operational support to the COP, assisting in areas including work planning, performance management, continuous learning, and strategic communications. This includes working closely with Abt’s home office, COP and project leads to develop work plans and monitor activity timelines. 
• Ensure the technical team focuses on achieving overall project objectives, annual work plan and targets, and key ad hoc activities. 
• Support reporting, update and implementation of the technical strategies, identifying technical assistance needs, and mobilizing required technical resources and staff. 
• Responsible for enhancing complementarity of project efforts, including by fostering information sharing and collaboration among team members. 
• Lead and oversee all technical assistance, including those delivered by subcontractors and grantees, across the priority technical areas. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP)
• Support a culture of learning and adaptive management by contributing to data analysis and applying key learnings to adapt program activities as appropriate. 
• Together with the COP, ensure that the project complies with USAID rules and regulations and that activities meet program targets. 
• With the COP, work closely and maintain positive relationships with USAID officials, implementing partners, regional organizations, and other stakeholders in support of activity goals. 
• Provide guidance and training to managers and staff to achieve activity objectives and intermediate results. 

What We Value

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economic Growth, International Development, or a related field required; Master’s Degree highly desirable 
• Minimum of 9 years of progressively responsible experience in project management and implementation, with at least 3 years in a senior supervisory capacity overseeing projects or initiatives similar in size and scope 
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, and leadership skills, including the ability to manage high-level relationships and motivate subordinates 
• USAID project management experience at senior management level highly preferred 
• Demonstrated technical expertise in a combination of the following: agricultural development and market systems development; enabling environment for private sector investment in agriculture; equitable access to market systems for women, youth, and marginalized communities; climate and economic resilience; and agricultural research and extension systems 
• Demonstrated experience in adaptive management and program design 
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with U.S. and foreign government counterparts 
• Knowledge of Nigeria’s agricultural markets and the obstacles inhibiting competitiveness and resilience 
• Knowledge of inclusion of marginalized populations (highly preferred) 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required 
• Nigerian nationals are encouraged to apply.

Application Closing Date
16th March, 2024.