Overview:

SG&R’s Environment portfolio delivers innovative, locally driven, evidence-based solutions in local and institutional capacity building, natural resource governance and environmental policy, countering wildlife and environmental crime, forest and protected area management, sustainable landscapes, climate change and resilience, livelihood development, and economic growth.

Project Description

RTI is preparing for the anticipated $10 - 25M USAID Ecuador Climate Change Mitigation through Sustainable Land Use Activity. The goal of the Activity will be to promote sustainable livelihoods and advance natural climate solutions in areas affected by deforestation and land degradation through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and mitigation efforts. This new activity will target areas impacted by deforestation and land degradation, including forests, wetlands, coastal areas, peatlands, grasslands, and/or agricultural lands. The primary objectives of this activity are as follows:

• Generate measurable results in terms of avoided emissions, reduced emissions, or carbon sequestration,
• Support the conservation, restoration, or management of Ecuadorian landscapes with a climate change mitigation benefit, and
• Mobilize climate finance

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID/Ecuador: Climate Change Mitigation through Sustainable Land Use Activity. The COP will hold overall responsibility for management of the team members, all technical aspects of contract performance, and the effective, efficient, and timely implementation of all activities. This position will provide overall leadership, management, and technical direction to the Activity, ensuring an integrated approach across components, and will focus on achieving expected results defined in the Activity’s scope of work. The COP will build and maintain strong and favorable client, partner, community, home office, and team relations. This position will be based in Quito, Ecuador.


This position is contingent upon award and funding.
Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact with USAID/Ecuador with regard to day-to-day implementation and contract management.
• Serve as main liaison with USAID and RTI home office on technical, program implementation, and reporting requirements.
• Provide overall project vision and leadership, manage overall project design and delivery, and guide work planning and technical activity implementation to meet Ecuador’s conservation and climate change mitigation objectives in line with local priorities and USAID/Ecuador directives.
• Lead engagement with key stakeholders, including national ministries, municipal governments, local businesses and business associations, civil society organizations and community-based organizations, and academic institutions for effective design and implementation of climate mitigation and conservation strategies.
• Provide overall quality review, feedback, and mentoring of personnel so that they are motivated, focused, and positioned to deliver high-quality outcomes; promote a positive and productive team environment.
• Hold primary responsibility for all technical aspects of Activity performance as well as the effective, efficient, and timely implementation of all activities including management of staff and consultants, oversight of work plans, coordination with Activity partners, and project financial management.
• Ensure all project deliverables exceed expectations and are managed within budget.
• Ensure internal integration of project activities through: 1) the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) creating/maintaining an effective project management team; 3) overseeing an effective monitoring and evaluation system.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and 15 years of experience, Master's degree and 12 years of experience, Ph D and 8 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant degree in biodiversity conservation, natural resources management, public policy, international development, or other relevant field.
• At least 5 years of previous experience as COP, Deputy COP, or demonstrated leadership and management experience at a level commensurate to that of a COP.
• Experience leading local conservation and/or climate change programs, especially those related to agriculture, forestry, and other land use.
• Sound knowledge of Ecuador’s development, conservation, and climate priorities and initiatives, with experience in community-based natural resources management, environmental performance, private sector engagement, and climate action.
• Demonstrated experience developing excellent collaborative working relationships with counterparts, other contractors, local civil society organizations, the private sector, and international organizations and donors.
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex donor-funded projects, preferably with multiple simultaneous activities.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate local civil society considerations, gender inclusiveness, climate risk analysis and knowledge generation into work planning and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to communication effectively with high-level stakeholders in national government and donor organizations.
• Fluent written and oral communication skills in both Spanish and English.