Chief of Party, Employ

Pact seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID/Cambodia Employ Workforce Development Initiative (Employ). The purpose of the initiative is to equip Cambodians with job skills tailored to sectors that are driving inclusive and sustainable growth and economic diversification by working directly with and through local partners such as private businesses, universities and vocational training institutions. The initiative will prepare Cambodia’s emerging workforce with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to compete for and thrive in the jobs of tomorrow. Employ will also emphasize improving the capabilities of women and youth in science, technology and innovation, concentrating on areas like the green economy, STEM-related fields, digital technology and manufacturing.

The COP will be responsible for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the Activity as well as Pact Cambodia office. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID/Cambodia development objectives. The COP will supervise all activities related to this program and have overall responsibility for the technical assistance team’s successful performance.

The COP shall provide strategic leadership and bear primary responsibility for all administrative requirements of the initiative, ensuring that the quarterly key performance indicators, objectives, and deliverables for the project are met. He/she will be responsible for ensuring the project follows USAID regulations and Pact policies. The COP will be the official representative of the initiative and be primarily responsible for liaising with high level USAID and government officials, and forging alliances with a myriad of businesses, organizations and stakeholders and managing multiple offices.

The Chief of Party will also serve as the Country Representative. As such, the individual will be the main contact for all organizational matters pertaining to the Pact Cambodia office and will liaise with Pact DC office, Asia Regional office, and other country office teams.

This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2024-2029). This position is contingent upon award and anticipated to be based in Phnom Penh City, Cambodia.

Key Responsibilities

The COP will be accountable for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the Cambodia Employ Initiative. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID/Cambodia development objectives. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination of all activities across all relevant parties including USAID, the Government of Cambodia, civil society organizations, key stakeholders, and implementing partners. The COP will also oversee all project staff and sub-partners for results-oriented planning, leadership, and coordination of project activities.

The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are:

• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans. Oversee project planning (e.g., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (e.g., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports).
• Serve as the primary liaison with the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) on management and technical matters.
• Ensure compliance with USAID rules/regulations and Pact processes.
• Act as a liaison to relevant ministries within the Government of Cambodia to ensure smooth implementation of the project while laying the groundwork for sustainability.
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements and oversee complexity-aware monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan. Oversee project budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources. Ensure that the program meets programmatic and financial targets and makes accurate projections.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across project partners, ensuring successful integration of activities.
• Work closely with the project’s key personnel, technical staff and other subcontractors to ensure that all project activities are compliant with USG rules and regulations, as well as consistent Pact’s policies, procedures and best practices.
• Ensure the project has contingency plans, monitor risk indicators, and provide timely recommendations to ensure the successful control and mitigation of risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and Pact’s thought leadership in local governance, capacity development, and civil society strengthening.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s degree with eleven (11) years’ work experience or bachelor’s degree with at least thirteen (13+) years’ work experience. Graduate degree in public health or relevant field strongly preferred.
• At least six (6+) years management experience, preferably as a COP or in a comparable managerial position on donor-funded projects, preferably for USAID programs.
• At least 10 years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities, with preference given to youth livelihoods and/or workforce development activities
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements. Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated leadership and skills.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners with conflict sensitivity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, and work with and between different stakeholders, including local organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading). Knowledge of Khmer is a plus but not a requirement.
• Ability to travel within Cambodia and occasionally internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying systems-driven approaches and/or thinking and working politically (TWP) principles.
• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Cambodia.
• Cambodia nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.
At Pact, we recognize your impact, offer you opportunities and support your total well-being. Our comprehensive benefit offerings may include healthcare, retirement (8.8% to 13% based on service tenure) and savings plans, paid time off, disability and life insurance programs, learning and development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections .
With the continuing impacts of COVID-19 around the world, we are taking action to protect the health and well-being of our colleagues and maintain the safety of the communities where we operate. Pact seeks an environment free from COVID-19 and prefers all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Attestation of vaccination status will be required for employment with Pact. Unvaccinated employees may be subject to additional health and safety requirements to include any federal, state and/or client restrictions.