Deputy Chief of Party (Operations)

Project Summary:

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is preparing for an anticipated USAID/DRC Agricultural Activity with a potential procurement release date in September/October of 2024. The purpose of the Activity will be to develop resilient agriculture and food market systems that support the accessibility and consumption of safe and nutritious food in the DRC Feed the Future Zone of Influence (ZOI). At this time, the likely ZOI is expected to be in Kasai Central and Kongo Central, with an anticipated total area of 2.3 million hectares and an estimated population of 2.33 million people.

Position Summary:

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will manage day-to-day project operations collaborating with human resources, operations, finance, logistics, security, and procurement staff and ensuring these functions are fully aligned with programmatic priorities and objectives. S/he will support the Chief of Party (COP) to ensure that project activities are contextually appropriate and meet all USAID objectives for the project. The position will be based in Kinshasa, DRC.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Deputy Chief of Party reports to the Chief of Party and oversees the operations team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with and assist the COP to develop and execute project workplans using the appropriate operational support.
• Provide oversight in all areas of operations including administration, grants management, human resources, logistics, procurement, budgeting and financial accounting, IT, and translation.
• Oversee grants and sub-contracts in compliance with Venture37 and USAID policies and regulations; and ensure that they support the technical needs of the program.
• Build and maintain strong working relations with key stakeholders, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Ensure project compliance with USAID rules and regulations.
• Provide or facilitate capacity building and training to team and partners as needed.
• Assist the COP in monitoring, evaluation and reporting functions.
• Serve as Acting Chief of Party when required.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree (e.g. BA/BS) in international development, economics, business management, or agriculture, or other relevant field.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience supporting or leading operational aspects of international donor-supported programs.
• Background in finance, grants management and/or project operations.
• Proven leadership skills building and managing cooperative, high-level relationships and motivating diverse teams.
• Expertise in USAID rules and regulations (ADS, FAR) and USAID procurement regulations (22 CFR 228).
• Ability to communicate effectively, instilling trust and confidence.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills.
• English and French oral and written fluency.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• An advanced degree (e.g. Master’s) in agribusiness, international development, economics, business management, agricultural or other relevant field.
• Seven (7) years of demonstrated senior management experience managing relevant donor-funded programs.
• Experience in conflict, post-conflict, fragile operating environments.

The position described above is contingent upon activity award.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.

Land O’Lakes never requests money or payment from candidates for any position type. Please report any such requests to Land O’Lakes.

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is an equal opportunity employer and an organization striving to help global communities thrive through agriculture. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, among other factors. Our culture values a diversity of voices. So, bring us your unique experiences, your workstyle, and your dreams — they’ll only make us stronger.