Position Summary:

The DCOP-Kasai will lead a multidisciplinary team that ensures successful activity implementation across the Kasai Central portion of the ZOI by providing technical guidance at the component level. S/he will ensure cohesiveness with the technical team and the necessary operational efficiencies required to implement sound technical strategies and achieve indicator goals. S/he will supervise the planning, design, quality, and follow-up of the technical activities that result in meeting activity indicators. S/he will also play a significant role in cultivating strong, productive working relationships with local government officials, other USG implementing partners, other development partners and their activity implementers, the private sector, and civil society organizations active in the region. S/he will be expected to cover the role of the COP if called upon to do so and s/he will be expected to serve in active leadership roles related to HDP and agriculture-related coordination platforms and functions in the region when opportunities arise. S/he will also work with staff, home office and USAID to adapt programmatic approaches, staffing and resources as required and based on continuous monitoring of project activities through evidence-based data management.

The position will be based in Kasai Central, DRC.

Primary Responsibilities:

Operational implementation of the Program:

• Participate in the definition, planning and implementation of all project activities in accordance with Land O’Lakes Venture37 standards and procedures, under the authority of the COP, in Kasai Central.
• Under the guidance of the COP and in coordination with the DCOP Kongo Central, contribute to the identification and establishment of sustainable partnership relations with both national and international partners and stakeholders.
• Assist the COP in the supervision of all technical, monitoring and evaluation, financial and administrative activities and in accordance with donor rules and regulations in Kasai Central.
• Ensure that the action and workplans for the project components are well developed and implemented in the project intervention areas
• Collaborate with the COP to ensure coherent and effective communication within the team and to the donor and other relevant stakeholders. This will entail close coordination with V37 programs and monitoring and evaluation teams for input and coordination with finance and grants management teams for the delivery of internal and external reports and communication materials.
• Serve as the focal point for project reporting (collecting and consolidating information from the team members, etc.).
• Facilitate locally relevant knowledge and expertise in DRC by working with key government and private actors.
• Identify the learning needs of project staff and submit them to the COP for consideration.
• Coordinate the design and coordination of monitoring and evaluation arrangements, and the Program’s communication and visibility plan.
• Ensure gender equality and socially inclusive approaches are integrated into programming and effectively implemented; regularly identify learnings, refining the design as needed to improve social inclusion across project activities.
• Ensure that an effective climate of collaboration is promoted and maintained within the various project components, its implementing partners, and other stakeholders in the project intervention zones in Kasai Central.
• Serve as Acting Chief of Party when required.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, agronomy, natural resource management, international development, rural development or a related field plus eight years of work experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or food systems/value chain development projects preferred; or a Masters in agriculture, agronomy, natural resource management, international development, rural development or a related field plus six years of work experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or food systems/value chain development projects preferred;
• Prior experience as COP, DCOP or similar position managing 10 or more staff in a complex, multi-disciplinary activity preferred. Demonstrated experience of this kind in very remote and logistically challenging geographies is preferred;
• Demonstrated expertise in leading, coordinating and convening broad stakeholder groups, particularly those composed of international development partners and the United Nations family of organizations, and in reaching consensus among stakeholders on approaches best suited to advance development objectives in a sustainable manner while avoiding undue market distortions is preferred;
• At least five years of demonstrated experience working in active or post-conflict settings with significant humanitarian assistance presence;
• A successful record of leading similar activities supporting food security and nutrition, organizational strengthening, resilience, and food systems development;
• Demonstrated ability to establish productive relationships with senior government officials, the business community/private sector, other donors and development partners, and civil society organizations;
• Excellent French and English written and oral communications skills; and
• Familiarity with USAID and USG policies and regulations.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous experience serving as Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party on a US Government-funded project; and
• Experience overseeing project start-ups, particularly in complex 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.

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