Chief of Party

Pact is an international nonprofit that works in nearly 40 countries building solutions for human development that are evidence-based, data-driven and owned by the communities we serve. Founded in 1971, Pact works with partners to build resilience, improve accountability, and strengthen knowledge and skills for sustainable social impact.

Department Programs - Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The Programs Team helps realize this objective by bridging program management, technical support, and business development, enabling Pact to achieve its global strategy. We ensure program excellence through continuous learning, monitoring and evaluation and provide organizational and industry-wide thought leadership by leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary skills, expertise, and experiences. The Programs team: influences progressive change through the development and implementation of global and regional strategies and business plans; supports advancement of innovative solutions; pursues new business opportunities; and drives effective internal and external engagement to maximize Pact’s impact across the globe. Across all aspects of its role, the Programs Department adheres to and promotes a culture of inclusion, accountability, and respect.

Position Overview

Pact seeks an experienced Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID-funded Madagascar Accessible Continuum of Care and Essential Services Sustained (ACCESS) follow-on, which aims to (i) increase the availability of quality health services, (ii) improve health infrastructure, (iii) strengthen the capacity of the Malagasy health system, and (iv) promote healthy behaviors among Malagasy communities. This is anticipated to be a five-year (2024-2029) contract in the $90M range. This position is contingent upon award and is anticipated to be Antananarivo.

The COP will be responsible for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the Activity. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID/Madagascar development objectives. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination of all activities across all relevant parties including USAID, the Government of the Republic of Madagascar, local 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:

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the USAID Contract Officer’s Representative (C/OR) on management and technical matters.
• Ensure compliance with USAID rules/regulations and Pact processes.
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements.
• Take a leadership role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders, including partners, government stakeholders, civil society, and other USAID projects.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across project partners, ensuring successful integration of activities.
• Liaise closely with Pact Madagascar’s Country Director and Finance team, and Pact’s U.S. team to ensure that all project activities are compliant with USG rules and regulations, as well as consistent Pact’s policies, procedures and best practices.
• Oversee project planning (i.e., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (i.e., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports) in accordance with the highest standards.
• Oversee project budget and work in close coordination with Activity finance leadership to meet expected results, ensuring cost-effective use of donor and Pact’s resources.
• Support the implementation of a highly adaptive, context-driven programmatic approach. Provide strategic management and oversight of the project’s sub-contract portfolio.
• Manage a team of flexible and adaptive employees and oversee evidence-based adjustments in programming to achieve greater impact.
• Oversee project staff in helping partners establish reporting and tracking systems to provide key information in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure the program meets programmatic and financial targets and makes accurate projections.

  Basic Requirements

  • Master’s degree and 11+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, including 6 years of management experience. Alternatively, Bachelor’s degree plus 13 years of relevant experience in relevant field, including 6 years of management experience.
  • At least 10 years of experience in the successful implementation of international development activities within Madagascar or similar environments, incorporating elements of improved access to primary health care services at all levels of the health system.
  • At least 8 years of experience as a COP or in a comparable managerial position on donor-funded health projects, including USAID programs.
  • Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
  • Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies .
  • Demonstrated leadership and management 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 and French (oral, writing, and reading)
  • Ability to travel within Madagascar 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.
    • Experience working on large ($40M) USAID contracts or cooperative agreements is a strong advantage.
    • Previous experience working on USG-funded health programming in Madagascar. Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Madagascar.
    • Fluency or proficiency in Malagasy.
    • Malagasy nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.