Chief Of Party - Terms of Reference

Position: Chief Of Party
Duration: Long-term (1-5 years). Starting October 2024- depends on donor funding approval
Location: Bogotá, Colombia, with occasional travel to project sites as determined by the Project Director.

Project Title: Empower LGBTQI+: Strengthening Protections, Inclusion and Rights Across Latin America and the Caribbean (“Empower LGBTQI+), financed by USAID

1. Introduction

The Chief of Party (CoP) will serve as the primary point of contact for the USAID-funded project aimed at ensuring justice for LGBTIQ+ individuals. The CoP will provide strategic leadership, oversee project implementation, and ensure that project objectives are met. This role requires a highly experienced and dynamic leader who can manage complex relationships with stakeholders, including USAID, government agencies, civil society organizations, and LGBTIQ+ communities. The CoP will ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with USAID guidelines and that it achieves its intended impact.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The Chief Of Party will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Ensures the strategic orientation and the project direction, contributing with approaches and management tools.
• Comprehensively manages compliance with objectives, results and project activities as established in the Grant, Logical Framework, Plan Operational, Budget and Operating Regulations, within the framework of the Standards and Procedures of USAID.
• Coordinates the preparation of the Annual Operational Plans, with the technical team of the project, as well as the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual and annually, both for the funding source and for USAID.
• Is responsible for advocacy and impact actions in development matters alternative, establishing coordination and dialogue mechanisms with actors involved in the execution of the project (regional, local and other entities and networks), as well as partners and operators of USAID.
• Coordinate with local, regional and national authorities and networks, the strategies for intervention of the project development and Synergia Subaward and regional subgrants.
• Generate a network of institutional contacts at the level of high authorities of the central and regional government, international cooperation, opinion leaders, among others.
• Validate and promote the communication strategy with partners and operators of USAID and Synergia, with the support of the communications Coordinator.
• Guarantee the quality of technical documents (analysis, papers, studies and others) generated within the framework of the knowledge management strategy, which seeks provide information to decision makers and other project partners.
• Generate alliances, through agreements or conventions, with various institutions private and/or public to promote and strengthen project activities, according to the regulations established by USAID.
• With the Grant financial Manager, supervise and coordinate the management financial of the project, within the framework of the application policies and procedures and accountability of the rules of USAID.
• With the Grant Financial Manager, supervise and coordinate the processes of recruitment, management, human resources evaluation, procurement, management, inventory of goods, within the framework of the established budget, with knowledge of the USAID standards and regulations.
• Follows up on the Grant signed with USAID and ensures compliance with the commitments assumed.
• Lead the project work team.

3. Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Direction:
   • Provide overall leadership, vision, and direction for the project, ensuring alignment with USAID objectives and the needs of the LGBTIQ+ community.
   • Develop and oversee the implementation of the project’s strategic plan, ensuring all activities contribute to the project’s goals.
   • Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration and innovation.
2. Project Management:
   • Oversee the day-to-day management of the project, ensuring timely and effective implementation of activities.
   • Lead the project team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to staff members.
   • Ensure that the project meets its deliverables on time and within budget.
3. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for USAID and other key stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring effective communication.
   • Engage with government agencies, civil society organizations, and LGBTIQ+ communities to promote project objectives and foster collaboration.
   • Represent the project at meetings, conferences, and other events.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
   • Oversee the development and implementation of the project’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan.
   • Ensure accurate and timely reporting to USAID, including the submission of progress reports, financial reports, and other required documentation.
   • Use data and feedback to make informed decisions and adjustments to project activities as needed.
5. Compliance and Risk Management:
   • Ensure the project is implemented in full compliance with USAID regulations and organizational policies.
   • Identify and manage risks, including financial, operational, and reputational risks, to ensure the project’s success.
   • Oversee the project’s financial management, ensuring proper use of funds and adherence to budgetary guidelines.

4. Professional Profile and Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in International Development, Public Administration, Human Rights, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience managing large-scale, complex projects in an international development context, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position and donor-funded projects is mandatory.
  • Minimum five years professional experience in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights  preferably in the proposed region or countries of the project implementation, is mandatory.
  • Proven experience in managing USAID-funded projects is essential.
  • Experience working on projects focused on human rights, LGBTIQ+ rights, or social justice is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of USAID regulations and project management procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project design, and implementation.
  • Proficiency in budget management and financial oversight.
• Communication Skills:
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
  • Ability to represent the project effectively to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Skills:
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and foster partnerships.
• Cultural Sensitivity:
  • Deep understanding of and commitment to the rights and needs of LGBTIQ+ individuals.
  • Ability to navigate complex social and cultural contexts with respect and diplomacy.

5. 5. Contract Type and Conditions

• Contract Type: Colombia Integral Laboral Contract, with 100% dedication to the project.
• Contract Value: Monthly Salary Between COP $17.000.000 and COP $19.000.000 plus legal social benefits in an integral Laboral contract.
• Residence: Bogotá, Colombia.

6. Application Process

- Opening date of the call: August 22, 2024

- Closing date of the call: August 31, 2024

To apply for this position, please send your CV and cover letter to the following email address: msanchez@colombiadiversa.org

Applications submitted by others means will not be considered.

Sending the resume and cover letter does not imply hiring, since we are presenting a project proposal for USAID finance.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a technical test and, if they continue in the process, they will be invited to a final interview.

Being part of the selection and final election process does not guarantee hiring, until there is a positive response regarding the success of the financing of the USAID project to Colombia Diversa.