Kinshasa

IBTCI

USAID/DRC Project Management Specialist (Market Competitiveness)

https://careers.ibtci.com/jobs/3426?lang=en-us

• Location: Congo, The Democratic Republic of the
• Job Type: Funded Project
• Req ID: 3426

Job Description

About Us
We are International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI), a global consulting firm working some of the most complex and impactful development problems worldwide. We work on programs that help government agencies, private companies and donors improve the lives of others. At IBTCI you will be part of an inclusive team that provides expert solutions and advice to understand and address critical problems while giving you opportunities to succeed and grow.

Job Title: USAID/DRC Project Management Specialist - Market Competitiveness (Local National)
Department/Location: Institutional Support Program Implementation (ISPI)                
Reports To: ISPI Project Manager                    
Type: Regular Full-Time 
Classification: Exempt

Overview: 

This position will be embedded within USAID/DRC and will have USAID.gov email address. Therefore, the candidates MUST be able to obtain USAID Facilities Access Clearance. 
USAID/Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC’s) 2020-2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) is: A More Peaceful and Prosperous DRC with Improved Opportunities for Communities and Individuals to Thrive. This high-level goal encapsulates USAID’s long-term vision of a DRC where all communities and people are empowered to move their country closer to self-reliance. Over the next five years, USAID will partner with individuals, communities, and institutions and increase their ability to generate and achieve locally-led solutions. However, significant obstacles, including pervasive corruption, weak and ineffective state institutions, extreme poverty, an extractives-dependent economy, and ongoing conflict and instability may affect the Mission’s ability to achieve this goal. These daunting challenges arise from a lack of capacity as well as weak government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (GDRC) commitment at both the national and sub-national levels. 
USAID/DRC’s Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEG) implements interventions that stimulate private sector-led growth (primarily agriculture-led growth) as the principal goal, while calibrating programming to ensure inclusive economic growth that reduces hunger and poverty; decreases conflict; increases resilience communities and systems; enables affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; increases responsible minerals trade; and catalyzes finance, trade, investment, and innovation to bolster development.
The USAID/DRC Mission’s Office of Economic Growth through IBTCI, seeks a Project Management Specialist (Market Competitiveness) to manage a USAID portfolio of activities that aim to sustainably reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in the Feed the Future (FTF) zone of influence (ZOI) through sustainable increases in agricultural productivity, nutrition-sensitive production, reducing chronic vulnerability, addressing market needs; trends & competitiveness and facilitate the journey to self-reliance (J2SR) through building the ability of people, households, and to mitigate, adapt to, and recover risks, shocks, and stresses to agriculture, in a manner that reduces chronic vulnerability and facilitates inclusive growth.
As a key member of OEG, the Project Management Specialist (Market Competitiveness) requires expertise in program management and has practical experience supporting Agriculture programming, project design, management, or monitoring and evaluation. As a key member of OEG, the PMS (Market Competitiveness) will be expected to participate actively and fully to support the management of the Office. S/he is required to possess a high degree of competence and maturity, and will support managing productive relationships with the Embassy, other donors, the private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and community organizations. The incumbent is expected to support the incorporation of continuous Collaborative Learning and Adaptation into all activity design, implementation, and evaluation duties. The position will also entail effective and continuous communication with the Government of DR Congo (GODRC) officials at all levels, ensuring that USAID/DR Congo is fully engaged in the agriculture sector reform agenda.
The Project Management Specialist will serve as an Activity Manager for targeted activities within the incumbent’s designated portfolio, using knowledge of USAID requirements and procedures, and information.
The employee will work closely with the Ag-Led growth Team Leader unless otherwise directed by the OEG Office Chief and will have wide latitude for planning, organizing, and executing assigned responsibilities. S/he will handle work assignments independently according to established policies, previous training, and accepted practices. S/he will be expected to develop her/his own work schedule and procedures for accomplishing tasks and to independently resolve problems that may arise during execution of objectives.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:  

Program Management and Related Duties (65%)

The incumbent supports the planning, design, development, and management of new and existing economic growth and integration programs and activities as a team member in OEG. These duties include activity design, supporting procurement processes, and activity or project implementation, identifying and resolving program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner in coordination with OEG technical leaders, and in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. 
The Project Management Specialist (Market Competitiveness) supports the planning, design, management, coordination, and monitoring of new and existing programs and activities which reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in the Feed the Future (FTF) zone of influence (ZOI) through sustainable increases in agricultural productivity, nutrition-sensitive production, reducing chronic vulnerability, addressing market needs; trends & competitiveness and facilitate the journey to self-reliance (J2SR) through implementation of locally owned, managed, and led interventions and approaches. The incumbent will serve as the activity manager for programs and activities in areas of Ag-resilience, local capacity development, and other areas relevant to the economic growth objectives of USAID/DR Congo and the Agency at large.

S/he identifies and resolves program issues and ensures that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner in coordination with OEG technical leaders, and in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. S/he supports the establishment of performance monitoring systems and ensures appropriate accounting of resources by tracking quarterly accruals, maintaining project pipeline information, and providing leadership in meeting audit recommendations.

The incumbent will have regular engagement with the associated Implementing Partners (IPs) and ensure that IPs receive needed information on USAID regulations and policies, including audit regulations, and assistance with country issues. S/he monitors and evaluates progress of IPs towards achievement of results and facilitates corrective measures in cases of deviation from expected results and impact.
S/he will offer programmatic contributions to inform the Mission’s efforts regarding submissions such as Congressional Budget Justifications (CBJ), Congressional Notifications (CN), Operational Plans (OP), annual Performance Plan and Reports (PPR) and other standard reporting documents and special briefing materials. S/he provides a supporting role in establishment of performance monitoring systems and ensures appropriate accounting of resources by tracking quarterly accruals, maintaining project pipeline information.
Technical Specialist and Representational Duties (25%)

The incumbent will provide technical support  to OEG, USAID/DR Congo, the US Mission to DR Congo, on agriculture programming, particularly as related to economic growth and agricultural markets improvement. S/he supports USAID DR Congo and Central Africa teams in the development of agriculture and livelihoods programs and technical assistance from initial screening through due diligence, negotiations, approval, documentation, and funding on a need basis.

The employee will actively participate in Collaborative Learning and Adapting (CLA) activities and incorporate learning from all analysis into current and future programming and share extensively across all stakeholders. S/he will support the maintenance of relationships with a wide range of contacts in government and semi-autonomous government agencies, private sector and civil society organizations, donor agencies, implementing partners, and other stakeholders as related to the resilience, and to represent USAID and the USG with internal and external audiences as required.

The incumbent will support US Mission Posts’ officials, other USAID staff, and visiting officials in various aspects involved in preparing for and participating in field trips, public meetings and conferences with the Government of DR Congo, private sector, and other stakeholders. S/He keeps abreast of trends on agriculture issues; supports the review and analyze development and supports the Mission leadership and as required, USG officials on specialized and complex issues relating to resilience and livelihoods in DR Congo. Attend USAID/DRC Mission and Central Africa Platform Mission at donor and donor sub-group meetings organized by government, UN, other meetings, seminars, and workshops organized by donors on specific topics and report back to the Mission members as required.

Other Duties (10%)

• The Project Management Specialist (Market Competitiveness) will work closely with the Bilateral Ag-led growth Team Leader, other OEG team members, the Program Office, the Mission Director's Office, and the U.S. Embassy on day-to-day FTF activities and reporting requirements. The employee will work closely with the Ag-led growth Team Leader, the SPA Office, EDY office and OEG M&E team to ensure FTF reporting is cohesive, comprehensive, and compliant with the Agency’s requirements. The employee will provide input to responses to the U.S. Congressional inquiries and other Washington policy and operation requests; draft briefing materials, speeches/talking points for high-level USG officials, press releases, and presentations; and contributing to Mission/Agency newsletters and other communications related to FTF activities. The employee may be called upon to support VIP visits and carry out ad-hoc assignments, as dictated by unforeseen operational requirements at the discretion of the USAID/DR Congo Mission Director, USAID/DR Congo Deputy Director, OEG Office Chief, OEG Deputy Office Chief, or FTF Coordinator.

• The Project Management Specialist (Market Competitiveness) will be required to assist in creating a supportive work environment that values diversity and elicits the highest possible level of performance from all team members, including accomplishment of all other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural/Livestock Economics, Social Sciences, Project Planning and Management, Rural Development, Food Security, or related technical field.

Prior Work Experience: Five years of progressive work experience with organizations directly involved in economic development, agricultural livelihood, or rural development. Proven experience undertaking activities aimed at building community resilience, livelihood enhancement and food security. Knowledge and understanding of the provisions and principles of agricultural programming, food security and livelihoods in rural communities of DR Congo. Experience working with the Government of DR Congo and donors, and/or regional institutions in DR Congo. Management experience and experience with the private sector are preferred.

Language Proficiency: English and French Level IV (Fluent) and good working knowledge of Lingala, Swahili, or another national language required. Strong communication skills (oral and written) and ability to prepare professional quality reports and presentations for both technical and general audiences. well-written reports.

Knowledge: The incumbent must have a good knowledge of food security and livelihood in rural context. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with public institutions and private sector partners that support agriculture and livelihoods activities and interface with implementing and government agencies. Demonstrated understanding of the socio-cultural issues and nuances of working in communities and with vulnerable populations is preferred. Solid understanding of issues and practical approaches to mainstreaming youth empowerment in economic development and agriculture programs. The incumbent will be expected to learn the USAID/DRC Mission and Central Africa Platform Country Cooperation Development Strategy and implement relevant objectives through his/her portfolio.

Skills and Abilities:

• Adaptability and flexibility will be required as the Project Management Specialist. Primary responsibilities may change over time as new USAID strategies and GODRC priorities emerge. Ability to assess problems and develop sound solutions such as planning for and administering funds, personnel, and equipment to best serve agriculture program oversight objectives,
• Good oral presentation and writing skills; and show evidence of capacity to complete high quality written work under tight deadlines
• Strong organizational skills, ability to work with minimal supervision and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written, to fulfill the technical responsibilities proposed.
• Ability to work at ease with senior level officials from public and private sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across cultures, on team and with a broad range of institutional partners
• Proven track record of working effectively in teams

Post Entry Training: Familiarization and training in specific USG and USAID procedures, regulations, and methods will be provided. Participation in courses offered for USAID staff will be supported, as appropriate. Other standard courses, including Programming Foreign Assistance, Performance Management Plan, and Project Design and Management, are directly relevant to the performance of core responsibilities. Subject to the availability of funds, the incumbent will be encouraged to participate in courses, seminars, web-based learning opportunities, conferences and other activities related to the functions of the position USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) and related Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) provide relevant guidance on topics related to the roles and responsibilities of the incumbent.

Working Environment: Work is typically performed in an office environment within USAID/DRC Mission Offices. 

COVID Vaccine status: As a condition of employment, IBTCI requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Candidates should be prepared to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire or request for an accommodation with HR that is consistent with our COVID-19 safety protocols and policies. 

Physical Requirements:  This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.

Supervisory Responsibility:  This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Travel:  International travel may be required and may include travel to fragile and/or conflict-prone zones.

Work Authorization:  Candidate must be authorized to work in DRC. 

About the Organization:

IBTCI has been in business since 1987. We specialize in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL), Institutional Support (IS), Financial & Risk Management (FRM), Supply Chain Management & Procurement (SCMP); Social & Behavior Change (SBC) and Capacity Building.   We provide these services across many sectors including, but not limited to, agriculture, resilience & food security, conflict & crisis, democracy & governance, economic growth & trade, education, energy & Infrastructure, environment & climate change, global health & WASH and humanitarian and disaster assistance. At IBTCI, our colleagues are encouraged to collaborate and be part of the solution while getting the tools and guidance needed to grow and support our clients' missions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

IBTCI is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identification, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or any other classification protected by applicable anti-discrimination laws.  We prohibit and do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.  VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability, or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact the Talent Acquisition team at TalentAcquisition@ibtci.com (Do not send your resume to this account, for consideration please apply in our career page)