Project Description

Position Description

• Serve as the primary point of contact with USAID/Ecuador with regard to day-to-day implementation and contract management.
• Serve as main liaison with USAID and RTI home office on technical, program implementation, and reporting requirements.
• Provide overall project vision and leadership, manage overall project design and delivery, and guide work planning and technical activity implementation to meet Ecuador’s conservation and climate change mitigation objectives in line with local priorities and USAID/Ecuador directives.
• Lead engagement with key stakeholders, including national ministries, municipal governments, local businesses and business associations, civil society organizations and community-based organizations, and academic institutions for effective design and implementation of climate mitigation and conservation strategies.
• Provide overall quality review, feedback, and mentoring of personnel so that they are motivated, focused, and positioned to deliver high-quality outcomes; promote a positive and productive team environment.
• Hold primary responsibility for all technical aspects of Activity performance as well as the effective, efficient, and timely implementation of all activities including management of staff and consultants, oversight of work plans, coordination with Activity partners, and project financial management.
• Ensure all project deliverables exceed expectations and are managed within budget.
• Ensure internal integration of project activities through: 1) the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) creating/maintaining an effective project management team; 3) overseeing an effective monitoring and evaluation system.

• Bachelor’s and 15 years of experience, Master's degree and 12 years of experience, Ph D and 8 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant degree in biodiversity conservation, natural resources management, public policy, international development, or other relevant field.
• At least 5 years of previous experience as COP, Deputy COP, or demonstrated leadership and management experience at a level commensurate to that of a COP.
• Experience leading local conservation and/or climate change programs, especially those related to agriculture, forestry, and other land use.
• Sound knowledge of Ecuador’s development, conservation, and climate priorities and initiatives, with experience in community-based natural resources management, environmental performance, private sector engagement, and climate action.
• Demonstrated experience developing excellent collaborative working relationships with counterparts, other contractors, local civil society organizations, the private sector, and international organizations and donors.
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex donor-funded projects, preferably with multiple simultaneous activities.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate local civil society considerations, gender inclusiveness, climate risk analysis and knowledge generation into work planning and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to communication effectively with high-level stakeholders in national government and donor organizations.
• Fluent written and oral communication skills in both Spanish and English.