Counterpart International is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID-funded activity “Climate Change Mitigation through Sustainable Land Use,” which aims to promote sustainable livelihoods and advance natural climate solutions in areas affected by deforestation and land degradation through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and mitigation efforts. The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will report to the Chief of Party (COP) while leading strategic efforts to enhance organizational and programmatic capacity across multiple regions. The DCOP will be responsible for driving learning and adaptation strategies, developing advocacy initiatives, and shaping policy to ensure sustainable development outcomes. This role focuses on integrating evidence-based practices, fostering local leadership, and strengthening partnerships between communities, government agencies, and international organizations.
Responsibilities
The DCOP will engage in the following responsibilities to help restore degraded landscapes by leveraging financial capital and amplifying local capacity.
- Strategic Leadership: Provide technical leadership on natural climate solutions, reduction and mitigation of deforestation and land degradation, and climate financing, including monitoring, verification, and reporting of greenhouse gas mitigation.
- Learning and Adaptation: Direct the design and implementation of adaptive management strategies, integrating data and research to refine programmatic approaches and drive innovation.
- Advocacy and Policy Development: Facilitate policy analysis and advocacy efforts to influence regional and national policies, focusing on climate resilience, governance, and equitable resource distribution.
- Capacity Building: Design and implement training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance the skills and leadership of staff, local partners, and community stakeholders.
- Collaboration: Engage with a diverse set of stakeholders, including government officials, donors, civil society organizations, and private sector partners, to align advocacy and policy goals with broader regional development priorities.
- Program Management: Support the planning, coordination, and execution of technical activities, ensuring that all initiatives are on track, within budget, and meeting donors and organizational standards.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensure the integration of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks into all programs, using insights to adjust strategies and optimize impact.
- Representation: Represent the organization in high-level policy dialogues, international forums, and partnerships focused on capacity development, advocacy, and policy initiatives.
- Compliance and Reporting: Prepare periodic technical, programmatic, and other reports or communications products to USAID and Counterpart headquarters as required on the progress of the program’s activities in achieving their stated goals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental or natural resource management, biology, international development, and/or another related field; master’s degree preferred, significant relevant experience may be substituted for an advanced degree.
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in capacity building, policy advocacy, or program management in an international development context.
- Proven experience in leading multi-sectoral teams and managing complex development projects.
- Strong understanding of learning, adaptation, and advocacy approaches in developing countries.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting social inclusion, including gender and marginalized community engagement.
- Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English.
- Experience working in Ecuador, with deep knowledge of local development challenges and opportunities.
- Familiarity with USAID or other bilateral donor frameworks and reporting requirements.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
- Experience in climate change adaptation, governance, or community-based advocacy.
How to Apply:
To apply, please use the following link:
Counterpart is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, Ameri-Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to recruiting@counterpart.org. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
