Position No: 1

Location: Kathmandu Office                                    

Division: International Development Division 

Organization Overview: 

Abt Associates’ International Development practice focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation. 

About the Opportunity:

Abt Associates seeks a dynamic Chief of Party for the USAID’s Sajhedari - Support to Federalism (STF)

Project which aims to support the Government of Nepal in the transition from a unitary state to a federation of provinces and enhance citizen participation in and oversight of local governance through the following objectives: 

• Objective 1: The GoN creates sound policies and legislation that empower, finance and regulate provincial and municipal governments 
• Objective 2: Provincial and municipal governments in Province Five and Seven are more responsive, accountable, transparent and effective 
• Objective 3: Citizens and civil society organizations in the target municipalities are more involved in local decision-making and oversight 

The position is based in Kathmandu. Nepali, TCN, and expatriate applicants are encouraged to apply. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide management leadership (programmatic, financial and administrative) for the project ensuring full alignment with USAID rules and regulations 
• Oversee the implementation of the project ensuring the achievement of all project deliverables and targets in a timely manner 
• Lead development and technical design of the overall USAID Sajhedari STF project with the DCOP 
• Effectively represent Abt and build and maintain excellent, productive relationships with USAID/Nepal, government counterparts, and relevant civil society organizations 
• Provide vision and guidance to project staff 
• Supervise and oversee the work of project staff, partners, and subcontractors 
• Exercise sound financial management skills including effective project spending 
• Uphold the standards of Abt Associates to lead a high performing team; ensure strict compliance to USAID and Abt’s policies, regulations and internal controls 
• Guide the learning agenda for the project, use lessons learned to modify project approaches and strategies, and disseminate findings 
• Create strong partnerships with other implementing partners working in Nepal including USAID partners 
• Review technical materials to ensure high quality products 

Preferred Skills / Prerequisites 

• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible work experience in fields related to local governance, decentralization, community development and citizen engagement. Related work experience in similar positions of leadership such as a Chief of Party or a demonstrated track record of progressively responsible managerial experience implementing complex donor-funded projects with multiple activities
• Demonstrated experience managing and leading a team of staff
• Master’s degree in international development, business, economics, or related field of study 
• Demonstrated management, leadership, political acumen, and related skills 
• Ability to speak, write, and read English fluently is required
• Experience working and/or living in Nepal or another SE Asian country preferred

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.