Chief of Party: West Africa Regional Cashew Program

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.   

Winrock is seeking a Chief of Party to lead a dynamic team in implementing an anticipated multi-country program that will facilitate the growth of a competitive market system for raw cashew processing that optimizes revenues across all segments of the processing chain and fosters equitable and sustainable employment opportunities for young women and men. Working with processors and empowered service-driven producer organizations and networks, the program will facilitate investment in production, processing, market access and supporting services needed for the sector to capitalize on the market push created by favorable global market trends and improvements to local systems over the last 15 years. Focus countries are Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Guinea Bissau.

The Chief of Party will be responsible for overall project management, administration, and implementation of an anticipated cashew program. S/he will maintain systems for project operations; ensure that all award deadlines are met, and targets are achieved; oversee program staff; and coordinate and maintain working relationships with project stakeholders. This includes government ministries, subgrantees and/or subcontractors, short-term technical support providers, and local training/academic institutions. S/he will lead collaborative initiatives to ensure all approaches are sustainable, inclusive, cross-sectoral, and evidence-based.

• • Design and lead the technical approach, including piloting, testing, and scaling innovative implementation models and partnerships;
  • Provide technical direction to diagnostics and assessments for evaluating market opportunities, identifying partners, and designing project partnerships;
  • Monitor program performance through indicators and evaluate program effectiveness and results;
  • Apply adaptive management and learning approach to iteratively evaluate program results and impact. Institute adjustments to replicate and scale successful activities and course correct activities that are not yielding desired results;
  • Prepare annual work plans and progress reports and monitor the implementation of these plans. Prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports on the progress of activities and achievement of program results to the donor;
• • Serve as the principal liaison with the donor, key government officials, and international and local organizations, representing Winrock International;
  • Coordinate and collaborate with private sector firms, farmers and farming groups, government counterparts, and other relevant to leverage resources and maximize results.
• • Provide high-level oversight for project administrative functions including financial management, human resources and procurement while ensuring compliance with Winrock policies and principles and donor rules and regulations;
  • Maintain close communication with Winrock home office and the donor through ongoing, informal updates of project progress;
  • Other duties as assigned.

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  • Academic degree in international development, business administration, or agronomy. Master's degree preferred.
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  • Minimum 5 years of COP-level experience for contract or cooperative agreement of >$50 million.
  • Minimum 15 years of experience managing complex agriculture market systems development programs.
  • Technical experience working in West Africa, preferably in agricultural market systems development, enterprise development, and trade.
  • Experience designing, implementing and coaching project staff and partners on systems-based interventions required.
  • Experience operationalizing iterative learning systems consistent with the collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) framework.
  • Experience designing and implementing services and/or activities to reach young women and men.
  • Experience developing partnerships with and supporting private sector actors.
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  • Ability to supervise, challenge, and build capacity of staff and coordinate activities with partners from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
  • Ability to build coalitions and networks with private sector actors that can provide synergies and sustainable solutions.
  • Must be comfortable in high-level representational role as well as interacting with beneficiaries.
  • Demonstrated understanding with M&E frameworks and reporting systems. Skills in knowledge management, qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, data analysis, collaboration, learning and adaptation (CLA) approach preferred.
  • Excellent management, communication, and organization skills are required.
  • Excellent computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases) are required.
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  • Fluency in French and English is required.