Chief of Party, SWIFT Management Systems International (MSI)

Management Systems International (MSI) is a global international development firm based in Washington, D.C. providing specialized short- and long-term technical assistance. MSI is part of Coffey International Development, a global international development consulting firm. Together with Coffey ID, MSI now has more than 1,500 development professionals worldwide, a corporate presence in 11 countries and manages more than 200 projects worldwide. It currently manages more than 20 long-term projects in countries, including Iraq, Sudan, Colombia and Russia. Broadly, MSI implements a range of analytical and field projects in its core technical areas, including democracy and governance, strategic management and performance improvement, organizational capacity building, human development and natural resource management. For more information on MSI, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.

Project/Proposal Summary:
SWIFT aims to alleviate crisis situations in fragile states through the rapid deployment of short-term assistance. By providing a quick-response mechanism for flexible and targeted aid, SWIFT III intends to promote the transition and stabilization needs of states in crisis. Projects will vary in length from 6 months to 2 years, focusing on promoting democracy and mitigating conflict, and will take place in countries in transition around the world.

Position Summary: MSI is currently expanding our roster of rapid-response Chief of Party candidates, and looking for experienced CoPs with both experience and interest in stabilization projects around the world. The Chief of Party is responsible for overseeing and managing the staffing, logistical, financial, and operational needs of the programs. S/he must be able to mobilize rapidly, have excellent client relationship skills, and to operate in unstable and frequently changing environments.

Responsibilities: • Oversee all aspects of the project, including personnel, financial, technical and administrative management; • Serve as MSI’s primary representative on the ground and to the client; build and maintain excellent relationships with the client and partner organizations; • Oversee the development and disbursement of a small grants program, ensuring transparency and financial accountability at all stages of the process; • Supervise a team of expatriate and local personnel, and select/manage short-term consultants as needed; • Provide input into programs aimed at strengthening democracy and mitigating conflict through grants to civil society organizations and other significant actors in the political process

Qualifications: • Prior Chief of Party experience on USAID funded projects, ideally under SWIFT; • Experience successfully implementing projects in conflict/post-conflict environments and countries in transition; • Technical expertise in implementing a wide range of democracy and conflict mitigation programs including community development, democratic local governance, elections support, legislative strengthening, media and social communication • Excellent financial management skills and experience rapidly developing, awarding and administering small grants; strong anti-corruption orientation; • Experience rapidly mobilizing start-up teams on the ground; • Superior client relationship skills, and the ability to smoothly manage changing priorities; • Willingness and ability to travel and work in areas with potentially limited infrastructure; • Experience within OTI or on OTI-managed projects strongly preferred.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

To apply, please visit our website: www.msiworldwide.com.