Simone Lawson
The role of Chief of the Party is a senior position that involves managing the implementation of development programs, often abroad, with large teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and specific time frames. The Chief of the Party is responsible for leading the technical direction of projects and providing management oversight. This role is not limited to a typical 9-5 job and requires an understanding of how one's actions and behaviours as a representative of the US government will be perceived within the community. The position demands a range of soft and technical skills, including leadership, management, and program management abilities, as well as experience in handling similar-sized budgets and projects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seniority | The chief of the party is the most senior member of the team. |
| Management | The role involves managing the implementation of a development program, including managing large teams, budgets, and strategies. |
| Leadership | Chiefs of the party must demonstrate strong leadership skills, including creating a team dynamic outside of work and embracing local cultures. |
| Representation | They represent the views of the party as a whole and work to get members of the party elected and represented positively. |
| Technical expertise | The chief of the party provides technical direction and oversight for project activities. |
| Time commitment | The role is not a typical nine-to-five job and often requires a time commitment beyond the standard work hours. |
| Soft skills | In addition to technical skills, the chief of the party should possess soft skills such as an open-door policy, empathy, and the ability to treat people well. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Chief of the Party is the most senior member of the team
- They are responsible for managing the implementation of a development program, including budgets
- Chiefs of Party must have strong leadership and management skills to be successful
- The role often involves working abroad and away from loved ones for 3-5 years
- It is a 24-hour role that requires a unique set of attributes to succeed
The Chief of the Party is the most senior member of the team
In addition to their political responsibilities, the Chief of Party also has managerial duties. They are in charge of leading the technical direction of projects and providing management oversight for project activities. This includes managing large teams, budgets, and strategies, often on a project-by-project basis and abroad. The role typically spans three to five years and requires a wealth of experience in managing development projects and handling similar-sized budgets.
The Chief of Party must possess strong leadership and management skills, as well as high energy levels and enthusiasm. They should also have experience in the sector, with program management skills and technical expertise being advantageous. However, it is important to note that the role is about more than just being a boss; it is a 24-hour role that requires a unique set of soft skills.
Former and current Chiefs of Party have emphasized the importance of understanding the all-encompassing lifestyle that comes with the position. This includes being a representative of the government or organization and being mindful of how one is perceived within the community. The Chief of Party should also foster a positive team dynamic outside of work and embrace the local culture.
Overall, the Chief of the Party plays a vital role in leading and representing the party, as well as managing projects and fostering positive team dynamics. Their success depends on a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and an understanding of the unique demands of the position.
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They are responsible for managing the implementation of a development program, including budgets
The Chief of Party is the most senior member of key personnel working on USAID-funded projects. They are responsible for managing the implementation of a development program, which includes overseeing a significant size of team, working within a set time frame, and managing budgets that can often be in the millions.
To qualify for this position, candidates need extensive experience in managing development projects and handling similar-sized budgets. This role is far from a typical development job, and it often involves working abroad and away from loved ones. It is a 24-hour role that requires a unique set of attributes and a high level of commitment.
As the leader of a project, the Chief of Party is responsible for providing management oversight for all project activities. This includes creating a team dynamic, fostering an understanding of how one is perceived within the community, and embracing local cultures, especially when deployed as an expatriate.
The soft skills of leadership and management are considered essential for success in this role. High energy levels, enthusiasm, and a balance of soft and technical skills are also crucial. The Chief of Party must possess the ability to treat people with respect and create an open and inclusive work environment where team members can share both professional and personal problems.
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Chiefs of Party must have strong leadership and management skills to be successful
Chiefs of Party are the most senior members of key personnel that work on USAID-funded projects. They are responsible for managing the implementation of development programs, often with large teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and set time frames.
Given these responsibilities, strong leadership and management skills are essential for success in this role. Chiefs of Party must be able to lead and motivate their teams effectively, set a clear direction for the project, and ensure that team members have the necessary resources and support to carry out their tasks. They should also be adept at managing relationships with stakeholders, both internal and external, and fostering a collaborative environment.
In addition to technical skills, Chiefs of Party should possess a range of soft skills, including strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities. They should be able to build and maintain positive relationships with team members, foster an open and inclusive work culture, and effectively manage conflicts or issues that may arise. As the role often involves working abroad in diverse cultural contexts, cultural sensitivity and adaptability are also important.
Time management and organizational skills are critical for Chiefs of Party as they are responsible for overseeing complex projects with multiple components and ensuring that deadlines are met. They should be able to effectively prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and make timely decisions to keep the project on track. Additionally, strong problem-solving abilities are crucial for addressing challenges and making strategic decisions.
Overall, Chiefs of Party must possess a combination of strong leadership, management, and soft skills to effectively guide their teams and achieve the goals of the development programs they oversee. Success in this role requires a well-rounded skill set and the ability to adapt to the unique challenges and demands of managing large-scale development initiatives.
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The role often involves working abroad and away from loved ones for 3-5 years
The role of a chief of the party is a senior position that often involves working on projects abroad, away from loved ones, for 3-5 years. The role is not a typical nine-to-five job and requires a significant commitment of time and energy. As the most senior member of key personnel, the chief of the party is responsible for managing the implementation of development programs, leading a project's technical direction, and overseeing management. This includes managing large teams, budgets, and strategies, which may involve multimillion-dollar budgets and complex project timelines.
Working abroad as a chief of the party means embracing an all-encompassing lifestyle and understanding the unique challenges of representing the U.S. government in a foreign community. It involves creating a team dynamic outside of work and embracing local cultures, which can be essential for success in the role. The position demands strong leadership and management skills, as well as the ability to handle stress and foster a positive team environment.
To qualify for this position, candidates typically need several years of experience in managing development projects and handling similar-sized budgets. They must also possess a diverse range of soft and technical skills, including leadership, management, and the ability to work effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
The role of the chief of the party is a challenging and rewarding opportunity that offers a unique perspective on international development and a chance to make a significant impact. It requires dedication, flexibility, and a strong understanding of the local context in which they are working. Chiefs of the party must be adaptable and quick to establish a positive presence within the community they are working with and be mindful of how their actions and behaviours impact their perception within that community.
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It is a 24-hour role that requires a unique set of attributes to succeed
The role of chief of the party is a unique and challenging position that requires a specific set of skills and attributes to succeed. It is a role that goes beyond the typical 9-5 job and demands a 24-hour commitment, encompassing not just the professional but also the personal lives of those involved.
As the most senior member of key personnel, the chief of the party is responsible for managing the implementation of development programs, often with large teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and complex strategies. This includes leading the project's technical direction and providing management oversight for all project activities. The role often requires working on a project-by-project basis, which can mean spending extended periods abroad and away from loved ones.
To succeed, the chief of the party must possess strong leadership and management skills, as well as technical expertise in the sector. They must be able to represent the views of the party as a whole, helping to get members elected, and presenting the party in a positive light. This includes the ability to make important decisions, set the party's agenda, and advance its goals and values, particularly in legislative matters.
Additionally, the role demands an understanding of how to navigate community dynamics and cultural differences, especially when deployed as an expatriate. This may involve creating a team dynamic outside of work and embracing local cultures. The chief of the party should also be approachable and accessible, fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing both professional and personal problems.
Overall, the chief of the party must be prepared to embrace an all-encompassing lifestyle, demonstrating a unique blend of soft and technical skills to effectively manage and lead their team while also representing their party's interests and maintaining a positive public image.
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Frequently asked questions
The chief of the party is the most senior member of key personnel that works on USAID-funded projects.
The chief of the party is responsible for managing the implementation of a development program, which includes managing large teams, budgets, and strategies. They also represent the view of the party as a whole, helping to get members of the party elected, and representing their party in a positive light.
The role requires a combination of soft and technical skills. Leadership and management skills are considered "absolutely necessary". Additionally, an understanding of how to manage development projects and handle large budgets is essential.
The role is not a typical nine-to-five job and often requires working abroad and away from loved ones. It is a 24-hour role that demands an understanding of how one's actions and behaviours impact their perception within a community.
The role typically spans three to five years.
