Isabella Carter
The Chief of Party is the most senior member of key personnel in projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). To qualify for this position, candidates need extensive experience in managing development projects and handling similar-sized budgets. The role requires a mix of tenacity, technical know-how, and a big heart. It involves working on a project-by-project basis, often abroad, with large teams, budgets, and strategies to manage. Deputies to the Chief of Party are also hired, and implementing organizations must fill these positions before receiving USAID funding.
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What You'll Learn
Managing large teams, budgets and strategies
Managing large teams, budgets, and strategies is a key part of the role of Chief of Party (COP). The COP is the most senior member of the key personnel in projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). As such, they are responsible for the strategic direction of the project, providing guidance to the entire team, and managing resources.
The role requires a mix of tenacity, technical know-how, and, as Seraphine Olanya Ramto, a development expert with several deputy COP and COP roles under her belt, puts it, "a big heart." The COP must be able to manage large teams effectively, providing clear direction and guidance to all team members. This includes managing resources and liaising with donors, who may be financing the project. The ability to foster good relationships with donors is key, as the COP will need to be able to understand their priorities and keep them engaged and supportive throughout the project.
With a large budget to manage, the COP needs to be adept at financial planning and management. They must be able to allocate funds effectively, ensuring that the project stays within budget and that funds are used efficiently and in line with donor requirements. The COP will also need to be able to adapt to any changes in the budget, whether that's due to unexpected costs or changes in donor contributions.
The role of COP is often described as all-encompassing and unusual, with a unique set of challenges. COPs typically work on a project-by-project basis, which can mean spending long periods abroad and away from loved ones. Each project can span three to five years, and the COP is responsible for seeing it through from start to finish. This includes the planning stages, where the strategic direction of the project is decided, and the implementation stages, where the COP must ensure that the project is on track to meet its goals and objectives.
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Handling project finances and donors
To qualify for the position, candidates must have extensive experience handling similar-sized budgets and managing development projects. This includes understanding the complex USAID recruitment process and how funding is allocated. For example, in 2023, USAID had a budget of $29.4 billion to allocate to various development projects.
Once in the role, the Chief of Party is responsible for providing strategic direction to the project, managing resources, and liaising with donors. This may involve working on a project-by-project basis, often with large teams, budgets, and strategies to manage. It requires the ability to manage and lead a team effectively, providing guidance and direction while also handling the financial aspects, such as budgeting and donor relations.
Liaising with donors is a crucial aspect of the role. The Chief of Party must build and maintain relationships with different donors financing the project. This may include government agencies, international organizations, or private sector partners. Effective communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for successfully securing funding and maintaining positive relationships with donors.
Additionally, the Chief of Party should be prepared to handle any challenges or unique circumstances that may arise. This could include navigating cultural differences, working in remote or challenging environments, or adapting to unexpected changes in funding or project scope. Being adaptable, resilient, and able to think creatively is key to successfully managing project finances and donors in the dynamic and diverse contexts in which Chiefs of Party often find themselves.
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Providing guidance and direction to the team
As the most senior member of the team, the COP is expected to have a wealth of experience in managing development projects and handling similar-sized budgets. This experience is crucial in providing guidance to the team, as the COP can leverage their past successes and failures to inform their decision-making and advise their team members. For example, a COP with experience in project management can guide the team in developing a clear project plan, identifying milestones, and establishing effective communication channels.
Effective guidance and direction also require the COP to have strong technical knowledge and expertise in their field. This includes understanding the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in their industry. By staying abreast of these developments, the COP can offer insightful advice and recommendations to their team, ensuring that the project utilizes the most appropriate technologies, methodologies, and solutions. Regular training and professional development activities can help the COP maintain and enhance their technical knowledge.
Additionally, the COP should foster a collaborative and supportive team environment that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. This involves promoting open communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and providing opportunities for team members to learn from each other. By creating a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange, the COP enables the team to collectively address challenges, identify innovative solutions, and make informed decisions. This can be facilitated through regular team meetings, cross-functional workshops, and mentorship programs.
The COP's guidance and direction should also extend to performance management and professional development. This includes setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and offering coaching or mentoring to team members. By investing time in performance management, the COP can help team members improve their skills, overcome challenges, and achieve their professional goals. This not only contributes to the success of the current project but also empowers team members to grow and develop in their careers, fostering a sense of engagement and satisfaction.
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Managing development projects
The Chief of Party is responsible for providing strategic direction to the project and guiding the entire team. This involves managing resources, including large budgets, and liaising with donors. The role often requires working on a project-by-project basis, which may mean working abroad and away from loved ones. It also entails managing large teams and strategies.
To be successful in managing development projects as a Chief of Party, individuals must possess a unique blend of skills and attributes. These include tenacity, technical knowledge, and, as Seraphine Olanya Ramto, a development expert with deputy and chief of party experience, states, "a big heart." The role demands an all-round individual capable of overseeing the project's strategic direction while also managing the day-to-day operations and finances.
Additionally, Chiefs of Party need to understand the complexities of USAID's recruitment process and how it relates to their role. They must also be prepared for the unique challenges that arise in international development work, such as working in diverse cultural contexts and navigating the intricacies of project funding and donor relations. Managing development projects as a Chief of Party is a complex and demanding role, requiring a dynamic and versatile skill set.
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Understanding the recruitment process
The chief of party is the most senior member of key personnel in projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The role typically spans a three-to-five-year project and involves working on a project-by-project basis, often abroad.
To qualify as a chief of party, candidates need extensive experience in managing development projects and handling similar-sized budgets. For instance, in 2023, USAID had a budget of $29.4 billion to allocate to various development projects. Therefore, organisations must hire chiefs of party before receiving USAID funding and submit their information as part of the proposal process.
The recruitment process for a chief of party can be challenging due to the unique nature of the role. Candidates must possess a mix of tenacity, technical know-how, and "a big heart," according to those who have previously held the position. They must also be well-versed in managing large teams, budgets, and strategies.
Additionally, the chief of party is responsible for the strategic direction of the project, providing guidance to the team, managing resources, and liaising with different donors. They need to be adaptable and able to work effectively with various stakeholders. As such, the recruitment process for this role may involve assessing candidates' technical skills, leadership abilities, and experience in managing complex projects.
Organisations such as Catholic Relief Services and Democracy International regularly hire for chief of party positions, so interested candidates can keep an eye on their job boards and career pages for opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Candidates need to have a wealth of experience in managing development projects and handling similar-sized budgets.
A Chief of Party is responsible for the strategic direction of a project, providing guidance to the entire team, managing resources, and liaising with different donors financing the project.
Former and current Chiefs of Party explain that a mix of tenacity, technical know-how, and "a big heart" is required to succeed in this role.
