Global Communities, a leading international development and humanitarian organization, is seeking a seasoned professional to serve as Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USDA Food for Progress Program. This high-impact, five-year project aims to strengthen agricultural productivity and expand trade in agricultural products, supporting sustainable livelihoods and economic growth in emerging markets.
The Chief of Party will lead all aspects of program implementation, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and ensuring that project objectives are met efficiently and effectively. This role represents a unique opportunity for experienced leaders in agriculture, trade, and international development to contribute to a transformative program.
About Global Communities
Global Communities champions innovative solutions at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion. The organization works with local communities to deliver programs that are adaptable, inclusive, and impactful. By combining local ingenuity with global expertise, Global Communities helps communities save lives, enhance resilience, and achieve sustainable economic growth.
Key areas of focus include:
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery
- Agricultural development and food security
- Financial inclusion and market system strengthening
- Capacity building and local empowerment
Role Overview: Chief of Party
The Chief of Party serves as the senior leader of the USDA Food for Progress program. Reporting to the Senior Regional Director, the COP will manage all technical, financial, operational, and human resource aspects of the project. The role requires an integrated vision to ensure the program’s objectives are met, including improving agricultural productivity and expanding trade in agricultural products.
The COP is responsible for:
- Leading program design, implementation, and monitoring
- Managing senior staff, technical teams, and project partners
- Representing Global Communities and the project with USDA, government entities, and other stakeholders
- Ensuring compliance with donor requirements, local laws, and organizational policies
Key Responsibilities
The Chief of Party will oversee all aspects of the project and ensure successful delivery of program outcomes.
Program Leadership and Management
- Provide overall leadership, direction, and supervision of staff, consultants, and partners
- Ensure technical interventions achieve measurable outcomes
- Oversee work plans, budgets, and program implementation reviews
- Maximize efficiency, quality, and impact of all program activities
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Serve as primary project representative to USDA, government counterparts, and other stakeholders
- Engage with private sector companies and trade groups to strengthen agricultural trade
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with donors, partners, and local communities
- Represent the program publicly and respond to inquiries or concerns promptly
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Ensure timely submission of activity and financial reports to USDA
- Maintain systems for project operations, monitoring, and evaluation
- Review project performance to ensure deliverables are on time and within budget
- Foster collaboration with other agencies on similar projects to enhance impact
Travel and Field Oversight
- Frequent travel to project locations is required to provide technical guidance, monitor progress, and build local partnerships
- Ensure staff and partner activities comply with organizational and donor standards
Required Qualifications and Experience
Global Communities seeks highly qualified candidates with a strong background in agriculture, trade, and international development.
Education and Professional Experience
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in agriculture, agri-business, international trade, economics, or related field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years of relevant professional experience is acceptable
- At least 5 years’ experience in a Chief of Party or senior management role leading large international programs
Technical Expertise
- Strong understanding of market systems development, value chain development, and agricultural production
- Proven experience working with the US private sector and in emerging markets
- Knowledge of USDA Food for Progress programs is highly desirable
Leadership and Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and communicate a common vision
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and technical skills for working with diverse stakeholders
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages is preferred
Why This Role Is Impactful
The Chief of Party position with Global Communities provides an extraordinary opportunity to influence agricultural development and trade at a strategic and operational level. The COP will lead initiatives that improve food security, enhance local markets, and empower communities economically.
This role is ideal for senior professionals who thrive in complex, high-responsibility environments and are passionate about advancing sustainable development outcomes.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply online through the Global Communities careers portal. The position is contingent upon award approval by the USDA, with an anticipated start date of October 2026. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Global Communities is committed to diversity, equity, and safeguarding principles, ensuring an inclusive and secure work environment for all staff.
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