Chief of Party – USAID/Georgia FIP 148 views

Chief of Party – USAID/Georgia Financial Innovation Program

Company Overview:

About Palladium – Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value.  We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people’s lives. 

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Project Overview and Role:

The position will be on the upcoming Georgia Financial Innovation Program (FIP), a 5-Year USAID-funded activity with the potential following components: (a) support for the development of financial market infrastructure and intermediary institutions; (b) support for the development of diversified financial products and services; (c) support to stimulate the local market for private equity, quasi-equity, and blended finance instruments; (d) support to improve the capacity of businesses to access fit-for-purpose financing; and (e) incorporation of innovative financial technology (FinTech) into the local financial markets ecosystem. The Chief of Party will be ultimately responsible for the efficient and effective oversight of all elements of the Activity. 

Her/his primary responsibilities are to provide overall leadership, management, and general technical direction of the Contract, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the Contract. This individual must identify issues and risks related to Contract implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate adjustments. This individual must act as the key liaison with USAID/Georgia and all other counterparts, implementing partners and stakeholders involved with the Contract. The position requires significant coordination skills, broad general and technical knowledge, an ability to cope with multiple interests and challenges, experience in developing countries, and skills to ensure coherence and consistency in the face of urgent deadlines. 

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia  

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities:  

– Providing technical direction and guidance to all activities of the project 
– Serving as the primary point of contact for USAID/Georgia and other USAID programs operating in Georgia, as well as with Government of Georgia officials and key partners 
– Ensuring that the entire project is in compliance with Palladium policies and procedures 
– Ensuring that the project is meeting its indicators as required by the subject contract 
– Leading the design and overseeing implementation of project events 
– Managing communications activities that highlight the successes of expanded agribusiness financing in coordination with the project’s communications team 
– Supporting the evaluation of project activities as required  
– Leading annual work planning and design 
– Ensuring proper budget management of activities 
– Supervising all project staff in Georgia 
– Ensuring that the project meets financial and social impact requirements 
– Traveling around to various regions of Georgia (and potentially outside) as needed 
– Any and all other project-related tasks as required by the Project Director in Palladium HQ 

Required Qualifications:

– Extensive international work experience, particularly in Georgia and/or other countries in the region, implementing financial sector or private sector development programs  with demonstrated strong management and coordinating skills  
– Significant management experience, including direct supervision of professional and support staff and assembling teams working on multifaceted, complex international development programs? 
– Experience with USAID and other USG funding agencies. Additional experience with other international donors preferred 
– Extensive experience working in the financial sector, comfort with a wide range of financial instruments (debt, equity, blended finance), and the full spectrum of private sector firms (start-up to corporates) in Georgia and neighboring countries 
– Extensive experience facilitating investments and mobilizing finance through blended financing mechanisms   
– Proven track record liaising with investors, financial institutions, SMEs, government, USAID, and other key project stakeholders  
– Microsoft office suite proficiency and the ability to operate spreadsheet and word-processing programs at a highly proficient level 
– Proactive problem-solving, decision-making and good judgment skills 
– Attention to detail and ability to effectively and efficiently perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities  
– Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.  Proficiency in Georgian and other international languages an advantage 
– Ability to communicate effectively with managers, colleagues, and clients 
– Professional and mature demeanor and conduct 
– Georgian nationals are encouraged to apply. Prior work experience in Georgia or the region required