Job Description
The World at Abt
Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.
We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.
To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.
Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.
The Opportunity
The purpose of Comprehensive Climate Change Initiative (CACCI) is to strengthen global food security and climate resilience. The cooperative agreement will provide technical support to countries through a buy-in mechanism to support the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This includes support for the monitoring and evaluation of such plans.
As the Deputy Project Director – Technical, you will be responsible for leading and managing the key technical aspects of the CACCI project. You will work closely with the Abt home office, USAID teams in DC and at local missions, and representatives from other USAID implementing partner operated activities and international donor stakeholders to ensure that USAID’s assistance is country-led and informed by empirical evidence, analysis, and best practice to advance countries’ priorities.
Core Responsibilities
- Collaboratively create and implement a strategic, long-term programmatic vision.
- Provide technical leadership and strategy for the program to ensure quality and timely delivery of all aspects of the cooperative agreement.
- Work with the USAID and local actors to co-design Mission buy-ins.
- Manage a scalable team of specialists to implement work requested by USAID through buy-ins into the core CACCI activity, both in-country and remotely.
- Directly support capacity strengthening work to support target countries in designing, implementing, and monitoring their Paris Agreement obligations.
- Ensure close coordination with and leveraging of partners’ capabilities and other relevant initiatives, including USAID private sector engagement and NAPS and NDC global support mechanisms.
- Ensure clear communications with clients and stakeholders about project activities and accomplishments.
- Interact directly and on a regular basis with USAID to coordinate program direction and ensure strategic alignment, collaborative learning, and successful adaptive management.
- Provide project oversight as an Acting Project Director when the Project Director is away.
What We Value
- Bachelor’s Degree + 12 years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + 10 years of relevant experience, or PhD + 8 years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated progressive experience as a Deputy Chief of Party, Regional Lead, or similar senior management role on a multi-year, multi-country USAID project of similar, scope, and complexity to the CACCI project.
- Experience with capacity strengthening, in particular for policy planning and implementation.
- Experience with stakeholder mapping, building dialogue through multi-sector forums, government engagement and buy-in.
- Technical experience in at least one of the following: climate adaptation, agriculture, and food security, and/or climate policy planning and implementation.
- Experience working in Feed the Future countries is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders including USAID DC-based team, senior Mission personnel, embassy officials and other local in-country stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in international development, environmental policy, climate change adaption, political science, sociology, economics, statistics, business, public administration, organizational development, communications, or related field.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, including the ability to manage relationships and motivate staff.
- Ability to multi-task and strong teamwork skills.
- Fluency in written and spoken English required. Professional competency in French is desired.
- This position is full-time (100%) and reports to the Chief of Party for CACCI.
- The preferred location of this position is Rockville, Maryland but we are willing to consider remote applicants base in the US.
What We Offer
We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development.
Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $105,000 to $168,000 and may vary by ten percent depending on candidate geographic location. Salary offers are made based on internal equity and market analysis.
Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.
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About Us
Around the world, vulnerable populations face an array of complex problems. At Abt, we’re committed to making fundamental societal change in these disproportionately affected communities. We help wherever we’re needed. Here, you’ll collaborate with an international network of talented colleagues as you design and implement solutions for critical health, climate, economic, and governance issues. In partnership with local and indigenous communities you will help to improve lives and livelihood. All the while having the support and encouragement of leaders who always put your career and wellbeing first. Come make a World of Difference with us.
At Abt Associates, our commitment to creating a more equitable society for populations around the world starts from within. We understand how communities can flourish when people are given the right resources and support, and at Abt we continuously strive to cultivate a culture where there are no barriers to personal and professional fulfilment. Our welcoming and inclusive environment, our stance on employee wellbeing and flexibility, our deliberate approach towards expanding our talent representation, and our Employee Networking Groups are just some of the ways we ensure that everyone at Abt can thrive. With an eye towards continuous improvement, we know there’s always more to be done. And we’re set on doing it.