Job Description

Position:

Chief Of Party

Location

Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

The QED Group, LLC, doing business as (DBA) Q2 Impact (Q2I), is a global consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about transforming lives through knowledge-based solutions. Leveraging deep expertise in monitoring, evaluation, youth development, global health, and learning, we help our clients collect, analyze, visualize, and ultimately use data in more effective ways. Our work maximizes results through the use of cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making.

Q2 Impact seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID/Cambodia Employ Workforce Development Initiative (Employ). The purpose of the initiative is to equip Cambodians with job skills tailored to sectors that are driving inclusive and sustainable growth and economic diversification by working directly with and through local partners such as private businesses, universities and vocational training institutions. The initiative will prepare Cambodia’s emerging workforce with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to compete for and thrive in the jobs of tomorrow. Employ will also emphasize improving the capabilities of women and youth in science, technology and innovation, concentrating on areas like the green economy, STEM-related fields, digital technology and manufacturing.

The COP will be responsible for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the Activity as well as Q2I Cambodia office. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID/Cambodia development objectives. The COP will supervise all activities related to this program and have overall responsibility for the technical assistance team's successful performance.

The COP shall provide strategic leadership and bear primary responsibility for all administrative requirements of the initiative, ensuring that the quarterly key performance indicators, objectives, and deliverables for the project are met. They will be responsible for ensuring the project follows USAID regulations and Q2I’s policies. The COP will be the official representative of the initiative and be primarily responsible for liaising with high level USAID and government officials, and forging alliances with a myriad of businesses, organizations and stakeholders and managing multiple offices.

The Chief of Party will also serve as the Country Representative. As such, the individual will be the main contact for all organizational matters pertaining to the Q2I Cambodia office and will liaise with Q2I’s home office in Arlington, VA, and office in India.

This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2024-2029). This position is contingent upon award and anticipated to be based in Phnom Penh City, Cambodia.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The COP will be accountable for technical leadership and the overall management and operations of the Cambodia Employ Initiative. The COP will supervise high-quality project implementation, with a focus on achieving the project goals and USAID/Cambodia development objectives. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination of all activities across all relevant parties including USAID, the Royal Government of Cambodia, civil society organizations, key stakeholders, and implementing partners. The COP will also oversee all project staff and sub-partners for results-oriented planning, leadership, and coordination of project activities.

The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are:

• Ensure high-quality, results-oriented technical programming through hands-on guidance and support grounded in the project’s strategic objectives and approved annual workplans.
• Oversee project planning (e.g., development of work plans and project budget), monitoring and reporting (e.g., review and approve periodic budgets and technical and financial reports).
• Serve as the primary liaison with the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) on management and technical matters.
• Ensure compliance with USAID rules/regulations and Q2I processes.
• Act as a liaison to relevant ministries within the Royal Government of Cambodia to ensure smooth implementation of the project while laying the groundwork for sustainability.
• Ensure that the project meets stated goals, outcomes, benchmarks, and reporting requirements and oversee complexity-aware monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan.
• Oversee project budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources. Ensure that the program meets programmatic and financial targets and makes accurate projections.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities across project partners, ensuring successful integration of activities.
• Work closely with the project’s key personnel, technical staff and other subcontractors to ensure that all project activities are compliant with USG rules and regulations, as well as consistent with Q2I’s policies, procedures and best practices.
• Ensure the project has contingency plans, monitor risk indicators, and provide timely recommendations to ensure the successful control and mitigation of risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent the project at conferences, working groups, and meetings to support USAID and Q2I’s thought leadership in local governance, youth workforce development, capacity development, and civil society strengthening.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree with eleven (10) years’ work experience or bachelor's degree with at least thirteen (12+) years’ work experience. Graduate degree in governance, youth development, workforce development, international development or relevant field strongly preferred.
• At least six (6+) years management experience, preferably as a COP or in a comparable managerial position on donor-funded projects, preferably for USAID programs.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements. Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated adaptive leadership and effective and inclusive communication skills including working with traditionally marginalized and excluded populations.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully building and effectively managing a diverse team of employees and partners with a conflict sensitivity and do no harm approach.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, and work with and between different stakeholders, including local organizations, marginalized populations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading). Knowledge of Khmer is a plus but not a requirement.
• Ability to travel within Cambodia and occasionally internationally.
• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying systems-driven approaches and/or thinking and working politically (TWP) principles is preferred
• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Cambodia is preferred
• Cambodia nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS OF JOINING Q2IMPACT:

• A dynamic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, committed to delivering high-quality results and making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
• An opportunity to lead and shape a growing firm that has a solid reputation in the industry and is poised for further expansion.
• A chance to work across development, diplomacy, and defense sectors, with a broad portfolio of projects and clients.
• A supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Join our team at Q2 Impact, where your talents, expertise, and passion can make a difference. Apply today and become part of a dynamic and growing organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment and will utilize the
following equipment when working

• Computer (laptop or desktop)
• Printer/Photocopier/Scanner/Fax
• Telephone
• Other (Specify if any)

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The QED Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. AA/V/D. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Cambodia nationals are highly encouraged to apply.

This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.