Company Profile

The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.

At Abt Associates, we are committed to creating a lasting culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that in order to achieve full participation, our practices must be free of prejudice, discrimination, and bias that result in inequitable outcomes. We are actively working to advance equity for everyone, and while we still have much work to do, we know that racial and cultural diversity are an asset to our business and the communities where we live and serve. Our ongoing commitment is focused on creating business practices that advance racial and social equity, investments in community impact programs for the benefit of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and expand upon project work related to racial equity and social justice.

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 3,000+ 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 your 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

Abt Associates is currently seeking a qualified Chief of Party (COP) for the Feed the Future Resilience in Northern Ghana Systems Strengthening Activity. This Activity focuses on enhancing the ability of all stakeholders to address poor nutrition and weak resilience in northern Ghana. The Activity will result in sustained improvements in the delivery of local services to achieve measurable improvements in the nutrition and resilience of an estimated 85,000 reproductive-aged women and children under five years old.

Core Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic technical and managerial leadership for all components of the program to ensure quality and timely delivery of the contract.
• Direct activity staff and subcontractors to ensure a focus on results, achievements of annual work plan and targets, and effective implementation.
• Oversee and be responsible for the financial and administrative compliance of the project with Abt’s standard operating procedures and client requirements including supervision, support, and direction to managerial and technical staff.
• Manage the project budget and ensure the submission of timely and accurate program, financial, and procurement reports.
• Serve as key liaison with USAID, government counterparts, and local partners/stakeholders, and as the principal Abt Associates representative of the Activity to coordinate program direction and ensure strategic alignment, collaborative learning, and adaption.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with USAID and leverage local counterparts to ensure effective coordination of activities with relevant ministries, civil society, the private sector, development partners, other USAID and U.S. government-funded initiatives, and stakeholders.
• Ensure clear communications with clients and stakeholders about project activities and accomplishments and promote an approach of continuous learning and adapting to maximize sustainability and impact.
• Coordinate the timely identification and engagement of subject matter experts to support the achievement of the project’s expected results.
• Uphold the standards of Abt Associates to lead a high-performing team and ensure strict compliance to USAID and Abt’s policies, regulations, and internal controls.

Required Skills or Experience

• Master’s degree in international development, economics, community development, public health or a related field.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience implementing multisector international development programs focusing on one or several of the following technical sectors: community resilience and development, agriculture, food security, public health, and/or nutrition.
• At least 5 years of experience in a managerial or leadership role for a multi-sectoral international development program.
• Demonstrated management, leadership, political acumen, and related skills.
• Demonstrated success managing complex donor programs is desired, previous USAID experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a country with strong security measures required is highly preferred.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with host country governments and international agencies.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills in English required. 
• Ghanaian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.