What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Party (COP), Advancing Digital Democracy - United States position at Democracy International?
Chief of Party
Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated five-year Advancing Digital Democracy (ADD) Program funded by USAID. The goal of the Program is to foster and strengthen "digital democracies" by promoting open, secure, safe and inclusive digital ecosystems in which data-driven technologies advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights, including the rights of women, LGBTQI and other marginalized populations. The Program will support USAID partners in addressing and/or building resilience to digital repression and supporting rights-respecting digital transformation and growth of the digital economy. For more information on the program scope of work please refer to this link. This will be a full-time position based in Washington, DC and will be contingent on award and funding. This role is open to both US Citizens and expatriates.
The COP will provide strategic direction and leadership for the activity. The COP will create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to support and promote digital democracy and achieve program goals. They will coordinate work across a broad consortium of partners, staff, and consultants. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting digital technology initiatives to improve democratic practices and accountability worldwide. They will have experience working with a variety of stakeholders, such as local civil society organizations, private sector, academia, and local government ministries to strengthen democratic digital governance, improve the use and regulation of rights-respecting technology, access to information, and democratic transparency. The COP will be the main point of contact for USAID staff and will liaise directly with the activity COR on technical issues. They will serve as the primary point of contact between USAID and the DI program.
The COP will provide strategic direction and leadership for the activity. The COP will create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to support and promote digital democracy and achieve program goals. They will coordinate work across a broad consortium of partners, staff, and consultants. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting digital technology initiatives to improve democratic practices and accountability worldwide. They will have experience working with a variety of stakeholders, such as local civil society organizations, private sector, academia, and local government ministries to strengthen democratic digital governance, improve the use and regulation of rights-respecting technology, access to information, and democratic transparency. The COP will be the main point of contact for USAID staff and will liaise directly with the activity COR on technical issues. They will serve as the primary point of contact between USAID and the DI program.
This is a full-time, key personnel senior position based in Washington, DC and is contingent upon award.
Essential Job Duties:
The position’s responsibilities will include:
Programmatic
- Create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to implement the Advancing Digital Democracy Program in line with USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Policy, Digital Strategy, and other relevant USAID and U.S. government policies and priorities;
- Manage the program budget, including expenditures and allocation and/or reallocation of funds as necessary for the accomplishment of program goals;
- Ensure timely delivery of program inputs, deliverables, and reports;
- Work with local stakeholders, multistakeholder coalitions, and multilateral organizations to build relationships and advance democratic practices relevant to digital technology and tools and related policies and/or regulations;
- Provide technical and strategic leadership on all program activities, including budget, compliance, and reporting;
- Develop regular reports and ongoing activity monitoring consistent with the requirements of the award with USAID and with internal reporting requirements;
- Manage the preparation and presentation of all work plans, MEL plans, and reports;
- Serve as technical lead in designing, implementing, and overseeing the aspects of the activity;
- Represent DI externally at meetings, workshops, and other events;
- Act as a key liaison with USAID; and
- Provide technical assistance, as needed, to consortium partners, program partners, grantees, and beneficiaries.
Administrative
- Continue to build and lead DI’s dynamic program team;
- Approve expenditures and other financial transactions in accordance with DI and USAID policies and practices;
- Liaise regularly with USAID, consortium partners, local staff and partners, STTAs, and DI’s home office to ensure that deadlines are met and high-quality deliverables are completed and submitted in a timely manner; and
- Manage relationships with local partners and government, civil society representatives, private sector actors, and international donor representatives.
Secondary Job Duties:
- Contribute to ongoing Democracy International business development efforts around the world.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree with minimum of ten (10) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor funded grants and contracts or have a Master’s degree and/or a Ph.D. and at least eight (8) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor funded grants and contracts;
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships across sectors, particularly in democracy, human rights, and governance programs;
- Experience in technology-related fields like cybersecurity, digital governance, or digital finance would be a plus but is not essential;
- Proven experience building and managing dynamic, flexible teams, preferably on global projects;
- Ability to travel globally.
Reporting:
- This position reports to Director of Global and Rapid Response Programs.
Application Process:
Interested applicants MUST submit a cover letter and CV by December 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.
All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application. DI will not sponsor applicants for work Visa.
Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.
About the Organization:
DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80 countries.
DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80 countries.
DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.
