USAID Innovative Workforce Activity 

Chief of Party

Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that catalyzes private sector growth and creates economic opportunity for people and communities across the economically developing world. Since our founding in 1964—by David Rockefeller, Sol Linowitz, and Frank Pace, with US President Lyndon Johnson announcing IESC’s founding in the White House Rose Garden—we have delivered lasting solutions across 139 countries. IESC has been a valued partner to people and communities throughout the economically developing world. We share proven business skills and experience with entrepreneurs, jobseekers, businesses, farmers, cooperatives, and governments. We also offer resources—human, technological, financial—that sustainably build capacity and empower communities. Our long legacy of strengthening developing economies is matched by our vision for the next generation: a world with economic opportunity for all, where people and communities thrive. Our major funders today are the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.

IESC is seeking a Chief of Party for the upcoming USAID Innovative Workforce Activity in the Republic of Vietnam. The objective of the five-year Activity is to help Vietnam foster the innovative and creative capacity of its digital workforce to meet the demands of the digital economy, promote Vietnam’s ability to master critical digital technologies for the fourth industrial revolution, and advance the country’s transition to a more knowledge-based economy by 2045. The Program prioritizes interventions under two Objectives:

Objective 1: Digital skill supply and demand gaps in selected areas narrowed.

-        Legal and regulatory framework for an inclusive digital workforce improved

-        Sustainable private sector-led digital reskilling, upskilling, and lifelong learning models expanded

-        Solutions to strengthen the connections between digital workforce supply and demand implemented

Objective 2: Local innovation ecosystem strengthened. 

-        Legal and regulatory framework for innovation and creativity improved

-        Linkages among key actors of the innovation ecosystem strengthened

-        Institutional capacity of selected actors in the innovation ecosystem improved

The Chief of Party (COP) will provide technical leadership, management, and oversight to ensure that the Activity proceeds effectively and meets its target. As the project’s key point of contact with USAID, Government of Vietnam, and other stakeholders, the Chief of Party will manage technical assistance activities with field staff, short-term consultants, IESC home office personnel, and various private and public sector stakeholders. The COP may also be responsible for the implementation of specific technical tasks within the project (to be determined according to needs and expertise). The Chief of Party will oversee overall project operations including project management, administration, oversight, reporting, financial and contractual obligations, contractor progress, and performance monitoring and evaluation.

The Chief of Party will work full-time based in Hanoi, Vietnam and report to the Home Office Associate Vice President of Workforce, Entrepreneurship and Youth. The position is contingent upon program award. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical, operational, and managerial oversight of all workstreams to ensure excellent technical delivery.
• Provide clear strategic guidance, vision, and leadership to the Program and its staff.
• Serve as primary point of contact for the client, USAID/Vietnam, and ensure timely communications, constructive relationships, and a unified approach.
• Ensure quality control and process management of all deliverables, presentations, and written communications.
• Oversee grants and ensure compliance to IESC and USAID policies and procedures.
• Oversee MEL plan implementation to ensure programmatic targets are met and appropriate indicators are developed for each grantee.
• Document and disseminate findings, impact, innovations, and lessons learned.
• Manage relationships with Government of Vietnam partners, private sector organizations, business associations, vocational education and training providers, and other donors in-country.
• Ensure appropriate allocation of resources to effectively meet Program goals.
• Work with relevant IESC Home Office staff to ensure overall compliance with USAID and IESC requirements.

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years management experience gained in complex, integrated, and innovative development projects focusing on workforce development and private sector engagement in developing or transition countries. Preference will be given to the breadth and diversity of experience with evidence of achieving measurable results in Vietnam or similar settings. 
• Knowledge of USAID’s policy priorities (Private Sector Engagement, Positive Youth Development, etc.), program cycle, regulations, compliance requirements, and MEL and reporting requirements.
• Advanced communication, writing, and interpersonal skills, in addition to the ability to manage multiple workstreams and staff.
• Previous experience serving in a leadership role on USAID programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) ecosystem;
• Ability to anticipate, respond and adapt quickly to changing requirements and competing demands.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in the field of development, business, management, or social studies is desirable.
• Language capabilities: Fluency in English required, including excellent reporting and presentation skills.