Vice President, Economic Growth

IBI is seeking a Vice President to lead our Economic Growth Practice. The individual will serve as the senior-level manager of the home office project management staff assigned to projects within the practice. They will ultimately be responsible for all aspects of activity for the practice. This individual will oversee and mentor practice staff on all aspects of project performance—including technical content and direction; program compliance with IBI and USAID rules and regulations; and USAID engagement strategies and techniques. In addition, the VP may be responsible for directly supervising Chief(s) of Party, Project Directors, or Senior Project Managers, providing guidance, training, and coaching as a manager of managers within their team. The VP will also support business development for USAID programs and will undertake thought leadership and outreach activities for the Practice.

Tasks and Responsibilities: Includes, but are not limited to, the following:

Project Delivery:

• Oversee implementation of multiple and/or large projects, providing overall home office program management leadership and guidance.
• Allocate and manage PMU resources between project management, business development (in coordination with the BD team), STTA assignments, and leave.
• Lead project start-ups, closeouts and field leadership coverage including travel to the field as required, sometimes on short notice.
• Approve deliverables for submission to client.
• Obtain regular client assessments of project progress, including management of CPARS.
• Serve as home office engagement manager for projects, as required, including as Home Office Point of Contact with USAID.
• Ensure all relevant policies and procedures are adhered to and enforced including US and project host country laws and regulations; IBI policies and procedures; USAID, U.S. Department of State, and other funder regulations; and be accountable for project compliance with these laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Liaise with home office support units and facilitate streamlined processes between the field office and home office.
• Ensure programs meet their budget projections and annual budget goals, limits unallowable expenses in conjunction with the Chief of Party.

Business Development:

• Oversee successful development of USAID proposals by providing strategic positioning, technical oversight on proposals, and resource allocation in close coordination with the BD team.
• Serve as a Proposal Technical Lead, leading scoping and information gathering trips for anticipated and live proposals and guiding staff and consultants supporting research efforts.
• For priority bids, serve as a case study or management plan writer in line with core skill sets and networks.
• Be available to serve as a mentor to other practice staff supporting proposal efforts.
• In coordination with BD team manage the long-term positioning of IBI with key clients, including the development and maintenance of strong relationships with current and potential clients. Help determine priorities among opportunities and contributes to pipeline development.

Technical Excellence:

• Oversee and provide higher level technical guidance on project work plan development and execution to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Lead technical leadership efforts, including development of thought pieces and other knowledge products, and participate in sector activities and events.
• Analyze regional and country context relevant to assigned program(s) and proactively propose thought leadership ideas (e.g. blog post, pilot research) for possible priority countries.
  

Leadership and Staff Management:

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, feedback, mentorship, and recognition to staff at the field and home office PMU levels, ensuring effective coordination of project support and addressing personnel issues as they arise. Directly supervise staff as assigned.
• Coach direct reports on performance improvement across the full spectrum of program management, business development, and thought leadership.
• Collaborate with other divisions on decision making matters and address major issues having cross-functional impacts.
• Create a cooperative environment that empowers staff at all levels to contribute, demonstrate the values of IBI and work together as a unit.

Set an example as a leader by holding yourself and staff accountable, communicating professionally, being a team player, and supporting the development of all staff.

Education & Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations, Political Science, Government, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience required.
• A minimum of 12-15 years direct donor project management experience, responsible for overseeing project implementation and business development initiatives.
• Senior leadership experience as a Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party or equivalent.
• A minimum of 7 years supervisory experience.
• Substantial experience in managing international donor projects and extensive knowledge of donor regulations and policies (including AIDAR and FAR), especially as they relate to contracting and procurement. Experience leading project start-ups and/or closedowns preferred.
• Solid background in managing multiple and/or large programs.
• Ability to serve as in-country Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party in the event of a vacancy or absence.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and effectively lead multiple teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills
• Proven experience with MS Office applications Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Long-term field experience working outside the US, particularly in developing countries, required.
• Knowledge of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and/or other relevant regions.
• Ability to travel and work overseas on short term technical assignments up to 25%, at times with very short notice.