Job Title: Chief of Party, Enhanced SME Development Program
Reports to: President
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: Dependent on qualifications
This is a Request for Qualifications. Please submit your resume for this position with the understanding that the position is contingent upon receipt of award from USAID.
About the Foundation:
Founded in 1989, The Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation (FRAEC) is one of the oldest, customer-focused, nonprofit organizations working toward fostering economic cooperation between Russia and the United States by promoting international commercial and educational activities. In addition to serving its members, FRAEC administers a number of strategic programs primarily, but not entirely, focused on the Russian Far East and U.S. West Coast. For more information, refer to our website at www.fraec.org.
About the Program:
The Enhanced SME Development Program is designed to support the development of sustainable Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in the Russian Far East through a combination of technical assistance and training. The effort will be implemented in four areas critical to SME development: 1) regulatory reform; 2) credit availability; 3) training and 4) sector-specific consultancies. For more information, refer to http://fedgrants/gov/Applicants/AID/OM/MOS/118-A-3-002/listing.html.
Position Description:
The Chief of Party will manage all activities of this program from an office located in Khabarovsk, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. A key component of this position will be the negotiation and management of subcontracts with other technical assistance providers, local (RFE) business support providers, consultants and trainers. The Chief of Party will manage the Director of Training and a small administrative support team.
Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party will:
· Actively work with program partners (subcontractors) to ensure the most effective results consistent with the agreed upon workplan and a high degree of coordination of all program elements.
· Keep USAID informed of all program developments, actively solicit their input in all critical decisions, and ensure that all program reports are accurate, complete and submitted in a timely manner.
· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, regional and local officials to ensure that program activities are understood, accepted and supported by the requisite communities.
· Actively network throughout the region with business associations and individuals, financial institutions, business support providers, educators and NGOs to promote the activities of the program and to find ways to enhance, expand and sustain SME development.
· Consult regularly with FRAEC management to ensure the integrity of the program and to make sure that the program strategy is adapted to evolving conditions.
· Manage and mentor in-country program staff and resources for maximum effectiveness.
Qualifications:
· A bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, public administration, economic, finance, international relations or related fields;
· Three to five years of experience in project management or international development;
· Recent experience in working with the governments and businesses of the Russian Far East;
· Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and keep them focused on achievable goals;
· Excellent communication skills in both Russian and English.
Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and a recent resume by April 15 to:
Maryann Ness, Director of Finance & Administration
Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation
Phone: (206) 770-4014 Fax: (206) 443-0954
Email: mness@fraec.org
