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 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 seeks Chief of Party (COP) candidates for the anticipated USAID/Ghana Fiscal Accountability Strengthening Activity (the Activity). The purpose of the five-year Activity is to improve accountability within the Government of Ghana’s public financial management systems to achieve three objectives: (i) enhanced external audit and parliamentary scrutiny; (ii) improved accounting, financial reporting, and compliance to fiscal policy; and (iii) strengthened control, predictability, and transparency in budget execution.
As the COP, you will be responsible for providing overall management and direction to the Activity and will supervise all project personnel. You will hold the primary responsibility for overall performance and compliance.
Work is expected to begin in late 2023. The position is contingent on the contract being awarded to Abt Associates. As the COP, you will be based in Ghana and will report to the designated project director in Abt Associates’ headquarters in the United States.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide strategic technical and managerial leadership for all components of the program to ensure quality and timely delivery of the contract.
- Oversee and be responsible for the financial and administrative compliance of the project including supervision, support, and direction to managerial and technical staff.
- Serve as key liaison with USAID, government counterparts, and local partners/stakeholders, and as the principal Abt Associates representative of the Activity.
- Ensure close coordination with and leverage other relevant initiatives, including other USAID projects, the private sector, researchers, Government of Ghana, and other donors.
- 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.
- Interact directly and on a regular basis with USAID/Ghana to coordinate program direction and ensure strategic alignment, collaborative learning, and adaption.
- Coordinate the timely identification and engagement of subject matter experts to support achievement of project expected results.
What We Value
- Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in accounting, public finance, public administration or other related field.
- More than 10 years of relevant professional experience implementing international, donor-funded projects to strengthen public sector budgeting and auditing, financial data quality, and fiscal accountability and transparency at national and sub-national levels.
- A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience successfully leading $10M+ projects, including strategy, planning, budgets, reporting and communications.
- Experience working with government officials, the private sector, media, and civil society organizations in public fiscal management and accountability.
- Experience in West Africa required; experience in Ghana preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to addressing gender equality and social inclusion objectives (e.g., gender equality and female empowerment, youth engagement, inclusion of ethnic minorities).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Professional fluency in written and spoken English is required.
What We Offer
We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.
Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Candidates from Ghana are strongly encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.