Chief of Party, Philippines USDA Food for Progress Program

About TechnoServe:

At TechnoServe, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better life. For over 50 years, we have given smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs the skills, connections, and confidence to lift themselves out of poverty. We leverage the power of markets and the private sector to create sustainable economic growth to benefit people and the planet. Our unique mix of business solutions, deep knowledge of local contexts, and data-driven insights is helping to fight poverty across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

TechnoServe staff are local–95% are from the countries in which they work. We put a high premium on collaboration and entrepreneurship. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. And we focus on delivering lasting impact for our mission.

TechnoServe works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a range of other public and private donors who share our mission to create economic opportunity in the developing world. A trusted partner under Food for Progress (FFPr), TechnoServe has implemented 11 agreements with the USDA, impacting more than one million beneficiaries.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief of Party to lead an anticipated four-to-five-year USDA Food for Progress program in the Philippines. The program will focus on strengthening the ube (purple yam) value chain through improved planting material systems, enhanced farm productivity, upgraded processing and postharvest practices, and expanded trade and market linkages. The initiative is expected to support inclusive market access, strengthen farmer and processor capacity, and promote sustainable commercial growth in key production areas across Luzon and Visayas.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the program, setting direction, driving results, and representing the project with government, private sector, and donor stakeholders.
• Oversee day-to-day program management and implementation, ensuring high-quality technical delivery, strong team performance, and achievement of targets in compliance with donor requirements.
• Continuously develop operational efficiencies and drive innovations in delivery.
• Oversee development and submission of project deliverables on time and within budget.
• Recruit, lead, manage, and supervise delivery teams comprising long- and short-term team members and consortium partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison with USDA, the Government entities and all counterparts, implementing partners, and stakeholders involved with the program.
• Act as a spokesperson for the program and present its work regionally/globally.

Qualifications:

• A master's degree or equivalent in business, international development, economics, public policy, education, agricultural economics, or other relevant field (or a bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience).
• At least eight years of relevant professional experience in international development.
• Experience leading and managing large teams with a high level of leadership, interpersonal, technical, and analytical experience, as Team Leader, Chief of Party, or other Program Director level role.
• Experience leading USDA, USAID, or other bilateral-funded projects is highly desirable.
• Prior work experience or collaboration with private sector companies and businesses.
• Prior work experience in the Filipino agricultural sector, specifically the ube value chain is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a broad range of public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders.
• Fluency in English required

This position is contingent upon the activity award and approval by the donor.

We welcome applications from both international and in-country candidates.