Activity Director – USAID/Power Africa Initiative Support Mechanism (PAISM) Full Time

Position Type: Full-time

Location: Pretoria, South Africa 

ECODIT is a women-owned small business and international development firm dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible development globally. Founded in 1993, ECODIT has delivered professional services across more than 250 projects and contracts in over 60 countries. Their expertise spans key sectors such as water, energy, environment, and governance. ECODIT provides a wide range of technical assistance services, from quick-turnaround assessments and evaluations to the design and implementation of long-term, multi-million-dollar projects. Through their work, ECODIT collaborates with governments, businesses, and local communities to promote sustainable development practices. Additionally, ECODIT is proud to hold both ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Certifications, which underscores our dedication to quality, continuous improvement and sustainable environmental practices in all that we do.

Position Summary:

ECODIT is seeking a qualified Activity Director (AD) for the anticipated five-year USAID/Power Africa Initiative Support Mechanism (PAISM).

Power Africa is a U.S. Government initiative that aims to advance Sub Saharan African development through universal access to clean energy and achieve the objectives of ending energy poverty, accelerating a carbon free future. and bolstering competitive private sector investment and innovation in the energy sector. PAISM will provide a comprehensive suite of technical and advisory services to design and implement monitoring and evaluation (M&E), collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA), knowledge management (KM), and technical tasks. Anticipated services include data management and data quality assessments (DQAs); Impact and Performance Evaluations; analyses and assessments; learning activities and events; and a Knowledge Audit.

The AD will be responsible for technical leadership and overall management and operations of the Activity, ensuring achievement of all objectives.  S/he will bear primary responsibility for the strategic direction, overall coordination, and management of the Activity, including oversight of financial and contract management. S/he will be responsible for ensuring compliance with USG rules and regulations. The AD will serve as the primary interlocutor with USAID and key stakeholders for Power Africa, including private sector entities. S/he will ensure the program meets stated objectives and reporting requirements in a timely manner. The AD will assume the leadership role in coordination among various partners and subcontractors. The AD will also work closely with the ECODIT Home Office Project Manager (HOPM) and other Home Office (HO) support staff and will serve as an important link between USAID and the ECODIT HO.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and operational aspects of the Activity, including start-up, planning and implementation, ensuring clarity over plans and priorities, and encouraging effective teamwork;
• Serve as the principal liaison for the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and facilitate a collaborative process with the client and project team to develop a shared vision for success and an effective adaptive management process;
• Establish a management team and management processes that facilitate a timely and efficient response to client requests;
• Deliver exceptional service across performance areas reviewed under the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS);
• Oversee the incorporation of cross-cutting priorities into programming, including localization, and gender equity and social inclusion;
• Supervise a capable and diverse team of technical and administrative staff, provide them with mentoring and support, and foster teamwork;
• Support the identification and mobilization of qualified consultants to implement activities;
• Ensure compliance with USAID requirements, U.S. Government regulations, and ECODIT policies and procedures;
• Lead or support the preparation of deliverables, including annual work-plans, budgets and project activity updates, and other project-related communication and reporting materials in accordance with USAID deadlines;
• Provide overall financial oversight of the budget over the life of the project (e.g., ensuring cost effective management, financial projections, and systems to ensure proper use of funds);
• Collaborate with ECODIT’s contracts management team to ensure continuous compliance with contract rules and regulations;
• Ensure continuous communication with ECODIT’s HO and work with the HO to coordinate technical and editorial review of project deliverables prior to submission to USAID; and
• Represent the Activity in various fora, as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in environmental studies, energy, public administration, political science, international development, or related field – or Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant work experience
• 10+ years of experience leading and/or supporting complex international donor-funded programs, preferably in energy, data management, or MEL, with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting
• Proven experience directly managing staff and communicating with clients
• Experience working with diverse actors and stakeholders (government, donors, civil society, private sector)
• Highly developed interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English

Preferred Qualifications:

• Consulting or employment experience with USAID or a similar US Government agency in the energy or broader international development sector
• Knowledge of USAID and Power Africa programs, policies, and priorities
• Experience living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Fluency in a relevant foreign language (i.e., French, Portuguese)

To apply, please send an updated resume/CV and cover letter in English through the “Our Jobs” section of the ECODIT website by no later than September 22, 2024.  Applications will be received and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants who fail to meet the application criteria may be disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ECODIT provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant that requires a reasonable accommodation, please email us at [email protected]. Please reference the position in your email.