Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine, and works domestically. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Departments of State and Labor, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.

 

Proposal Summary:  
MSI is pursuing the USAID Advancing Digital Democracy program. The purpose of this activity is to foster open, secure, and inclusive digital democracies in which data-driven technologies advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights. It will offer to support and strengthen country-level and global multi-stakeholder coalitions that can identify opportunities for productive engagement, leverage incentive structures, and create shared language for tackling the most pressing issues in the digital age.

The program will provide support for partner-country stakeholders to spur rights-respecting digital innovation while addressing potential adverse impacts of technology and data across the digital ecosystem. The program will operate in politically closed spaces and, and robust emerging economies; and will engage civic and private actors while tailoring support to leverage existing opportunities and address specific needs in particular countries. 

 

Objective 1: Governments implement legal and regulatory frameworks related to technology data, and information that align with and fulfill their international human rights and democratic commitments. Objective 2: Respect for human rights and democratic values are embedded in the development and design of digital technology and data management. Objective 3: Civil Society and citizens more effectively engage in democracy and human rights issues involving technology. Cross Cutting Objectives: (1) Engagement between diverse stakeholders and sectors in fostered and self-sustained. (2) Collaborative CLA feedback loops created and used to adapt the program.

Position Summary: 
The Chief of Party (COP) will provide strategic direction and leadership for the activity. The COP will create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to support and promote USAID’s digital strategy. They will coordinate work across a broad consortium of partners, staff, and consultants. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting digital technology initiatives to improve democratic practices and accountability worldwide. They will have experience working with local stakeholders such as local civil society organizations, private sector, watchdogs and when possible, with local government ministries to improve access to information and democratic transparency. The COP will be the main point of contact for USAID staff and will liaise directly with the activity COR on technical issues. The position will largely be U.S. based although some travel may be required. The position is contingent upon award.
 

Responsibilities: 

Create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to implement USAID’s Digital Strategy. Work with multiple and a variety of local stakeholders to build relationships and push democratic practices through digital technology and tools. Serve as primary point of contact with USAID, including the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and other relevant client actors, as required for successful completion of the project and contract. Manage the project budget, including expenditures and allocation and/or reallocation of funds as necessary for the accomplishment of project goals. Ensure timely delivery of program inputs, deliverables and reports.

 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree with minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor funded grants and contracts or have a Master’s degree and/or a Ph.D. and twelve (12) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor funded grants and contracts. Proven experience building and managing dynamic, flexible teams, preferably on global projects. Demonstrated ability to build relationships across technical sectors including technology, cybersecurity and digitalization, in both the public and private sectors, to improve democratic practices worldwide. Experience in and knowledge of one or more technology industries, including telecommunications, cybersecurity, digital governance/democracy, digital finance, data ecosystems, and emerging technologies, in a public or private sector capacity. Ability to travel globally.

 

At MSI Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. MSI Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including health orders and regulations related to COVID-19 that are mandated by local, state and federal authorities.

 

MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.  

 

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

 

MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.

 

Reasonable Accommodations: 
MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.

 

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

 

Additional Information Organization: 216 MSI