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 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment and energy 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.

Abt Bangladesh is part of Abt Global’s commitment to fostering sustainable development across South Asia. Our work in Bangladesh spans various sectors, focusing on food security, climate resilience, economic growth, and health systems strengthening. By leveraging our expertise in technical innovation, research, and project implementation, Abt Bangladesh has been instrumental in delivering impactful programs that address the country's pressing development needs.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity 

We are seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP - Technical Director) for an anticipated $25-50M USAID Feed the Future Sylhet Agricultural Development Project. This role will oversee the day-to-day technical direction of the project, ensuring that all technical components align with the project’s goals of promoting inclusive, sustainable agricultural development and improving food security in Sylhet.

The DCOP will lead a team of technical experts, providing guidance across a range of project activities including value chain development, climate-smart agriculture, nutrition-sensitive interventions, and private sector engagement. This position will ensure the effective integration of project activities, drive technical excellence, and collaborate with key stakeholders to achieve high-impact results.

The position will be based in Dhaka or Sylhet, Bangladesh and is contingent upon award to Abt Global.

Core Responsibilities 

Technical Leadership:

Provide technical direction and leadership in the design and implementation of project interventions focused on agricultural productivity, climate resilience, nutrition, and market systems development. Oversee the day-to-day management of technical teams and workstreams to ensure activities are on track and aligned with project goals. Lead diagnostics and assessments to identify market opportunities, design partnerships, and evaluate technical feasibility. Develop strategies to promote the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized communities in agricultural value chains. Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Results, and Learning (MERL) team to integrate data collection, analysis, and learning into technical activities, ensuring adaptive management and continuous improvement. Program Implementation & Coordination: Lead the coordination of technical activities across various components, including agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, and climate resilience. Develop work plans and technical roadmaps that align with USAID's goals for food security and agricultural development in Sylhet. Collaborate with private sector partners, government entities, research institutions, and other stakeholders to leverage resources, identify synergies, and ensure effective implementation. Provide leadership in the application of climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies to increase productivity and resilience. Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strategic partnerships with private sector actors, local government, donor-funded programs, and other development partners to ensure the scalability and sustainability of project interventions. Engage with industry groups, smallholders, and research institutions to create innovative solutions that address food security and market challenges in Sylhet. Act as a technical liaison between the project and Chief of Party, ensuring clear communication and collaboration on technical matters with USAID. Capacity Building & Mentorship: Build the capacity of project staff, partners, and local institutions through training, mentorship, and hands-on technical support. Provide supervision and technical support to short-term consultants, subcontractors, and grantees to ensure the quality and impact of their contributions.

What We Value

Master’s degree or higher in agriculture, agronomy, development studies, or related fields is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, international development, or a related field is required. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience managing and implementing agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, and nutrition interventions, preferably within donor-funded projects. Previous experience working on USAID-funded projects is highly desirable, with experience in Feed the Future programs preferred. Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing climate-smart agriculture and market systems approaches in rural and underserved areas. Proven track record in developing partnerships with private sector actors, government agencies, and civil society organizations. Experience managing technical teams, providing mentorship, and building the capacity of local staff. Strong technical understanding of agricultural value chains, climate resilience, nutrition-sensitive interventions, and rural livelihoods in Bangladesh or similar contexts. Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex technical activities and manage multidisciplinary teams. Excellent project management skills, including work plan development, progress tracking, and reporting. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt approaches based on real-time project data. Experience integrating gender and social inclusion into technical program design and implementation. Familiarity with USAID’s Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) framework and experience operationalizing iterative learning systems.  Fluent in English; proficiency in Bangla is highly preferred. Knowledge of the Sylhet region's agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic context.

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 Global is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates are preferred.

Disclaimer: Abt Global will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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