Chief of Party (COP) for Advancing Digital Democracy (ADD)

Position Title: Chief of Party (COP) for Advancing Digital Democracy (ADD)

Proposal Summary:
Vistant 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 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 robust emerging economies; and will engage civic and private actors while tailoring support to leverage existing opportunities and address specific needs in particular countries.

Program Objectives:
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 is fostered and self-sustained. (2) Collaborative CLA feedback loops are 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, the 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 a variety of local stakeholders to build relationships and promote democratic practices through digital technology and tools.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with USAID, including the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and other relevant client actors, as required for the 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 a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor-funded grants and contracts; or a Master’s degree and/or Ph.D. with 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.