Chief of Party

Position: Chief of Party

Program: USAID Industry-led Skills Development Program

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

Duration of Project: Until May 2026

IESC is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that fosters private sector development in the economically developing world. Since 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions that have resulted in more than 1.5 million jobs in 137 countries. We partner with businesses, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, jobseekers, and governments to sustainably build capacity, create jobs, and grow enterprises, sharing proven skills and experience that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the world. Our major funders today are the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.

IESC is implementing the $24 million USAID Industry-led Skills Development Program in the Republic of Georgia. The objective of the Program is to develop industry-relevant human capacity that will contribute to high-value employment opportunities and increased economic competitiveness in Georgia. The Program achieves this by systematically engaging employers to equip Georgians with skills demanded in sectors with high growth potential and create direct linkages between training programs and employment opportunities through a large grants program and technical assistance. The Program prioritizes interventions under three components:

- Component 1: Incentivize private sector engagement in skills development.

- Component 2: Establish skills training programs demanded by the private sector.

- Component 3: Increase access to training opportunities for rural and priority populations.

The Chief of Party will work full-time and be based in Tbilisi, Georgia and report to the IESC Home Office Associate Vice President of Workforce, Entrepreneurship and Youth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical, operational, and managerial oversight of all workstreams to ensure excellent technical delivery.
• Provide clear strategic guidance, vision, and leadership to the Program and its staff.
• Serve as primary point of contact for the client, USAID/Georgia, and ensure timely communications, constructive relationships, and a unified approach.
• Ensure quality control and process management of all deliverables, presentations, and written communications.
• Oversee $13m grants program and ensure compliance to IESC and USAID policies and procedures.
• Oversee MEL plan implementation to ensure programmatic targets are met and appropriate indicators are developed for each grantee.
• Document and disseminate findings, impact, innovations, and lessons learned.
• Manage relationships with Government of Georgia partners, private sector organizations, business associations, vocational education and training providers, and other donors in-country.
• Ensure appropriate allocation of resources to effectively meet Program goals.
• Work with relevant IESC Home Office staff to ensure overall compliance with USAID and IESC requirements.

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years management experience gained in complex, integrated, and innovative development projects focusing on workforce development and private sector engagement in developing or transition countries. Preference will be given to the breadth and diversity of experience with evidence of achieving measurable results in Georgia or similar settings.  
• Knowledge of USAID’s policy priorities (Private Sector Engagement, Positive Youth Development, etc.), program cycle, regulations, compliance requirements, and MEL and reporting requirements.
• Advanced communication, writing, and interpersonal skills, in addition to the ability to manage multiple workstreams and staff.
• Previous experience serving in a leadership role on USAID programs.
• Substantial experience with and understanding of grants under contract is preferred.
• Ability to anticipate, respond and adapt quickly to changing requirements and competing demands.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in the field of development, business, management, or social studies
  is desirable.
• Language capabilities: Fluency in English required, including excellent reporting and presentation skills. Proficiency in Georgian desirable but not required.

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