Chief of Party – USDA McGovern-Dole Program

About the role

The Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall strategic, technical, operational, financial and compliance leadership for a five‑year USDA McGovern‑Dole school feeding program in Timor‑Leste. Reporting to USDA and working closely with the Government of Timor‑Leste, the COP ensures continuity of existing investments while advancing a next‑phase model that links feeding to attendance and literacy outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead implementation of an integrated school feeding, literacy, nutrition, WASH, infrastructure, LRP and government systems strengthening model.
• Ensure school feeding is linked to measurable attendance and literacy outcomes through teacher coaching, reading clubs and data‑driven management.
• Strategic engagement with USDA, Timor‑Leste ministries, municipal authorities, WFP, PTAs and local suppliers to avoid duplication and support coordinated targeting.
• Executive oversight of USDA commodity management, including pipeline planning, warehousing, transport, last‑mile distribution, reconciliation and audit readiness.
• Maintain program budget within limits and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
• Oversee readiness‑based school onboarding, confirming secure storage, water access, latrines, trained cooks and buffer stock before feeding begins.
• Supervise a team of technical staff, defining clear roles and responsibilities.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in large‑scale international development or humanitarian programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi‑sectoral initiatives linking nutrition, education and WASH.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with governments, donors and implementing partners.
• Experience overseeing complex commodity supply chains and financial compliance.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a high‑impact, multi‑million‑dollar program improving the lives of vulnerable children.
• Collaboration with a global network of development professionals.