About MCA
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. government corporation focused on assisting countries dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. In May 2022, MCC signed a five-year agreement (“compact”) with the government of Lesotho (GoL) aimed at poverty reduction through inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country.
The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA- Lesotho II), is an entity established by the Government to act as the accountable entity to implement the Compact, with the authority to bind the Government with regard to all Program activities.
Lesotho Compact
The Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact aims to benefit 2.5 million people by growing, strengthening, and organizing the private sector in Lesotho and improving the government’s coordination to deliver critical services necessary to support private sector development.
It will achieve this goal through investments in Health System Strengthening, strengthening of the business environment and Market Driven Irrigated Horticulture, providing sustainable income for smallholders, and increasing climate resilience by replacing rain-fed subsistence farming with irrigated commercial horticulture in select locations.
The GoL is committed to passing several key reforms that will help make this compact successful, including reforms that address gender equality, working conditions and worker safety, as well as land and water rights. All of the compact’s projects focus on overcoming barriers to the economic inclusion of women, youth, and the rural poor.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Position Objective
MCA-Lesotho II wishes to appoint an energetic and performance driven individual to the position of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), under the supervision and direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The incumbent will be a hands-on Director who can quickly grasp a complex operating environment. The DCEO will lead a team of multi-disciplinary professionals responsible for supporting the implementation of the compact’s projects. The incumbent is expected to have experience in managing a large team of technical and support staff under fast-paced, highly demanding circumstances.
Primary responsibilities
- Lead the overall Technical Services function of MCA-Lesotho II and ensure that cross-functional initiatives across the divisions of the Technical Services sufficiently support the implementation of the Compact’s projects.
- Supervise Technical Services Directors and ensure that a collaborative environment is established across the Technical Services, other parts of MCA-Lesotho II, and MCC.
- Coordinate, oversee and manage the development of MCA-Lesotho II’s implementation plans, including work plans, financial plans, procurement plans, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans, as well as the preparation of regular progress reports and updates that must be submitted to the MCA-Lesotho II Board and to MCC.
- Directly supervise and manage MCA-Lesotho II’s Directors to ensure they coordinate effectively; exchange relevant information; properly identify and manage risks; and comply with MCC’s requirements, standards, policies, and guidelines; and incorporate good practices and lessons learned into their work.
- Represent the Compact to external collaborators; work with the MCA-Lesotho II CEO and Directors to identify, build and maintain effective collaborations or partnerships that further the objectives of the Compact.
- Develop teams of professionals by recruiting division managers and staff in all areas of Technical Services. Train these new MCA-Lesotho II staff as well as identify and engage technical resources (e.g., external consultants, MCC) to provide external advice and expertise aligned with the strategic needs of MCA-Lesotho II. Ensure teams are adequately resourced throughout the life of the Compact.
- Provide leadership in the development, implementation and enforcement of appropriate policies and procedures as needed, to ensure the successful implementation of Compact projects and activities and the proper functioning of MCA-Lesotho II.
- Identify issues related to the dissemination of critical information, the commitment of resources, and the timely completion of tasks and communicate them to the CEO to be raised with associated Government entities.
- Take steps to ensure continuous improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of MCA-Lesotho II’s operations. Use appropriate information, including monitoring and evaluation (M&E) data, communication plans, and workplans, to develop and refine recommendations, mid-course corrections, and lessons learned.
- Provide strategic advice to the CEO on the implementation of the Compact program, the operations of MCA-Lesotho, and the motivation and retention of staff, among other issues.
- Ensure that MCA-Lesotho II’s day-to-day operations are in full compliance with MCC’s requirements, standards, policies and guidelines and the requirements of local laws and regulations.
- Guide units of the Government of Lesotho involved in implementing the Compact on MCC technical guidelines, local regulations, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and transparency.
- Introduce streamlined methodologies and policies for documentation, evaluation, monitoring, and reporting to enhance delivery timeframes while remaining responsive to the needs of the MCA Lesotho II.
- Other tasks and responsibilities as requested by the CEO.
Required Competencies
- A post graduate qualification in economics, business administration, engineering, law, public administration, or other relevant fields.
- Minimum ten (10) years of broad program management experience, five of which should have been served at an executive or managerial level, encompassing cross program oversight and development and management of significant resources.
- Demonstrated experience in the leadership and oversight of large, multi-disciplinary teams, and large complex projects in public and private sector.
- Strong portfolio management and operational skills working on projects funded by international donors, including procurement and management of large contracts with consulting services and infrastructure firms.
- Demonstrated understanding of gender and social inclusion approaches in large development projects and experience with meeting the environmental, gender, social, and health and safety requirements of international development projects preferred.
- Knowledge of the development environment in Lesotho and the challenges of program execution and coordination with government institutions.
- Proficiency in English (writing and speaking) is required. Proficiency in Sesotho (writing and speaking) is preferred.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted on-line, on or before the application deadline July 18th, 2023.
Applications should be accompanied by the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;
- Cover letter confirming interest and availability;
- Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available);
Only applications that come in before or on the application deadline will be considered.
We thank all applicants. However, note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Submit your application online via: https://lesotho-jobs.tenderwell.app