USAID Pacific American Fund Small-Scale Construction Deputy Chief of Party

Overview of the Company

Social Solutions International, Inc. (Social Solutions) is a Hispanic and woman-owned business emphasizing quality research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, and institutional support services. We are a mission-driven organization that believes that superior science can improve the world. Social Solutions is dedicated to the creation of social and health solutions to improve the welfare of underserved populations worldwide.

Social Solutions is a large, thriving business with a fun atmosphere that encourages creativity, new ideas, and employee health and well-being. We put our employees first and use empathetic leadership, taking a genuine interest in our employees’ lives and the challenges they face in and out of the workplace. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are integral to our company culture, and we are continuously striving to enhance our DEIA efforts across our company. You will feel like a contributing member of a growing team and company that has flexibility to enhance processes and procedures quickly to improve performance and growth. We help our employees carve out a professional pathway that has mutual benefits for them and Social Solutions. Social Solutions also offers exceptional compensation and benefits, detailed below.

Overview of the Position

Social Solutions International Inc. is seeking an experienced Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) to support the Pacific American Fund (the Fund), a five-year, $35 million project financing facility funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Fund serves as a key platform for supporting the United States Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy while also advancing USAID’s goals of promoting the localization of aid delivery. The goal of the Fund is to improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities and to improve access to services for remote communities in the region, and the Fund operates across 12 Pacific Island Countries. In addition to operating a grant-making facility, the Pacific American Fund supports USAID’s Small-Scale Construction (SSC) program in the Solomon Islands, specifically to support the tendering and construction of small-scale infrastructure (each project valued at USD $500,000 or less) that strengthens and expands the agribusiness sector in Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands. Approximately 11 projects are currently in consideration with an overall USD $8 million program budget.

The DCOP will assist the Chief of Party (COP) in supporting the overall contract delivery with a focus on the technical implementation of small-scale infrastructure construction activities in the Solomon Islands for the SSC activity. They will work closely with the COP and SSI headquarters leadership to oversee overall program management and compliance including, but not limited to: multiple, concurrent bid tender processes; sub-contract management; procurement adhering to US government regulations including, but not limited to ADS 303maw and FAR 52.244-2; and stakeholder engagement. The DCOP will have a strong understanding of construction and project management, engineering best practices, and local, contextual knowledge of working in the Solomon Islands. The DCOP will report directly to the COP. This is a full-time position based in Suva, Fiji, or the Solomon Islands (requiring legal authorization to work in either country). Alternatively, remote work locations may be considered subject to approval.

Location: Suva, Fiji; Honiara, Solomon Islands; or Remote

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Deadline: August 18, 2023, 5 PM FJT
• Submit CV and cover letter to info@pacificamerican.fund with the following:
  • Email subject line: DCOP Candidate - First Name Last Name
  • CV File Name: DCOP_First Name Last Name_CV
  • Cover Letter File Name: DCOP_First Name Last Name_Cover letter

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership for overall contract delivery and implementation for approximately 11 small-scale construction activities by providing technical oversight and program management
• Supervise 5-6 staff and/or consultants as part of the SSC team, and oversight for 12 subcontractors
• Multi-task and develop project Scope of Work (SOW), timelines, milestones, and deliverables
• Oversee the construction procurement process from pre-solicitation bid design, bid evaluation and selection, and bid award
• Monitor subcontractor performance, verifying that construction project milestones and deliverables are consistent with intended outcomes and in compliance with AS2124 FIDIC and USAID rules and regulations
• Track, manage, and minimize construction cost overruns and expenditures
• Implement processes and protocols to guarantee good health, safety, and environmental compliance
• Advise the Project Managers and Construction Manager on their verification visits to the construction projects
• Maintain effective relationships with USAID, Social Solutions, implementing partners, local government officials, regional stakeholders, vendors, beneficiaries, and others as identified
• Deputize in the absence of the Chief of Party, and represent the Pacific American Fund as needed

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related field
• At least five (5) years of experience in construction-focused program management in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, or other developing country
• Experience with financial, budgetary, and contract management of construction projects valued USD $5 million or more
• Demonstrated knowledge of construction, engineering, and architecture principles
• Experience interpreting blueprints, engineering/architectural drawings, or related documents
• Experience applying AS 2124 and/or FIDIC and/or FAR/USAID regulations in construction contracting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite equivalent, and general computer software;
• Experience engaging local government and community stakeholders in the Pacific region
• Strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of diplomatic protocols, and cultural/political sensitivity
• Self-starting, multi-tasker with an entrepreneurial and problem-solving mindset who takes the initiative to proactively manage a complex small-scale construction program with 11 construction projects
• Proficiency with English writing and communication skills; knowledge of the local language(s) is preferred
• Experience with donor-funded programming is essential; USAID experience is preferred
• Familiarity with USAID grants management and knowledge of USAID regulations is preferred

Equal Employer

Social Solutions offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Please submit your resume online at www.socialsolutions.biz.

Social Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.