JOB OPPORTUNITYSLV Activity Lead
SummaryConservation International Mexico is seeking a uniquely qualified and highly motivated individual to serveas Activity Lead for an innovative and exciting USAID-funded project in Mexico, the Sustainable
Landscapes Ventures (SLV). The position will be based in Mexico City, Mexico and will lead the way of thiscollaborative effort as a catalyzer of change and innovation in four landscapes, that have been supported
by other international donors and partners.
The Activity Lead will steer the excellent execution of the project – effectively translating the initial vision
into a shared vision that consortium partners and landscape stakeholders have buy-in to. He/she will build
collaboration and consensus between the six consortium partners (ACCENTURE, CIAT, ENDESU, Mexico2,Root Capital and SVX) and will lead effective governance mechanisms to reach the Activity goals.
The purpose of the SLV Activity is to develop sustainable and inclusive value chains at scale, that aremarket-driven and investor-ready in four landscapes in Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco, and Oaxaca. TheActivity aims to consolidate long-term partnerships among small producers, investors, and buyers insustainable and inclusive value chains to avoid deforestation. Small producers in four landscapes will beorganized into 12 Collective Business Entities (CBE) to reduce costs, improve market access, increase profit
margins, increase quality, and reach scale. A Blended Finance Engine (BFE) will be established as acoordination mechanism to provide services to the CBEs including a marketplace to link producers withbuyers, project curation and access to blended finance from new and existing funds. The Activity Lead willplay a key role in launching two new funds spearheaded by Mexico2 and Conservation International
Ventures; in designing the monitoring, evaluation and learning system; and embedding social andenvironmental safeguards throughout the Activity, with a particular emphasis in gender equity, female
empowerment and youth inclusion.
The successful candidate will supervise the administrative and technical teams and will lead the day to day
project management. His/her tasks will include the design of the governance bodies, CBEs and the BFE,
with social and environmental standards. Strong understanding of small producers, value chains,markets/buyers and financing is required.
The Activity Lead will review the financial status and ensure high quality quarterly, bi-annual, and annual
M&E technical and financial reports are submitted to USAID. Oversight of the procurement plan alignedwith USAID rules and regulations, ensure that contracts and partners adhere to USAID rules andregulations. A key role of the AL will be to develop mechanisms for financial sustainability of the SLV
Activity. He /she will also visualize the Activity not only in the medium term but also in the long term as aself-sustaining mechanism that integrates multi-stakeholder and multi-sector participation at a landscapescale, and coordinates and articulates investments with local participation and in general will lead themodel of investment and conservation with the landscape approach to reduce emissions and avoid
deforestation and land use change. He/she will also promote and coordinate working relationships withgovernments, buyers, donors, and investors, and will participate in regional collaboration with CI programsaround the globe.

Responsibilities
SLV Activity (project) leadership and management•••••••••

Leads and manages the Activity/project team – providing strategic direction, vision, coordination,resource management, and supervision required to accomplish strategic goals and objectives andto deliver superior quality products.
Directs the preparation of the annual work plans, budgets, and annual progress reports, submitting
timely, accurate and professional reports that meet donor requirements.
Directs and oversees grant implementation, ensuring that all strategic objectives are met throughproper design, staffing, implementation, and quality assurance.
Establishes and maintains effective project reporting, evaluation, and communication systems
Oversees the completion of all technical requirements, including project results and deliverables,developing solutions to keep deliverables on track and motivate staff and partners.
Serves as the primary CI representative and liaison with the donor and all internal and external
stakeholders, building and maintaining critical partnerships for CI.
Guarantees the efficient and effective use of the resources to reach the desired results of theproject, monitoring the work plans, budgets, and finances, in accordance with the procedures ofUSAID.
Provide leadership for all ‘activity’ safeguards requirements and plans to be successfullycompleted and implemented – this includes community consultation (FPIC), potential resettlement,
gender mainstreaming, climate change risk analysis, adherence to construction guidelines,
compliance with environmental requirements.
Perform other duties as required.

Strategic alliances and partnerships
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Leads the coordination of the Blended Finance Engine design, operation, and Steering Committee
Manages the day to day relationship with the consortium partners
Designs in a collaborative way the annual workplans with the other ongoing landscape projects
that the SLV Activity will support (GEF6 Sustainable Landscape, Mascota Biocultural Landscape,Tapalpa Sustentable and Calakmul).
Will help bring responsible buyers to the Marketplace
Cultivates new investors to join the Blended Finance EngineDevelops collaborative agreements with government institutions
Will spearhead the long-term vision of the CBEs and BFE, so that the services they provide, cansustain over time.
Will guarantee that the CBEs and BFE design, rules, and regulations, have an inclusive approachfor gender equity, female empowerment, and youth inclusion, and that this is mainstream
throughout the Activity.

People and resource management responsibilities•••

This position directly and indirectly supervises project staff and consultants
Oversees all project staff and builds local and institutional capacity, including managing andmentoring
This position manages a significant public funding project and budget•This position must ensure strict compliance with the donor and award regulations of the publicfunding source, managing all donor agreements, reporting and communications.

Requirements••••••••••••••

Master’s degree in relevant discipline or field related to the objectives of the project. Advanced
degree strongly preferred.
At least ten (10) years or more of progressively responsible international work experience
implementing multi-sector programs with demonstrated strong management skills
At least five (5) years of management experience, including direct supervision of professional andsupport staff and assembling teams working on multi-faceted international development programs.
Strong experience and past performance in development projects with small producers, value
chain development, markets/buyers, and financing in rural context.
Proven leadership in the administration of similar activities with skills in strategic planning,management, supervision, and budgeting.
Experience and knowledge of relevant donor regulations, policies, and procedures withdemonstrated success managing international projects of similar scope and scale.
Proven ability to engage and collaborate effectively and establish strong working relationships withsenior representatives of national and local government, the private sector and civil society
Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to trackprogram quality through donor approved monitoring and evaluation systems.
Superb technical and analytical skills.
Superior interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with written and oral English and Spanish fluency
requiredProficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Previous Project Director, Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party experience preferred.
A passion for CI’s work and a can-do, problem solving approach is required.

Working Conditions•••

Extended work hours may be required.
Frequent travel of more than 40% may be necessary including travel to remote locations.
May need to work out of doors in adverse weather conditions.

Application ProcessCandidates who meet the requirements, please send your CV with relevant experience to:
Email:

lmartinez@stkjobs.com

Subject:“SLV Activity Lead”

Deadline:

October 28th, 2020