Location - Yaoundé, Cameroon

Reporting - President and CEO

ABOUT NASCENT SOLUTIONS

Nascent Solutions, Inc., (Nascent) is a Virgina-based, women-led international development and. humanitarian organization founded in 2004 by an American citizen of Cameroonian origin. In the last 18 years, Nascent has mobilized resources and implemented programs in food security, nutrition, education, and maternal and child health, impacting the lives of over 10 million people in several African countries. For more details, visit: www.nascents.org

MISSION: Promote self-reliance by harnessing the creative and entrepreneurial drive of women and youth in Africa to problem solve, build resilient economies, and improve the quality of life for their families and communities.

VISION: A self-reliant and poverty-free Africa

POSITION SUMMARY

Nascent is seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated five-year U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Program that supports developing countries and emerging democracies to modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. This program has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. The candidate will ensure the U.S. agricultural commodities which are donated to the country are sold on the local and or regional markets and the proceeds used to implement interventions designed to support agriculture, economic, and infrastructure development in Cameroon.

The COP will provide overall strategic direction on the project regarding improved agriculture methods that ensure activities respond to challenges that impact productivity, food insecurity and market access. Other responsibilities will include establishing and maintaining systems for project operations, coordinating, and maintaining working relationships with government and other stakeholders, and overseeing technical and effective management of program resources.

Note: Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary point of contact with agencies and the Government of Cameroon on the day-to-day implementation and management of the program.

• Ensure the smooth functioning and coordination of all technical project components, finances, administration, outreach, monitoring and evaluation and reporting.

• Provide technical and management oversight on project personnel, consultants, the titular ministry, other multinationals, technical agencies, and participating organizations.

• Ensure compliance with donors, host government and organizational policies, regulations and procedures

• Ensure that all assistance provided under the agreement is technically sound and appropriate to respond to the identified needs.

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION AND COMMUNICATION

• Stay informed on the best practices and trends to ensure that they are incorporated into host government and donor priorities

• Oversee the production of communications and externally facing products, such as research papers, and participate in “communities of practice” to remain abreast with latest developments, standards, tools, and methodologies within the country.

• Represent the organization in relevant working groups, sector fora, conferences, high-level meetings, and serve as a technical reviewer of outreach products

• Lead the development and management of partnerships with potential donors, private sector and stakeholders.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• At least a Master’s Degree in Agriculture, International Development or related field .

• 10+ years of demonstrated experience successfully managing complex USG or other international donor programs, including a minimum of five (5) years of experience as Chief of Party (COP), Country Director, or equivalent; experience managing similar programs highly desired.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and collaborate with host governments, local communities, organizations, other development partners and stakeholders at all levels.

• Demonstrated experience with and/or collaboration with private sector/businesses or microfinance is highly desired.

• Proven ability to successfully manage and groom staff as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Ability to manage cooperative agreements, contracts, and grant-making programs in accordance with all reporting requirements.

• Ability to ensure effective internal controls in the day-to-day operations of the project.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including oral and written fluency in English and French

• Previous in-country experience is highly desirable.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to recruitment@nascents.org by July 15, 2025. Please include “Chief of Party-Cameroon” in the email subject line. CVs without cover letters will not be considered. Nationals of Cameroon are highly encouraged to apply. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Nascent Solutions provides equal opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.