DT Institute is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for a USAID-funded project: Advancing Digital Democracy in Serbia. This program will support local stakeholders in fostering and strengthening "digital democracy" in Serbia, ensuring that the country’s digital transformation protects and champions citizens' fundamental democratic rights. The project will focus on addressing and building resilience to digital repression and supporting a rights-respecting digital transformation. 

The Chief of Party will be responsible for overall strategic and operational coordination of program activities. The ideal candidate should have a comprehensive understanding of issues related to managing a sub-award/sub-contract program that serves partners in developing countries supported by U.S. Government funding; strong management experience; problem-solving and interpersonal skills; and experience in budgeting and financial management. The COP will directly oversee the Deputy Chief of Party, Senior Digital Governance and Policy Advisor,  and other local project staff. This position will be based in Belgrade, Serbia. 

Responsibilities: 

• Provide overall leadership, project planning, and implementation, ensuring timely and high-quality expertise and deliverables for USAID. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for USAID and maintain a successful, positive relationship with the donor and other project partners. 

• Maintain a successful, positive relationship with the Serbian Government and independent oversight institutions. 

• Oversee central management and coordination of program interventions, working collaboratively with project partners, technical experts, and key domestic and international stakeholders. 

• Lead all planning and implementation of activities across the project, ensuring consistent, quality interventions across multiple regional sub-programs. 

• Provide management, strategic direction, and oversight to the activity’s technical, administrative, and financial performance. 

• Ensure quality assurance and quality control methods in a consistent and transparent manner for all contracted tasks and functions. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Graduate degree in a field relevant to governance, international affairs, public policy, or a related field. 15 years of experience managing, designing, and/or implementing projects related to civil society strengthening, digital rights, human rights, media freedom, freedom of expression, governance, and/or capacity building programs with U.S. Government or donor agencies. 

• 10 years of progressively responsible supervisory work experience, including direct supervision of professional and support staff. 

• Minimum of 5 years of field experience working in closed, conflict-sensitive, and fragile contexts. 

• Previous experience leading development projects required; previous experience working for international donors and institutions such as USAID, SIDA, EU, NDI, IRI, or GIZ on initiatives involving engagement with the Serbian state institutions preferred.    

• Experience managing complex teams and assignments and substantive experience managing and supporting large, complex multi-million dollar USAID programs. 

• Strong interpersonal, supervision, and written/oral communication skills. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Serbian and English. 

Core Competencies: 

• TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust, and commitment. 

• COMMUNICATION: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts. 

• ENTREPRENEURIAL: Takes initiative and is proactive in identifying opportunities and challenges. Demonstrates innovation and creativity in problem-solving and adapts quickly to changing environments and demands. 

• BENEFICIARY/DONOR FOCUSED: Anticipates, monitors, and meets the needs of project beneficiaries and donors and responds to them in an appropriate and responsive manner. 

• DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Conveys respect for diverse individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone fairly. 

• PROFESSIONALISM: Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity, and personal presentation in the workplace at all times. Demonstrates technical excellence and a results-driven approach, consistently achieving high standards and delivering impactful outcomes. 
  
  DT Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or national origin. DT Institute prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.