Chief of Party II – Program Director, Rio Lempa Conservation

About the role

As Chief of Party II (Program Director) you will lead the Rio Lempa Conservation and Restoration Program, a 20‑year, $200 million initiative aimed at restoring ecosystem services and improving livelihoods across the Rio Lempa watershed in El Salvador. Reporting to the Program Supervisory Board, you will provide strategic vision, oversee implementation, and ensure coordination with government agencies and partners.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the program’s work plan, budget, and monitoring framework in alignment with its twin goals of ecosystem restoration and socio‑economic development.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of technical specialists, field staff, and consultants, fostering collaboration across water management, climate‑smart agriculture, and community development.
• Maintain active liaison with the Salvadoran Water Authority, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, and other key stakeholders to secure approvals, share data, and align activities with national policies.
• Oversee the implementation of conservation actions, including restoration of 90,000 ha of critical forest, regenerative farming on 75,000 ha, and green infrastructure on 5,000 ha.
• Track and report on performance indicators such as water quality, dry‑season flow, farm incomes, and governance capacity.
• Manage relationships with the co‑lead (CRS), the Fund Administrator (FIAES), and the U.S. Government mission, ensuring transparent communication and joint decision‑making.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in environmental science, natural resources management, agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing large‑scale, multi‑partner development programs in water resources, conservation, or rural livelihoods.
• Proven track record of delivering results in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments, preferably in Latin America.
• Strong understanding of ecosystem services, climate‑smart agriculture, and water governance frameworks.
• Fluent in English; Spanish proficiency highly desirable.

Required skills

• Strategic program planning and budgeting.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and results‑based management.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building.
• Leadership of multidisciplinary teams.