Project Director, Combating Organized Crime and Violence, Ecuador

Description Project Director, Combating Organized Crime and Violence, Ecuador Position Description About PADF The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For over 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region. Position Overview PADF aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of Ecuadorian institutions to deter, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), while continuing to prevent child and adolescent recruitment and strengthen community trust in the Ecuadorian National Police (ENP). To support these efforts, PADF is seeking a Project Director, who will be responsible for leading and overseeing the implementation of the project. This position is based in Ecuador and reports directly to the Peace, Justice, and Security thematic area lead. This position is open to both Ecuadorian nationals and international candidates. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide strategic and operational leadership for project implementation across all three objectives, ensuring effective collaboration with the ENP, the Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General's Office, and prioritized municipal governments to deter, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. Serve as the primary point of contact with INL, the donor, and key institutional counterparts, including coordination mechanisms such as the National Committee for the Prevention of Children and Adolescents Recruitment (COPRUUNNA). Oversee technical assistance to the ENP for the implementation of its new policing service model and to the ENP Investigations Directorate and the Attorney General's Office for the investigation and prosecution of recruitment cases. Oversee the independent evaluator's baseline and endline perception surveys and ensure evaluation findings inform adaptive management and donor reporting. Maintain ongoing communication with program participants, including ENP personnel, MOI and municipal officials, community members, and local partners, and ensure activities comply with Leahy Vetting requirements. Ensure that project funds allocated to work plan activities are properly managed, tracked, and documented in accordance with PADF’s policies. Prepare and submit all required program documentation, including implementation reports, financial expenditures, correspondence, and quarterly reports, in a timely manner. Perform other duties as assigned. Competencies Nurture knowledge – Models continuous learning, builds systems that institutionalize knowledge, and uses insights to drive strategic decisions. Be creative and promote creativity – Drives a culture of innovation and aligns creative initiatives with organizational strategy. Lead & inspire – Inspires at organizational scale through values-driven leadership. Adapt – Leads strategic adaptation, anticipating change and ensuring organizational agility. Optimize resources – Drives organizational excellence through strategic resource allocation and systems that support continuous improvement. Communicate effectively – Communicates vision, strategy, and priorities with clarity and inspiration to diverse internal and external audiences. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Government, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, or a related field required. A dvanced degree (master's or higher) is strongly preferred. Ten (10) or more years of professional experience in the field of citizen security, counter-narcotics, or the prevention and disruption of transnational organized crime. Demonstrated experience leading military and/or police organizations or forces. Experience working with the public sector and international development organizations. Extensive experience designing and implementing public security strategies. Demonstrated ability to contribute creatively, flexibly, and proactively to building a new organization while fostering collaborative partnerships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders. Sound judgment and strong leadership and team-building skills. Strong commitment to program excellence. Professional fluency in both English and Spanish. More About PADF PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962.  www.padf.org PADF’s core values. “ H-E-A-R-T ”  = Honesty, Excellence, Authenticity, Respect, and Trust.   EEO Statement. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate based on ability, age, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. PADF is committed to safeguarding employees and those we serve, addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment. We take an intersectional approach, promote gender equality, and follow our Global Code of Conduct emphasizing our H.E.A.R.T. values. The code covers various aspects, including anti-trafficking, PSEAH (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment), whistleblowing, and online safety. PADF is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualifications Skills Behaviors : Motivations : Education Experience Licenses & Certifications Who We Are