Chief of Party I

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. The organization prioritizes candidates from the countries and regions in which it operates, ensuring that its workforce is representative of the communities it serves. The anticipated duration of assignments for expatriates is informed by term limits based on job type and agency needs.

Job Overview:
As Chief of Party I, you will provide leadership and overall management of the McGovern Dole Food for Education (MGD/FFE) project, which aims to serve the poor and vulnerable populations. Your role will involve ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming and advancing CRS's position as a leading agency in the school feeding programming field. You will be responsible for motivating and managing the project team to ensure project success while drawing on lessons learned to inform adaptive management. As a senior leader, you will proactively manage and mitigate security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, ensuring that all staff understand and adhere to safety and security policies. Your leadership will be crucial in maximizing the project's impact and meeting donor expectations, including timely and quality reporting, results tracking, and budget management. You will also oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, ensuring compliance with donor branding and marketing requirements. Your role will require seamless coordination between programmatic and operational leads and staff, as well as effective management of senior programming and operations talent.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead all aspects of the development, implementation, and consolidation of the MGD/FFE project. Represent CRS as the primary point of contact to USDA and other stakeholders. Ensure project implementation maximizes impact and meets donor expectations. Manage project budgets, ensuring compliance with USDA grants and financial tracking. Oversee staffing plans and recruitment processes for senior project staff. Promote a safe environment for sharing ideas and solutions, and identify performance gaps and training opportunities. Ensure adherence to CRS program quality standards and MEAL policies. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being, providing coaching and mentoring. Monitor national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming, and ensure compliance with CRS safeguarding and protection policies. Develop communication strategies and coordinate relationships with consortium partner organizations. Create conditions for learning and quality improvements within the project team.

Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. Candidates should have 5-8 years of relevant management and technical experience, including 5 years of experience managing donor funds and multi-country grants. Strong knowledge and experience in budget management are essential, along with 5 years of staff management experience conducive to a learning environment. Experience in coaching senior program staff is also required. Preferred qualifications include being a recognized leader in the sector, demonstrated experience in successful program management, and the ability to engage and strengthen partnerships.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The position requires 5-8 years of relevant management and technical experience, with at least 5 years of experience managing donor funds, including multi-country grants. Candidates should have a strong background in budget management and staff management, with experience in coaching senior program staff.

Languages:
Fluent English is required for this position. A working ability (oral and written) in French or Spanish is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on funding confirmation. The role involves supervisory responsibilities and requires the candidate to be willing and able to travel up to 30%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits for candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct, reflecting the agency's commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults.