Chief of Party

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, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving individuals without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture that values the contributions of staff from diverse backgrounds and faiths, all united in their commitment to humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
As the Chief of Party, you will lead the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance program in Kenya, focusing on food-insecure and vulnerable populations, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Your role will involve providing strategic leadership and overall management of the program, ensuring high-quality programming that aligns with USDA requirements and emergency security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security objectives. You will act as the primary liaison with USDA/FAS, the U.S. Embassy, and national stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination with various partners to maximize impact and avoid duplication of efforts. Your expertise in commodity management and large-scale USG-funded programs will be crucial in delivering timely and quality results, while also managing security risks and ensuring compliance with donor expectations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities will include leading the development, implementation, and consolidation of the Food for Peace program, ensuring alignment with emergency food security objectives. You will oversee the design and implementation of interventions such as food distribution and nutrition support, manage commodity management systems, and ensure adherence to CRS program quality standards. Additionally, you will manage senior programming and operations staff, promote a safe and effective working environment, and ensure compliance with USDA/FAS grants. You will also be responsible for developing communication strategies, coordinating with consortium partners, and creating conditions for learning and capacity building among staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area, with a Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 5-8 years of relevant management and technical experience is required, including senior leadership roles on USDA or USG-funded programs. Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale commodity-based programs, strong expertise in commodity management systems, and experience with complex budgets and donor compliance are essential. Candidates should also have at least 2 years of staff management experience and the ability to foster a learning environment.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international development or International Relations is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree. This educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of international humanitarian work and program management.

Experience:
Candidates should have 5-8 years of relevant experience, particularly in senior leadership roles within USDA or USG-funded programs. Experience managing large-scale commodity-based programs and complex budgets is essential, along with a proven track record in commodity management and logistics. Familiarity with the Kenyan context or similar environments is preferred, as is experience in managing multi-partner consortia.

Languages:
English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent upon donor funding and may involve travel up to 30% to field locations, including remote ASAL counties. The role includes direct supervision of senior program and operations staff and oversight of consortium partners. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits will be based on the country of employment. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and candidates are expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.