Project Director (Chief of Party II)

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 welcomes staff from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. The organization has a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally, and it operates with a strong focus on integrity and accountability. The agency has a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff and tailors benefits for those employed outside the U.S. based on local standards. The anticipated duration of assignments for expatriates is informed by job type and agency needs, and CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates.

Job Overview:
The Project Director (Chief of Party II) will lead the Pathways to Resilience 2.0 project, a significant initiative with a budget of $15 million over four years, aimed at enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and resilience among farming households in Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. This role requires strategic leadership and management to ensure high-quality programming and compliance with donor expectations. The COP will oversee project design and implementation, ensuring alignment with the goals of the Water Smart Agriculture platform. The position demands proactive risk management, effective communication with stakeholders, and the ability to represent the project to donors and partners. The COP will also be responsible for fostering a positive team environment, mentoring staff, and ensuring adherence to safety and security policies. The role is critical in advancing CRS's position as a leader in Market System Development and requires a commitment to continuous improvement in agricultural programming and resilience initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party II will lead all aspects of the project, including start-up, implementation, and consolidation. Key responsibilities include serving as the primary contact with donors, ensuring project compliance with design specifications, and managing program quality standards. The COP will coordinate efforts between program and operations teams, manage team dynamics, and provide coaching and mentoring to senior staff. They will oversee staffing plans, recruitment processes, and adaptive management strategies to address challenges and seize opportunities. The COP will also ensure compliance with donor grants, manage financial tracking, and oversee partner budgets. Additionally, the role involves representing CRS in international forums, developing communication strategies, and maintaining relationships with consortium partners. The COP will establish a governance structure for the project, promote a learning environment, and identify training opportunities for staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area. A minimum of 8 years of relevant management and technical experience is required, including at least 7 years managing donor funds and multi-country grants. Candidates should have excellent budget management skills and at least 5 years of experience in staff management, fostering a learning environment. Experience in coaching and mentoring senior program staff is essential. Strong communication, analytical, and strategic thinking skills are necessary, along with the ability to manage diverse teams and relationships effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international development or International Relations. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred, particularly for candidates seeking to demonstrate advanced knowledge and leadership in the sector.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in management and technical roles, with a strong background in managing donor funds and multi-country projects. Experience in leading market systems development and engaging with various stakeholders, including private sector actors and government officials, is highly desirable. Proven success in managing complex, high-value projects is essential, along with experience in coaching and mentoring senior staff.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly for candidates working in diverse cultural contexts across the project regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as Key Personnel and is contingent on donor approval and funding. The role involves direct supervision of senior project staff across multiple countries and requires travel up to 30% in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and potentially other countries in the region. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, and candidates are expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.