Deputy Chief of Party II - Programming

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's work encompasses various sectors, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency's mission is driven by a collaborative, mission-oriented culture that values the contributions of individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share a commitment to serving those in need. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The organization welcomes candidates from the regions in which it operates and prioritizes local talent, while also considering expatriate candidates based on the needs of the agency and the specific role.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Chief of Party II - Programming will play a pivotal role in the management and technical implementation of a large, complex, multi-country child development, care, and protection project aimed at serving vulnerable children, families, and communities. This position is crucial for ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming and advancing CRS's reputation as a leading agency in child protection and family strengthening. The Deputy Chief of Party will act on behalf of the Chief of Party when necessary, including representing the organization to donors. The role requires effective coordination among various teams, including technical, operations, MEAL, and partner teams, to ensure successful implementation and compliance with donor requirements. As a senior project leader, the Deputy Chief of Party will also manage programmatic risks and contribute to locally led systems change, government ownership, and adaptive management, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and milestones.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Chief of Party II - Programming will manage key aspects of project development, implementation, and consolidation under the guidance of the Chief of Party. Responsibilities include serving as a secondary point of contact for donors and stakeholders, managing project functions to meet donor expectations, ensuring adherence to CRS program quality standards, and providing leadership for technical implementation across participating countries. The role involves offering technical guidance and quality assurance to consortium partners and country teams, effectively managing and supervising project staff, and contributing to staffing plans and recruitment processes. The Deputy Chief of Party will also monitor national and regional issues that may impact programming, ensure compliance with safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies, and support safeguarding and accountability efforts. Additionally, the position requires maintaining relationships with consortium partners, promoting cross-country learning, and identifying training opportunities for staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area. A minimum of 5 years of relevant management and technical experience is required, along with at least 2 years of experience managing donor funds, including multi-country grants. Recognized technical expertise in the sector, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations, is essential. Experience in coaching and mentoring project staff, as well as successful management of complex, high-value projects, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical field. Advanced degrees may be preferred but are not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant management and technical experience, with at least 2 years specifically in managing donor funds and multi-country grants. Candidates should have a proven track record of successful management in complex project environments, particularly in the fields of child protection, child development, or care reform.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while fluency in French or Spanish is considered a plus. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication within the diverse teams and stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Baltimore, United States, and may involve travel of up to 35%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For successful candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. The agency emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The recruitment process reflects CRS's commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.