Chief of Party II - ChildSafe

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 focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to the dignity and rights of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party II will lead a large, complex, multi-country child development, care, and protection project aimed at serving vulnerable children, families, and communities. This role requires strategic leadership and overall management to ensure high-quality programming and to position CRS as a leader in child protection and family strengthening. The Chief of Party will be accountable for project performance, milestone achievement, donor engagement, and compliance, while also managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks and promoting sustainable, locally led systems change. The position demands a proactive approach to managing project dynamics and ensuring alignment across various stakeholders and countries involved in the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party II will oversee all aspects of project development and implementation, ensuring strategic leadership for multi-country efforts. Responsibilities include serving as the primary contact for donors and stakeholders, ensuring project design meets donor expectations, leading coordination between program and operations teams, monitoring project milestones, managing team dynamics, and ensuring compliance with safety and security policies. The Chief of Party will also oversee the development of communication strategies, manage relationships with consortium partners, promote cross-country learning, and identify training opportunities for staff. Additionally, the role involves approving program expenditures and ensuring alignment with project objectives and donor requirements.

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, along with at least 7 years of experience managing donor funds, including multi-country grants. Candidates should have excellent budget management skills, a minimum of 5 years of staff management experience, and a proven track record in successful program management. Experience in coaching and mentoring senior program staff is also essential, as well as established leadership in the sector demonstrated through publications and presentations.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is mandatory, while a Master’s degree in a related area is preferred. The educational background should align with international development or technical areas relevant to child protection and development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant management and technical experience, with at least 7 years specifically in managing donor funds and multi-country grants. Candidates should have a strong background in managing complex, high-value projects and experience in coaching and mentoring senior staff. Experience working internationally, particularly in regions such as Latin America, Africa, or Asia, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additionally, fluency in Spanish or French is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is contingent upon the successful award of the project, and there is a strong preference for candidates located in the Washington D.C. area. The role may involve travel up to 35%. 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 emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.