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 serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries worldwide, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives. 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 and mission-oriented culture, welcoming individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from exploitation and abuse, ensuring that its processes reflect this commitment. The organization prioritizes candidates from the regions in which it operates, and its talent acquisition procedures emphasize the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Chief of Party II - Programming will play a crucial 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 pivotal in ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming and advancing CRS's reputation as a leading agency in child protection and early childhood development. The Deputy Chief of Party will act on behalf of the Chief of Party when necessary, including representing the organization globally to donors. The role requires effective coordination among various teams, including technical, operations, MEAL, and partners, to ensure successful project implementation, sustainability, and compliance with donor requirements. As a senior project leader, the Deputy Chief of Party II will proactively manage programmatic risks and contribute to systems change, cross-country learning, and government ownership, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and milestones.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Chief of Party, the Deputy Chief of Party II will manage key aspects of project development, implementation, and consolidation. 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 supervising and mentoring project staff, managing team dynamics, 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 efforts by integrating child protection principles into all activities. 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. Preferred qualifications include experience in engaging partners, managing multi-country opportunities with high-profile donors, and working internationally in regions such as Latin America, Africa, or Asia.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of child development, care, and protection projects, as well as the management of donor-funded initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant management and technical experience, with at least 2 years specifically focused on managing donor funds and multi-country grants. Candidates should have a proven track record of successful project management, particularly in complex and high-value initiatives, demonstrating their ability to navigate the challenges associated with such roles.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while fluency in French or Spanish is considered a plus. This language proficiency is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and partners across different countries 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 candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS has offices, and all positions requiring travel outside a home country must undergo pre-employment medical clearance.