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 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 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 abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to ethical practices in all its operations.

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 with safeguarding and risk management protocols. This position also involves proactive security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management and promoting sustainable, locally led systems change. The Chief of Party II will work closely with various stakeholders, including donors, government entities, and consortium partners, to ensure the project's success and alignment with CRS's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party II will lead the development, implementation, and consolidation of the project, ensuring strategic leadership for multi-country implementation. Responsibilities include serving as the primary contact with donors and stakeholders, ensuring project design meets donor expectations, and leading coordination efforts between program and operations teams. The Chief of Party will monitor project milestones, manage team dynamics, provide coaching and mentoring, oversee staffing plans, and ensure compliance with safety and security policies. Additionally, the Chief of Party will represent CRS in international forums, manage relationships with consortium partners, promote cross-country learning, and identify training opportunities for staff. The role requires a focus on risk management and ensuring strong performance from all project 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 a minimum of 5 years of staff management experience conducive to a learning environment. Experience in coaching and mentoring senior program staff, as well as demonstrated success in managing complex, high-value projects, is essential. Established leadership in the sector, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations, is preferred.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a Master’s degree in a related area preferred. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of managing child development and protection projects, emphasizing international development and relations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, including significant management experience in international development contexts. Experience managing multi-country projects and donor funds is crucial, along with a proven track record of successful program management in complex environments. Experience working internationally, particularly in regions such as Latin America, Africa, or Asia, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while fluency in Spanish or French is considered a plus. Strong communication skills in these languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent upon the successful award of the project. The Chief of Party II will be expected to travel up to 35% of the time. 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 anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates will be informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring ethical practices in all operations.