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 has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its policies reflect this commitment. The organization prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, and its processes ensure the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party II position at CRS is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the anticipated USDA Non-Emergency Food for Peace projects. These multi-year, development-focused initiatives aim to combat chronic and acute malnutrition, particularly among children and mothers, while also strengthening community resilience and recovery. The Chief of Party II will provide strategic vision and leadership, ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming that aligns with CRS's mission and enhances its reputation as a leading agency in the field. This role requires proactive management of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks and the ability to navigate complex project environments. The Chief of Party II will serve as the primary liaison with donors and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with donor expectations and fostering collaboration among program and operations teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party II will lead all aspects of project development, implementation, and consolidation, ensuring alignment with industry thought leadership. Key responsibilities include serving as the primary contact for donors and stakeholders, ensuring project design meets donor expectations, and leading coordination between program and operations teams. The incumbent will manage team dynamics, provide coaching and mentoring, and oversee staffing plans and recruitment processes. Risk management is crucial, requiring monitoring of national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming. The Chief of Party II will ensure compliance with donor grants, manage financial tracking, and represent CRS in international forums. Additionally, the role involves developing communication strategies, managing relationships with consortium partners, and fostering a learning environment within the organization.

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 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 and 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 reflect a strong foundation in international development or related disciplines, equipping candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively lead complex projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant management and technical experience, with at least 7 years specifically in managing donor funds across multiple countries. Experience in leading complex projects with significant logistical challenges is essential, as is a proven track record of successful program management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Depending on the final geographic locations determined by the donor, fluency in a local language may also be required. This linguistic capability will enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is not remote and will be based in the applicable country of assignment, contingent upon donor funding and project confirmation. The Chief of Party II will be expected to travel up to 35%, with travel requirements varying by award, country, and security context. 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 will be based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment will be informed by a term limit based on the job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and candidates are expected to adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct.