Deputy Chief of Party II - Feed the Future Resilient Food Systems, DRC

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Position Title: Deputy Chief of Party II - Feed the Future Resilient Food Systems, DRC
Location: Tshimbulu, Kasai Central
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established in 1943, CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need across more than 100 countries, irrespective of race, religion, or nationality. The organization has a diverse workforce and operates various programs including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS has been active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1961, implementing programs that address nutrition, agriculture, livelihoods, emergency response, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), health, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring compliance with ethical standards in all its operations.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Chief of Party II will oversee the management of the Feed the Future Resilient Food Systems project, focusing on Agriculture and Market Systems Development. This role includes acting on behalf of the Chief of Party when necessary and representing the organization to donors and stakeholders. The Deputy Chief of Party II will ensure the delivery of high-quality programming, manage security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, and maintain the agency's reputation as a leader in agricultural development. The project aims to enhance economic growth in the agricultural sector, strengthen resilience at various levels, and improve nutritional conditions for women and children. The position requires a proactive approach to managing team dynamics and ensuring compliance with donor expectations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Chief of Party II will manage the development, implementation, and consolidation of the Feed the Future Flagship Agriculture Activity project. Responsibilities include serving as a point of contact for USAID and other stakeholders, ensuring timely and quality results, managing project functions, and adhering to CRS program quality standards. The role involves talent management, including coaching and mentoring staff, developing staffing plans, and overseeing recruitment processes. The Deputy Chief of Party II will also monitor national and regional issues that may impact programming, ensure compliance with USAID grants, maintain relationships with consortium partners, and create a conducive learning environment for staff. Additionally, the position requires identifying performance gaps and recommending training opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, natural resource management, international development, rural development, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of relevant management and technical experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or food systems/value chain development projects is required. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience managing donor funds, including multi-country grants, and demonstrate strong knowledge in budget management. Recognized technical expertise in the sector, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations, is essential. Experience in managing complex, high-value projects with complicated logistics and staff management abilities conducive to a learning environment is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, natural resource management, international development, rural development, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and the challenges faced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant management and technical experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or food systems/value chain development projects. This experience should include at least 5 years of managing donor funds, particularly in multi-country contexts, and a proven track record of successful management of complex projects with significant logistical challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, along with at least professional proficiency in French. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders, donors, and team members in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where both languages are commonly used in professional settings.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent upon donor funding and approval of the candidate. The role is based in Tshimbulu, Kasai Central, and may require travel up to 35%. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations. The position may involve supervisory responsibilities for 3-6 direct reports and requires a strong commitment to personal accountability, integrity, and collaboration within diverse teams. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.