Deputy Chief of Party II - Feed the Future Flagship Agricultural Activity, DRC

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Position Title: Deputy Chief of Party II - Feed the Future Flagship Agricultural Activity, DRC
Location: Kinshasa
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 operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives in need without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization has a diverse workforce and implements programs in various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS has been active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1961, addressing critical issues such as poverty, malnutrition, and health crises.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Chief of Party II will oversee the management and implementation of the Feed the Future Flagship Agriculture Activity project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This role involves acting on behalf of the Chief of Party when necessary and ensuring high-quality programming that aligns with CRS's mission and donor expectations. The Deputy Chief of Party will be responsible for managing key aspects of the project, including stakeholder engagement, compliance with USAID grants, and fostering a safe and productive work environment for staff. The position requires a strategic approach to managing risks and ensuring the well-being of team members while promoting the efficient use of resources.

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. Key responsibilities include serving as a point of contact for USAID and other stakeholders, ensuring timely and quality results, managing project budgets, and adhering to CRS program quality standards. The role also involves supervising staff, providing coaching and mentoring, managing team dynamics, and contributing to the recruitment process for senior staff. Additionally, the Deputy Chief of Party will monitor national and regional issues that may impact programming and staff safety, maintain relationships with consortium partners, and create a conducive learning environment for staff development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in agriculture or a related field, with a strong preference for those with degrees in International Development or International Relations. A minimum of 7 years of relevant management and technical experience is required, including at least 5 years managing donor funds and multi-country grants. Strong knowledge of budget management and previous experience with USAID-funded contracts are highly desired. Candidates should demonstrate recognized technical expertise in the agricultural sector, successful management of complex projects, and the ability to foster a learning environment among staff.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in agriculture is strongly preferred, although degrees in International Development, International Relations, or other relevant technical areas will also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of agricultural practices and market systems development.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant management and technical experience, with a focus on managing donor funds and complex projects. Candidates should have experience in overseeing multi-activity projects and demonstrated success in managing teams and fostering a learning environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with at least professional proficiency in French. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and team members in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on donor funding and approval. The role may involve travel up to 35%, primarily within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Deputy Chief of Party II will likely supervise between 3-6 direct reports and will work closely with various internal and external stakeholders, including donors, partner organizations, and government entities. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, and promotes an inclusive work environment.