Chief of Party I

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, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. CRS also prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, ensuring local engagement and ownership of its programs.

Job Overview:
As Chief of Party I, you will lead and manage the USDA McGovern Dole Food for Education (MGD/FFE) project in Pakistan, specifically in the Sindh province. This role involves providing strategic leadership and ensuring the successful implementation of the project, which aims to develop a sustainable school feeding program alongside literacy, nutrition, and WASH interventions. You will be responsible for maintaining high-quality programming, managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, and ensuring compliance with donor expectations. Your leadership will also involve engaging with government stakeholders and fostering partnerships to enhance project sustainability and impact. The position requires a proactive approach to managing team dynamics and ensuring adherence to CRS program quality standards, while also promoting a culture of learning and development within the team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and consolidation of the MGD/FFE project, ensuring alignment with industry thought leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison with USDA and other stakeholders, advocating for sustainable project interventions.
• Ensure project design meets donor expectations for quality results and budget management.
• Coordinate between program and operations teams to ensure effective implementation.
• Manage senior programming and operations staff, providing coaching and mentoring to foster a positive work environment.
• Monitor national and regional issues to mitigate risks to staff and programming.
• Ensure compliance with USDA grants and manage financial tracking and reporting.
• Develop communication strategies that comply with donor branding requirements.
• Coordinate with consortium partners and facilitate collaborative planning workshops. 1
• Create a safe environment for learning and sharing ideas, identifying training opportunities for staff development.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to see the big picture.
• Excellent relationship management skills, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven team leadership abilities, particularly with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
• Proactive and results-oriented mindset, with a focus on solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex, high-value projects with logistical challenges.
• Knowledge of the Pakistani context and experience in engaging local partners is desirable.
• Proficiency in MS Office and budget management systems is essential.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in International Development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area is required, with a PhD preferred. This educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of international development and program management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant management and technical experience at a senior level, particularly in complex programs. A minimum of 5 years of experience managing donor funds, specifically with USDA or USAID Title II, is highly preferred. Additionally, candidates should have 5 years of staff management experience, demonstrating the ability to foster a learning environment and coach senior program staff effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Working ability in a Pakistani language is desirable, which would enhance communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is anticipated to be based in Karachi, with a travel requirement of up to 30% to project sites and occasional visits to Islamabad. The role involves supervisory responsibilities over program, operations, finance/grants, MEAL, and government liaison leads, depending on project needs. 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., benefits are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.