Job Advertisement

Position Title: Chief of Party I
Location: Ngozi Province
Country: Burundi
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 across more than 100 countries. CRS operates without regard to race, religion, or nationality, focusing on relief and development work through various programs including Emergency response, health, Agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization has been active in Burundi since 1961, implementing projects that address education, social cohesion, Emergency Response, and community economic empowerment, among others. CRS employs around 60 staff members in Burundi and collaborates closely with local partners and government structures to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
As Chief of Party I, you will lead and manage the Itongo Ryanje Itunga Ryanje program, pending a successful bid for the award. This role requires strong leadership and technical expertise to ensure high-quality programming that positions CRS as a leader in market-driven economic empowerment for women in the agriculture sector. You will be responsible for managing security risks, ensuring compliance with donor expectations, and fostering a collaborative environment among staff and stakeholders. Your leadership will also involve mentoring and coaching team members, overseeing recruitment processes, and ensuring adherence to safety and Security Policies. This position is crucial for the successful implementation of the program and for maintaining CRS's reputation in the sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party I will lead the development, implementation, and consolidation of the Itongo Ryanje Itunga Ryanje project. Responsibilities include serving as the primary contact for USAID and other stakeholders, ensuring project Design meets donor expectations, coordinating program and operations leads, and adhering to CRS program quality standards. You will manage senior programming and operations talent, oversee recruitment, and ensure staff well-being. Additionally, you will monitor risks, ensure compliance with USAID grants, approve expenditures, and develop communication strategies. The role also involves coordinating with consortium partners, creating a learning environment, and identifying training opportunities for staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage relationships effectively at all levels. Leadership abilities in diverse teams, coaching skills, and strong communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate should be proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented, with a proven track record in Program Management and partnership engagement. Familiarity with CRS partnership strategies is a plus, along with proficiency in MS Office and budget Management Systems.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in International Development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area is required, with a PhD preferred. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their ability to manage complex projects and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant management and technical experience, including 5 years of managing donor funds and multi-country grants. Candidates should have experience in budget management and staff management, with a focus on creating a conducive learning environment. Experience in coaching senior program staff is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is required for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is critical to the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Ngozi Province, Burundi, and requires a willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time. Supervisory responsibilities will be determined based on the needs of the program. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where they operate, and the anticipated duration of assignments for expatriates will be informed by agency needs and job level.