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Position Title: Chief of Party II - Feed the Future Resilient Food Systems, 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, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various relief and development 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, health, and sanitation, among others. The organization is committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring ethical practices in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party II will provide strategic vision and leadership for the Feed the Future Resilient Food Systems project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This role involves overseeing the project's implementation, ensuring it meets donor expectations, and managing relationships with various stakeholders, including USAID and local partners. The Chief of Party will be responsible for high-quality programming that supports the poor and vulnerable populations in the DRC, particularly in the provinces of Kongo Central and Kasai Central. The project aims to enhance Economic Growth in the agriculture sector, improve nutritional conditions for women and children, and strengthen agricultural market systems. The Chief of Party will also manage security risks and ensure compliance with CRS policies and donor regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party II will lead the development and implementation of the Feed the Future Flagship Agriculture Activity project. Key responsibilities include serving as the primary contact for USAID and other stakeholders, ensuring project Design and implementation meet donor expectations, managing senior programming and operations staff, overseeing compliance with CRS program quality standards, and promoting efficient use of agency resources. The Chief of Party will also represent CRS in international forums, publish program results, manage relationships with consortium partners, and create a learning environment for staff. Additionally, the role involves identifying performance gaps, providing training opportunities, and ensuring adherence to safety and Security Policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, International Development, International Relations, Rural Development, or a related field, with a PhD preferred. A minimum of 10 years of relevant management and technical experience is required, including at least 7 years managing donor funds and multi-country grants. Candidates should have excellent budget management skills, prior USAID Contract Management experience, and at least 5 years of staff management experience. Strong coaching and mentoring abilities are essential, along with a commitment to fostering a learning environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, International Development, or Rural Development. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant management and technical experience, with at least 7 years in managing donor funds, including multi-country grants. Experience in leading similar activities that support food security and nutrition, organizational strengthening, resilience, and food systems development is highly desirable. The role also requires experience in managing complex, high-value projects with intricate logistics.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills in French being highly desirable. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and team members.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on donor funding and approval of the candidate. The Chief of Party II will be based in Kinshasa and must be willing to travel up to 50%, primarily within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The role involves supervisory responsibilities for 3 Deputy Chiefs of Party and other staff members. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and requires adherence to its Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.