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Position Title: Deputy Chief of Party II Operations - 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 works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization employs thousands of individuals globally and operates 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, implementing programs that address nutrition, agriculture, livelihoods, health, and sanitation, among others. The organization is committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring that its operations adhere to high ethical standards.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Chief of Party II Operations (DCOP – Ops) for the Feed the Future Flagship Agriculture Activity project will play a crucial role in supporting the Chief of Party (COP) by overseeing all aspects of contractual, financial, compliance, procurement, and administrative management of the FtF Resilient Food Systems project. This position is vital for ensuring that all CRS and USAID requirements for budget planning, monitoring, and reporting are met in a timely manner. The DCOP – Ops will work closely with various departments within CRS and partner organizations, requiring extensive experience in managing USAID-funded projects, particularly in Financial Management, accounting, procurement, and compliance. The role demands a strategic mindset and the ability to navigate complex project environments while ensuring adherence to regulations and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DCOP – Ops will manage all aspects of the project including contractual, financial, compliance, human resources, security, logistics, procurement, and administrative functions. Key responsibilities include serving as a point of contact for USAID and other stakeholders, overseeing sub-award management, ensuring adherence to CRS program quality standards, and facilitating effective communication across project teams. The DCOP – Ops will also be responsible for managing project operations talent, providing coaching, developing staffing plans, and ensuring compliance with USAID regulations. Additionally, the role involves risk management, maintaining relationships with partner organizations, and creating a conducive learning environment for staff development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Economics, International Development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area. A minimum of 7 years of relevant management and technical experience in contracts, finance, compliance, procurement, logistics, human resources, security, and administration of United States government funds is required. Strong preference will be given to candidates with USAID contracts experience and demonstrated success in managing complex, high-value projects. Candidates should also have strong knowledge of budget management and financial systems, as well as experience in staff management and coaching.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or International Development. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management and compliance in the context of international Development Projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, particularly in managing contracts, finance, compliance, and procurement within USAID-funded projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of successful management of complex projects, demonstrating their ability to navigate logistical challenges and ensure compliance with donor regulations.

Languages:
Proficiency in both French and English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on donor funding and approval of the candidate. The role is based in Kinshasa, DRC, and may require travel up to 50% of the time within the country. The position is being posted both internationally and locally, with a preference for Congolese nationals. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations. The supervisory responsibilities for this role are yet to be determined but are likely to include managing 2-3 staff members.