Job Summary
As Chief of Party, you will lead and oversee the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance initiative in Kenya, delivering critical support to food-insecure and vulnerable populations, including those in arid and semi-arid regions. Your leadership, administrative expertise, and technical proficiency—especially in commodity management and large-scale U.S. government-funded programs—will drive the implementation of high-impact programming while strengthening CRS’s standing as a premier emergency food assistance organization. In this senior role, you will take a proactive approach to managing security protocols and mitigating potential risks.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a critical role within our organization, where you will be responsible for executing a variety of key tasks and contributing to the overall success of the team. Your primary duties will include overseeing daily operations, managing project timelines, and ensuring adherence to company standards and policies. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive efficiency, resolve complex issues, and support strategic initiatives that align with our business objectives. Proficiency in relevant software tools, strong analytical skills, and exceptional communication abilities are essential for this position. This role demands a proactive approach, meticulous attention to detail, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of professionalism.
Direct the entirety of the Food for Peace program’s development, implementation, and consolidation in Kenya while ensuring full alignment with emergency food security goals and USDA compliance requirements.
Act as the principal liaison between the USDA/FAS, the U.S. Embassy, and key national stakeholders, which include the National Drought Management Authority (CDMA), relevant line ministries, and humanitarian coordination platforms.
Collaborate effectively with public, private, and non-governmental partners to enhance overall impact while ensuring efforts are not duplicated.
The project must be designed and executed to fulfill donor requirements regarding timely, high-quality deliverables and budget adherence, incorporating phase-out and sustainability strategies, beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and nutrition outcomes. Additionally, it is essential to supervise the implementation of suitable interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities—in alignment with emergency needs.
Offer strategic and technical guidance across all commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance in Mombasa, inland transport, storage, and distribution.
Ensure seamless communication and collaboration between program and operations leads to maintain alignment. Verify adherence to CRS program quality standards in accordance with MEAL policies and procedures.
You are responsible for overseeing high-performing programming and operations teams while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. This role involves guiding team dynamics, ensuring staff well-being, and delivering targeted coaching and mentorship. You will create and execute personalized development plans, conduct thorough performance evaluations for direct reports, and oversee the creation of strategic staffing plans. Additionally, you will lead the recruitment and onboarding process for senior-level personnel.
Oversee risk mitigation by continuously tracking national and regional developments that could affect staff or programs. Verify that all personnel are fully informed of and comply with CRS safety and security policies and procedures, and maintain these plans to reflect the most current standards.
Maintain and demonstrate a dedication to the prudent and responsible utilization of agency and donor funds. Ensure adherence to USDA/FAS grant requirements—including compliance with 2 CFR 200—through diligent financial tracking, oversight of partner budgets, finance, administration, and accurate reporting to USDA. Authorize program expenditures, budget modifications, and donor cost adjustment requests.
Develop and manage communication strategies and materials in adherence to USDA branding and marking guidelines, guaranteeing accurate recognition of U.S. Government contributions in program documentation and beneficiary outreach.
Collaborate with consortium partner organizations to cultivate strong relationships, oversee the arrangement of review and planning workshops, and support the coordination of roles and activities among staff from other consortium member organizations, ensuring alignment with CRS partnership principles during implementation.
Develop and uphold optimal conditions conducive to learning while fostering a secure setting that encourages the open exchange of ideas, solutions, and challenges. Enhance the ability to promptly identify, evaluate, and address any deficiencies. Evaluate performance gaps and training needs for CRS and partner staff, ensuring the creation and implementation of top-tier training programs and technical support.
Qualifications
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard software and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of meeting deadlines and managing multiple priorities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related technical field is required, with a master’s degree considered advantageous.
Requires 5 to 8 years of pertinent management and technical expertise, with a focus on senior leadership positions in programs funded by the USDA or USG.
Proven track record in overseeing extensive commodity-focused initiatives, such as Food for Peace or the USDA McGovern-Dole program, is required.
Demonstrated proficiency in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations is required.
Proven expertise in overseeing intricate financial plans, ensuring adherence to donor requirements, and maintaining rigorous fiscal control.
With a minimum of two years in leadership roles within a team setting, you possess a strong aptitude for fostering an environment that prioritizes growth and development. Additionally, you have a proven track record of mentoring senior-level program staff, demonstrating your ability to guide experienced professionals toward achieving their full potential.
Preferred Qualifications include a minimum of five years of relevant experience in a similar role, along with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, as is the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and a proven track record of delivering measurable results. Familiarity with regulatory compliance and best practices in the field is highly desirable, as is the capacity to adapt to evolving industry standards. Exceptional communication and leadership abilities are required to drive project success and mentor junior team members.
Renowned authority within the field, evidenced by contributions to peer-reviewed journals, invited lectures at leading academic conferences, and other scholarly presentations.
Candidates should possess prior professional experience in Kenya or comparable environments, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (BASAL regions) or within emergency response initiatives.
Proven expertise in coordinating and leading multipartner consortia, with a strong focus on fostering and enhancing strategic partnerships to drive collective success. Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
Professional Rewriting:
Experience in navigating Kenya’s governmental frameworks, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county-level administrative bodies, is required.
Demonstrated expertise in addressing food security challenges or leading impactful humanitarian initiatives.
Experienced in fostering collaborations and enhancing partner relationships. Familiarity with CRS partnership strategy is advantageous.
Proven track record in overseeing program management initiatives, particularly those involving intricate, high-value, multi-faceted projects with demanding logistical requirements.
Proven proficiency in overseeing commodity management and coordinating food aid logistics is essential for this role.
Proficient in understanding and applying USG compliance frameworks as well as donor regulations is required.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in representing the organization at senior levels and delivering high-impact presentations.
Proficient in utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Vision, alongside web conferencing platforms and specialized information and budget management systems.
Proven expertise in relevant disciplines, coupled with strong technical capabilities and effective interpersonal skills, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in specified areas, along with the ability to analyze complex information and solve problems efficiently. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to articulate ideas clearly and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, adaptability to changing priorities, and a commitment to continuous learning in a dynamic environment. Prior experience in a similar capacity is highly desirable, as is the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency.
Demonstrates exceptional strategic and analytical capabilities, coupled with robust systems thinking and problem-solving expertise, enabling a comprehensive perspective and the capacity to deliver well-reasoned judgments and decisions.
Strong interpersonal skills are essential, with the capacity to engage effectively with individuals across all organizational levels, both internally and externally. You will adopt a strategic mindset in cultivating and nurturing each relationship, ensuring alignment with broader objectives.
Proven ability to lead teams with diverse backgrounds and cross-functional expertise. Demonstrates strong coaching capabilities to develop and mentor team members effectively.
Exceptional interpersonal and public speaking abilities are essential, enabling the creation of customized, compelling messaging for diverse stakeholders.
Results-driven, highly motivated, and adept at identifying innovative solutions, this role demands a proactive approach, strong resourcefulness, and an unwavering focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for this role.
Must be available to undertake travel up to 30% to field locations, which may include remote BASAL counties.
Agency-wide Essential Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Demonstrate unwavering commitment to CRS’s mission, embodying its values of integrity, service, and excellence. Exhibit proficiency in cross-cultural communication and collaboration, adapting seamlessly to diverse environments. Maintain a results-driven mindset, prioritizing accountability and continuous improvement. Foster inclusive leadership by empowering teams and promoting equity in all initiatives. Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex challenges effectively. Uphold ethical standards with transparency and professionalism in every endeavor.
Demonstrates unwavering personal accountability by consistently owning and accepting responsibility for individual actions and decisions.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the core values outlined in the CRS Guiding Principles and upholding the organization’s mission with honesty and transparency.
Demonstrates reliability by aligning actions with commitments, thereby fostering trust and credibility within the team and with stakeholders.
Forges strong partnerships by actively engaging with colleagues from varied cultural and demographic backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and collaborative team environment.
Open-minded and eager to expand knowledge, actively pursues opportunities for personal and professional growth that may challenge existing viewpoints or introduce novel insights.
Agency Leadership Competencies encompass the essential skills and attributes required for effective leadership within the agency. These competencies include strategic vision, operational excellence, financial acumen, and talent management. Leaders are expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Additionally, they must exhibit adaptability, problem-solving capabilities, and a commitment to fostering innovation and continuous improvement. Ethical decision-making, accountability, and a deep understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks are also critical requirements for success in this role.
Drive transformation by proactively identifying opportunities to enhance the agency’s operations through a culture rooted in agility, transparency, and forward-thinking innovation.
Fosters the Growth and Acknowledgment of Others – Empowers team members to maximize their capabilities while elevating overall team and organizational effectiveness.
Maintains a strategic perspective, effectively articulating and operationalizing agency strategy and team priorities within their role.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
