Job Summary
As Chief of Party, you will lead and oversee the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance program in Kenya, delivering critical support to food-insecure and vulnerable populations, including those in arid and semi-arid lands (Nasals). Leveraging your leadership, management, and technical expertise—particularly in commodity management and large-scale USG-funded initiatives—you will ensure the execution of high-quality programming while strengthening CRS’s reputation as a premier agency in emergency food assistance. In this senior role, you will also prioritize proactive security management and risk mitigation to safeguard operations and personnel.
We are seeking a qualified candidate to fulfill this role, which encompasses a range of critical duties and responsibilities. The position necessitates the ability to manage and coordinate projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget constraints. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives, fostering effective communication and synergy. Responsibilities include analyzing data to inform strategic decisions, identifying process improvements, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency. The ideal candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and the capacity to work independently while also contributing to a team-oriented environment.
Oversee the entire scope of the Food for Peace program in Kenya, encompassing its development, execution, and integration, while ensuring strict adherence to emergency food security goals and USDA mandates.
Act as the main liaison between USDA/FAS, the U.S. Embassy, and key national stakeholders such as 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 and prevent redundant efforts.
Ensure the project is designed and implemented to align with donor expectations regarding timely, high-quality results, budget adherence, and sustainable outcomes, including well-defined phase-out and sustainability strategies. Additionally, incorporate beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and nutrition outcome objectives. Oversee the execution of tailored interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities—to meet emergency needs effectively.
Provide strategic and technical oversight for all commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance (Mombasa), inland transport, storage, and distribution.
Ensure seamless collaboration between program and operations leads, fostering alignment and efficiency. Maintain adherence to CRS program quality standards in accordance with MEAL policy and established procedures.
You will oversee the leadership and professional growth of senior programming and operations teams while fostering a positive team dynamic and prioritizing staff well-being. Through targeted coaching and mentoring, you will develop high-performing individuals, designing tailored development plans and conducting thorough performance evaluations for direct reports. Additionally, you will lead the creation of strategic staffing plans and manage the recruitment process for senior-level positions.
Oversee risk management by continuously tracking national and regional developments that could pose threats to personnel and programs. Guarantee that all staff members are fully informed about and strictly comply with CRS safety and security policies and protocols, while also ensuring these plans remain current and effective.
Promote, maintain, and exemplify a dedication to the responsible and effective utilization of agency and donor resources. Ensure strict adherence to USDA/FAS grant regulations—including 2 CFR 200—by overseeing financial tracking, partner budget management, financial administration, and accurate reporting to USDA. Review and authorize program expenditures, budget revisions, and donor-requested cost modifications.
Develop and enforce communication strategies and materials while ensuring strict adherence to USDA branding and marking guidelines. Verify that all program materials and beneficiary communications properly credit U.S. Government support.
Leverage partnerships with consortium member organizations by facilitating collaborative review and planning workshops, thereby fostering alignment with CRS partnership principles. Actively coordinate the engagement and responsibilities of staff from participating organizations to ensure seamless implementation of initiatives.
Develop and uphold optimal learning environments by fostering a secure space for the exchange of ideas, solutions, and challenges while enabling rapid identification, assessment, and resolution of deficiencies. Evaluate performance gaps and training needs among CRS and partner staff, then design and implement high-quality training programs and technical support initiatives.
Seeking a highly skilled professional with a proven track record in [industry/field], preferably holding [degree/certification]. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in [specific skill/tool] and possess strong analytical abilities to interpret complex data sets. Proficiency in [software/language] and experience with [specific process/methodology] are essential. Excellent communication skills are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and convey technical information clearly. Additionally, the candidate must exhibit problem-solving acumen and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic work environment. Familiarity with [relevant standard/practice] and a commitment to continuous learning are highly desirable.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with at least three years of professional experience in a similar role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong communication skills are essential. The ideal applicant must exhibit exceptional organizational abilities and a proven track record of meeting deadlines. Familiarity with industry-specific software is advantageous. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel as required by the position.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related technical field is required, with a master’s degree considered advantageous.
Seeking a candidate with five to eight years of progressive management and technical expertise, with a proven track record in senior leadership positions on programs funded by the USDA or USG.
Experienced professionals with a proven track record in overseeing extensive commodity-driven initiatives, such as the Food for Peace program or the USDA McGovern-Dole initiative, are sought.
Seasoned professionals with extensive experience in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations are required.
Proven expertise in handling intricate financial frameworks, ensuring adherence to donor requirements, and providing meticulous financial oversight.
With at least two years of experience in staff management and a demonstrated aptitude for fostering a collaborative learning environment, you will also bring a proven track record of coaching senior program staff to success.
The ideal candidate will possess additional qualifications that enhance their suitability for the role, including relevant certifications, advanced technical skills, or prior experience in a similar environment. While not mandatory, these attributes can significantly contribute to the candidate’s effectiveness and alignment with the position’s demands.
Established authority in the field, evidenced by scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributions at professional conferences.
Seasoned professionals with practical exposure in Kenya or comparable environments—particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (BASAL) regions or humanitarian crisis settings—are strongly encouraged to apply.
Proven track record in overseeing collaborative consortia involving multiple partners and enhancing the effectiveness of strategic partnerships.
Demonstrated proficiency in navigating Kenya’s governmental frameworks, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county-level administrative systems, is required.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership in addressing food security challenges or delivering humanitarian aid.
Seeking an individual with a proven track record in fostering partner engagement and enhancing collaborative relationships. Familiarity with CRS’s partnership strategy is advantageous.
Accomplished program management expertise is required, encompassing oversight of intricate, high-value initiatives featuring multi-faceted activities and challenging logistical requirements.
Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in managing commodities and executing food aid logistics are strongly encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated expertise in navigating USG compliance frameworks and adhering to donor regulations.
Capable of delivering compelling presentations and representing the organization with distinction at executive-level engagements.
Proficient in utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Vision, as well as web conferencing applications and systems for information and budget management.
Seeking a candidate with a strong background in relevant expertise, exceptional abilities, and key competencies to fulfill the role effectively. Proficiency in specific technical or functional areas is essential, along with well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills. The ideal applicant must demonstrate effective communication, adaptability, and the capacity to collaborate across teams. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment are required. Prior experience in a similar position is preferred, with a proven track record of delivering measurable results.
Strategic and analytical expertise, coupled with robust systems thinking and problem-solving capabilities, enables the ability to discern the broader context and render sound judgments and decisions.
Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships across all organizational levels both internally and externally. Demonstrates a strategic mindset in relationship-building efforts, ensuring alignment with broader objectives.
Demonstrates strong leadership capabilities in guiding and managing teams with diverse backgrounds and multidisciplinary expertise. Possesses effective coaching skills to develop and mentor team members.
Exceptional communication and presentation abilities are required, with a proven aptitude for crafting compelling, audience-specific messaging to influence diverse stakeholders effectively.
Proactive, resourceful, solutions-driven, and results-focused professionals sought.
Fluency in English is a mandatory prerequisite for this position.
Must demonstrate flexibility and capability for frequent travel, with up to 30% of time spent at field locations, which may include remote BASAL counties.
CRS staff must demonstrate proficiency across a range of essential competencies, encompassing adaptability, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to ethical and inclusive practices in all professional engagements. These competencies serve as the foundation for effective delivery of services, fostering innovation, and maintaining alignment with organizational values and strategic objectives.
Demonstrates unwavering accountability by assuming full responsibility for personal decisions and outcomes.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values outlined in CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Recognized as a person of honesty and ethical conduct.
Demonstrates reliability by ensuring actions consistently align with stated commitments, fostering trust through transparent and dependable behavior.
Works collaboratively with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds and teams, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and adaptability in multicultural environments.
Open to learn actively seeks opportunities that broaden perspectives and foster the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.
Agency leadership competencies encompass the essential skills, attributes, and behaviors required to effectively guide and manage an agency, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational excellence. These competencies typically include strategic vision, strong decision-making capabilities, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Additionally, they require adept communication, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to fostering collaboration across departments. Proficiency in resource allocation, risk management, and performance monitoring is also critical. Furthermore, leaders must demonstrate adaptability, ethical integrity, and a results-driven mindset to navigate challenges and drive organizational success.
Drives Transformation — Consistently explores opportunities to enhance the agency by fostering an environment of flexibility, transparency, and inventive thinking.
Constructs a culture that empowers employees to maximize their capabilities while fostering collaboration and elevating overall organizational effectiveness.
Possesses a strategic outlook, recognizing the significance of translating, communicating, and executing agency strategy alongside team priorities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
