Job Summary
As Chief of Party, you will lead and oversee the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance program in Kenya, ensuring support for food-insecure and vulnerable populations, including those in arid and semi-arid lands (Nasals). Your leadership, management, and technical expertise—especially in commodity management and large-scale programs funded by the U.S. government—will drive the delivery of high-quality programming and strengthen CRS’s reputation as a top agency in emergency food assistance. In this senior role, you will take a proactive approach to security management, identifying and mitigating potential risks to safeguard operations and personnel.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team, where you will undertake a range of critical duties and responsibilities. Your primary focus will involve [specific responsibilities, e.g., managing client relationships, leading project initiatives, or analyzing data to drive strategic decisions]. In addition to these core tasks, you will be expected to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will possess [specific skills or qualifications, e.g., a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, proficiency in industry-specific software, or several years of experience in a similar role]. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are essential to thrive in this dynamic environment. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative workplace.
Oversee the entire development, execution, and integration of the Food for Peace program in Kenya, guaranteeing strict adherence to emergency food security goals and USDA regulatory standards.
Act as the main liaison with USDA/FAS, the U.S. Embassy, and key national stakeholders, such as the National Drought Management Authority (CDMA), relevant line ministries, and humanitarian coordination mechanisms.
Collaborate effectively with governmental, private-sector, and non-governmental entities to enhance collective impact and prevent redundant efforts.
To guarantee the project meets donor requirements for timely, high-quality outcomes while adhering to budget constraints, the role involves developing strategies for phase-out and long-term sustainability, as well as ensuring beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and improved nutrition outcomes. Additionally, the position entails supervising the execution of tailored interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities—based on emergency needs.
Offer strategic and technical guidance for the oversight of all commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance in Mombasa, inland transport, storage, and distribution.
Facilitate seamless collaboration between program and operations leads to enhance alignment and efficiency. Uphold CRS program quality standards in strict accordance with MEAL policy and established procedures to ensure consistency and accountability.
Skilled lead senior programming and operations professionals while fostering a high-performing team culture and prioritizing employee well-being. Offer targeted coaching and mentorship to cultivate talent. Design and implement individualized development strategies, along with conducting thorough performance evaluations for direct reports. Oversee the creation of staffing plans and manage the end-to-end recruitment process for senior-level positions.
Manage and mitigate risks by continuously monitoring national and regional developments that could affect staff and programs. Ensure all personnel are fully informed and compliant with CRS’s safety and security policies and protocols, and oversee the timely revision of these plans.
Uphold and exemplify a strong dedication to the responsible stewardship of agency and donor resources. Oversee adherence to USDA/FAS grant requirements—including compliance with 2 CFR 200—through meticulous financial tracking, budget oversight for partners, and monitoring of financial, administrative, and reporting processes. Authorize program expenditures, budget revisions, and donor requests for cost modifications.
Develop and implement communication strategies and materials that adhere to USDA branding and marking guidelines. Verify that U.S. Government support is appropriately recognized in all program materials and beneficiary communications.
Coordinate relationships with consortium partner organizations, arranging review and planning workshops. Collaborate on aligning the roles and responsibilities of staff from other consortium member organizations with implementation efforts, ensuring adherence to CRS partnership principles.
Develop and sustain conducive learning environments while fostering an atmosphere of trust and open communication. Implement measures to ensure safety in the exchange of ideas, solutions, and challenges, along with the ability to promptly identify, assess, and address shortcomings. Evaluate performance gaps and training needs among CRS and partner staff, then oversee the creation and execution of exceptional training programs and technical support initiatives.
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related field, complemented by three or more years of relevant professional experience. Proficiency in Python, Java, or C++ is essential, along with familiarity with database management systems such as SQL or NoSQL. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment are required. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification as a minimum educational requirement. Possess at least two years of relevant work experience in the specified field. Demonstrate proficiency in essential technical skills pertinent to the role. Exhibit strong communication abilities, both written and verbal. Maintain a track record of reliability and punctuality in previous positions. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team setting.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a closely 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 background that includes senior leadership positions on programs funded by the USDA or USG.
Proven track record in overseeing extensive commodity-focused initiatives, such as the Food for Peace program or the USDA McGovern-Dole initiative, is required.
Demonstrates significant experience in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations.
Experienced in overseeing intricate financial operations, ensuring strict adherence to donor guidelines, and managing comprehensive budgetary frameworks with precision and accountability.
With at least two years of direct staff management experience, you have honed the skills necessary to foster a collaborative and educational atmosphere. Additionally, you bring valuable expertise in guiding and mentoring senior program staff to enhance their professional growth.
Preferred Qualifications include a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, proficiency in project management methodologies such as Agile or Scrum, and familiarity with software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes. Candidates should possess strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration, and the capacity to work independently in fast-paced environments. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is strongly preferred, along with certifications such as PMP, CSM, or ITIL. Additional advantages include experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, knowledge of DevOps practices, and a track record of delivering high-quality technical solutions within budget and timeline constraints.
Renowned authority in the field, evidenced by scholarly articles, presentations at professional conferences, and other peer-reviewed contributions.
Professional with hands-on experience in Kenya or comparable environments, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (BASAL) or during emergency response operations.
With a proven track record in overseeing multipartner consortia and driving the enhancement of collaborative partnerships, you will bring strategic leadership to foster robust and effective alliances.
Proficient in navigating Kenya’s governmental frameworks, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county-level administrative systems.
Demonstrates proven leadership in addressing food security challenges or providing humanitarian assistance.
Engaging partners effectively and cultivating strong, sustainable partnerships are key priorities. Familiarity with Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) partnership strategy would be advantageous.
Proven track record in overseeing program management initiatives, particularly those involving intricate, high-value, multi-faceted projects with challenging logistical demands.
Proven track record in managing commodities and overseeing food aid logistics operations.
Demonstrates in-depth familiarity with U.S. government compliance frameworks and donor-specific regulatory requirements.
Capacity to deliver high-level presentations and represent the organization with distinction in diverse settings.
Proficiency in utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Vision, alongside experience with web conferencing applications and systems for information and budget management, is required.
Seeking a candidate with proven expertise in the specified domain, along with a strong command of relevant technical competencies. The ideal applicant must demonstrate exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities, coupled with effective communication and teamwork skills. Proficiency in industry-standard tools and methodologies is essential, as is the ability to adapt to evolving challenges and priorities. Experience in a similar role and a commitment to continuous professional development are highly valued.
Proven strategic acumen, analytical prowess, systems-oriented thinking, and adept problem-solving capabilities, enabling a comprehensive perspective and the ability to render well-informed 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 managing and nurturing professional connections, ensuring alignment with broader objectives.
Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams. Coaching skills.
Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities are essential, enabling the creation of compelling, audience-specific messaging to effectively influence diverse stakeholders.
Solution-driven, adaptable, and committed to achieving tangible outcomes, this role demands a proactive approach, strong problem-solving capabilities, and a relentless focus on delivering measurable results.
Fluent proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Must demonstrate flexibility and availability for frequent travel, with up to 30% of the role requiring visits to field locations, some of which may be remote BASAL counties.
CRS staff are expected to demonstrate proficiency in a range of agency competencies essential for effective performance across all roles. These competencies encompass key skills and attributes that support mission-driven work, including adaptability, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to ethical conduct. Staff members must uphold organizational values while delivering results in diverse and challenging environments. Continuous professional development is encouraged to enhance competency mastery and ensure alignment with evolving agency priorities.
Demonstrates a strong sense of personal accountability by owning actions and decisions with integrity and reliability.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values outlined in CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Recognized for honesty and ethical conduct in all professional interactions.
Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
Facilitates productive collaboration by actively engaging with multicultural and diverse teams to achieve common objectives.
Open to learn actively pursues experiences that broaden perspectives and foster growth opportunities, embracing challenges as avenues for development.
Demonstrates the ability to guide and inspire teams within an agency setting, fostering collaboration and innovation. Exhibits strong decision-making skills to navigate complex challenges and align agency objectives with strategic goals. Promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement while maintaining high ethical standards. Effectively communicates vision and expectations to drive team performance and ensure alignment across departments.
Drive Transformation – Consistently explores opportunities to enhance the agency by fostering an environment characterized by adaptability, transparency, and forward-thinking solutions.
Develops and acknowledges team members by fostering their growth to maximize potential and elevate both team and organizational effectiveness.
Possesses a strategic mindset, effectively translating, communicating, and implementing the agency’s strategy and team priorities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
