Job Summary
As Chief of Party, you will lead and oversee the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance initiative in Kenya, focusing on food-insecure and vulnerable populations, including those in arid and semi-arid lands (Nasals). Your strategic leadership, operational management, and technical expertise—especially in commodity management and large-scale U.S. government-funded programs—will drive the implementation of high-quality programming while strengthening CRS’s reputation as a premier agency in emergency food assistance. In this senior role, you will take a proactive approach to security oversight and risk mitigation.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to fill this critical position, which involves executing a range of essential duties and spearheading key initiatives. The role demands a proactive approach, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. Primary responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, ensuring adherence to company standards, and driving operational efficiency. Additionally, the candidate must possess strong analytical abilities to assess performance metrics and implement data-driven solutions. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, outstanding communication skills, and a commitment to delivering measurable results in a dynamic environment.
Oversee the comprehensive development, execution, and integration of the Food for Peace program in Kenya, maintaining strict alignment with emergency food security goals and USDA regulatory standards.
Act as the main liaison between the organization and key entities, including the USDA/FAS, U.S. Embassy, and domestic partners such as the National Drought Management Authority (CDMA), relevant line ministries, and humanitarian coordination platforms.
Foster close collaboration with public, private, and non-governmental stakeholders to enhance collective effectiveness and prevent redundant efforts.
The project must be meticulously designed and executed to fulfill donor expectations regarding timely, high-quality deliverables and budget adherence, incorporating strategies for phase-out and sustainability. Additionally, it should prioritize beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and nutrition outcomes. The implementation of suitable interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities—should be closely supervised to align with emergency needs.
Offer strategic and technical direction for all commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance operations in Mombasa, inland transport, storage solutions, and distribution networks.
Ensure seamless collaboration between program and operations leads, maintaining alignment and synergy across teams. Uphold CRS program quality standards in strict accordance with MEAL policies and procedures to guarantee consistent and effective implementation.
You will be responsible for leading and developing senior-level programming and operations professionals, fostering a collaborative team environment while prioritizing staff engagement and well-being. Through targeted coaching and mentorship, you will guide team members toward their full potential, designing personalized development plans and conducting thorough performance evaluations for all direct reports. Additionally, you will spearhead the creation of strategic staffing initiatives and oversee the end-to-end recruitment process for top-tier talent.
Oversee risk management and mitigation efforts by continuously monitoring national and regional developments that could affect staff or programming. Promote full compliance with CRS safety and security policies and plans among all personnel, and oversee their periodic updates to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
Demonstrate and reinforce a dedication to maximizing the effective utilization of agency and donor resources. Maintain strict adherence to USDA/FAS grant regulations, such as 2 CFR 200, by overseeing financial tracking, partner budget management, administrative processes, and USDA reporting. Authorize program expenditures, budget revisions, and donor-requested cost modifications.
Develop and implement communication strategies and materials in alignment with USDA branding and marking guidelines, ensuring all program materials and beneficiary communications accurately reflect U.S. Government support.
Collaborate with consortium partner organizations to establish and maintain strong relationships, organizing review and planning workshops as needed. Support the coordination of staff roles and responsibilities across consortium member organizations, ensuring alignment with CRS partnership principles during implementation.
Create and maintain optimal learning conditions by fostering an environment where ideas, solutions, and challenges can be openly shared. Establish a secure space that enables rapid detection, analysis, and response to any deficiencies. Assess performance gaps and identify training needs for CRS and partner staff, then design and deliver high-quality training programs and technical assistance to address them effectively.
Qualified candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, along with a minimum of five years of hands-on experience in a comparable role. Strong proficiency in strategic planning, project management, and analytical problem-solving is essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, along with the ability to collaborate effectively in team-based environments. The ideal applicant will demonstrate adaptability, leadership potential, and a commitment to continuous professional development. Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is preferred, as is prior experience in a supervisory or mentorship capacity.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable discipline is necessary; advanced degrees are advantageous.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are critical for success in this role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are mandatory.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to manage multiple priorities are preferred.
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory standards and compliance requirements is required.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a closely related technical field is required, with preference given to candidates holding a master’s degree.
With a minimum of five to eight years of progressive management and technical expertise, candidates must have held senior leadership positions on programs sponsored by the USDA or USG.
Experienced in overseeing large-scale commodity-based initiatives, such as the Food for Peace program or the USDA McGovern-Dole initiative, with a proven track record of success.
Experienced in overseeing commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations.
Experienced in overseeing intricate financial frameworks, ensuring adherence to donor mandates, and maintaining meticulous budget management.
With over two years of experience leading and developing teams, you bring a strong aptitude for fostering growth-oriented environments alongside expertise in mentoring senior program staff.
Highly desirable skills include proficiency in relevant software applications, prior experience in a similar role, and a proven ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work. Candidates with strong analytical abilities, exceptional organizational skills, and a commitment to continuous learning will be prioritized. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, certifications in specialized areas, or relevant educational background may provide a competitive advantage. Additionally, applicants who demonstrate leadership potential, adaptability to changing environments, and a collaborative work ethic will be given preference.
Established authority within the industry, evidenced by contributions to peer-reviewed research and participation in industry conferences and presentations.
Proficiency in working within Kenya or comparable environments, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (BASAL) regions or during emergency operations, is required.
Skilled in overseeing collaborative multipartner consortia and enhancing partnership dynamics.
Proficient understanding of Kenya’s governmental frameworks, including institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county-level administrative systems.
Demonstrated expertise in leading initiatives focused on food security or humanitarian response.
Engaging partners and cultivating strong partnerships are key strengths required for this role. Familiarity with CRS’s partnership strategy is advantageous.
Proven expertise in program management, encompassing the oversight of intricate, high-value projects comprising multiple activities and demanding complex logistics.
Seasoned professional with a proven track record in managing commodity procurement and overseeing efficient food aid distribution logistics.
Comprehensive understanding of USG compliance frameworks and donor regulations is required.
Exceptional aptitude for delivering high-level presentations and representing the organization with a commanding presence.
Proficient in utilizing the MS Office suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Vision, along with web conferencing applications and systems for information and budget management.
Seeking a highly skilled professional with expertise in the specified domain, along with the ability to apply theoretical understanding to practical scenarios. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in key competencies, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Additionally, familiarity with industry-standard tools and methodologies is essential. Experience in similar roles or relevant educational background is required to ensure seamless integration into the team. Responsibilities include executing tasks with precision, collaborating with stakeholders, and maintaining adherence to established protocols. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are critical for achieving optimal outcomes.
Demonstrates exceptional strategic and analytical capabilities alongside robust systems thinking and problem-solving expertise, enabling a comprehensive perspective and confident, well-reasoned judgment in decision-making processes.
Strong interpersonal skills are essential for this role, enabling effective engagement with individuals across all organizational levels and external stakeholders. You will demonstrate a strategic mindset in cultivating and maintaining each relationship, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives.
Demonstrates strong leadership capabilities in guiding and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams. Exhibits proficiency in coaching methodologies and fosters team development through effective mentorship and guidance.
Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, coupled with the capacity to craft customized, compelling messaging for diverse stakeholders.
Proactive, highly resourceful, and driven by a solutions-oriented mindset, we seek individuals who prioritize tangible outcomes and measurable results.
Proficient in English is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Must be prepared to undertake travel, accounting for up to 30% of the role, to various field locations—including remote BASAL counties—as required by the position.
CRS staff are expected to demonstrate proficiency across a range of core competencies essential for fulfilling their roles effectively. These competencies encompass professional integrity, technical expertise, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development. Additionally, staff are required to exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams, and a dedication to achieving measurable results in alignment with organizational objectives. Proficiency in these areas ensures that CRS personnel can navigate challenges, foster meaningful partnerships, and contribute to sustainable impact within their respective fields.
Demonstrates a strong sense of personal accountability by consistently owning one’s decisions and actions without deflecting responsibility.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values outlined in CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Exhibits honesty in all actions and decisions.
Demonstrates reliability and integrity by ensuring alignment between stated commitments and actual behaviors, thereby fostering confidence and trust among colleagues and stakeholders.
Effectively collaborates with diverse colleagues across cultural boundaries, fostering inclusive team dynamics and leveraging varied perspectives to drive collective success.
Open to learn actively pursues experiences that have the potential to shift perspectives or introduce new knowledge and insights.
Demonstrated proficiency in guiding and overseeing agency-wide initiatives, fostering strategic direction, and cultivating a high-performance culture within the organization. Ability to inspire and motivate teams by aligning individual objectives with broader agency goals. Strong aptitude for decision-making, problem-solving, and navigating complex challenges while maintaining operational excellence. Proven track record in driving innovation, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring accountability across all levels of leadership. Commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and cultivating a collaborative work environment.
Drives transformational initiatives by fostering an environment rooted in flexibility, transparency, and inventive thinking to enhance the agency’s effectiveness.
Fosters talent development and recognition, empowering staff to maximize their potential and elevate both team and agency performance.
A strategic mindset is essential, as it involves comprehending how one’s role contributes to executing the agency’s strategy and advancing team priorities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
