Job Summary
As the Chief of Party, you will lead and oversee the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance program in Kenya, providing critical support to food-insecure and vulnerable populations, including those in arid and semi-arid lands (Nasals). Through your strategic leadership, operational management, and technical expertise—especially in commodity management and large-scale programs funded by the U.S. government—you will ensure the delivery of high-impact programming while strengthening CRS’s reputation as a premier agency in emergency food assistance. In this senior role, you will also take a proactive approach to security management, identifying and mitigating potential risks to safeguard program operations and personnel.
Responsibilities include managing and executing initiatives, overseeing day-to-day operations, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Key duties involve coordinating teams, analyzing performance metrics, and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency. Additionally, the position requires collaborating with stakeholders, reporting progress to leadership, and maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Oversee the entire development, execution, and integration of the Food for Peace program in Kenya, guaranteeing strict alignment with emergency food security goals and USDA compliance standards.
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.
Foster robust collaboration with public, private, and non-governmental partners to enhance overall effectiveness and prevent redundant efforts.
The project must be developed and executed to fulfill donor requirements regarding timely, high-quality deliverables and budget adherence, incorporating strategies for phase-out and sustainability. It should also address beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and nutrition outcomes. Additionally, the implementation of relevant interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities—will be supervised to align with emergency needs.
Deliver strategic and technical direction for end-to-end commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance operations in Mombasa, inland transportation, storage solutions, and final distribution.
Ensure seamless collaboration between program and operations leads while upholding CRS program quality standards in accordance with MEAL policies and procedures.
Proactively oversee and guide senior programming and operations professionals while fostering a cohesive team environment and prioritizing staff well-being. Offer tailored coaching and mentorship to enhance team performance and growth. Develop individualized career development strategies and conduct thorough performance evaluations for direct reports. Lead the creation and implementation of staffing plans while managing the recruitment and onboarding of high-caliber senior staff.
Manage organizational and operational risk by continuously assessing national and regional developments that could pose threats to staff and programs. Guarantee full compliance with CRS safety and security policies and protocols among all personnel, while overseeing the regular review and revision of these critical plans.
Demonstrate and reinforce a dedication to maximizing the responsible use of agency and donor resources. Oversee adherence to USDA/FAS grant requirements—specifically 2 CFR 200—through diligent financial tracking, budget oversight, and monitoring of partners’ financial, administrative, and reporting activities. Authorize program expenditures, budget revisions, and donor-requested cost modifications.
Develop and implement communication strategies and materials while adhering to USDA branding and marking protocols. Verify that program materials and beneficiary communications appropriately recognize U.S. Government support.
Foster collaborative partnerships with consortium member organizations, organizing review and planning workshops as required. Support the alignment of roles and responsibilities among staff from various consortium partners, ensuring activities are executed in accordance with CRS partnership principles.
Foster an environment conducive to learning by establishing a secure space where ideas, solutions, and challenges can be openly shared, and ensure the ability to promptly identify, evaluate, and address performance gaps. Proactively assess training needs and performance deficiencies among CRS and partner staff, then develop and implement high-quality training programs and provide expert technical assistance to bridge identified gaps.
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, complemented by at least five years of hands-on experience in software development. Familiarity with programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, along with expertise in database management and system architecture. The ideal applicant should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, collaborative teamwork, and exceptional analytical skills. Responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining scalable software solutions, conducting thorough code reviews, and troubleshooting complex technical issues. Additionally, the role requires active participation in Agile methodologies, continuous integration practices, and proactive contribution to architectural discussions to enhance product performance and reliability.
Basic Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a closely related technical discipline is required, with a master’s degree being advantageous.
Requires a minimum of five to eight years of progressive management and technical expertise, with at least some of that experience comprising senior leadership positions on initiatives funded by the USDA or other U.S. government agencies.
Proven track record in leading and executing large-scale commodity-based initiatives, such as Food for Peace or the USDA McGovern-Dole program.
Demonstrated proficiency in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations is required.
Accomplished in overseeing intricate financial frameworks, ensuring adherence to donor mandates and regulatory standards.
With at least two years of experience in overseeing and guiding staff, you have demonstrated the ability to foster a growth-oriented work environment. Additionally, you have a track record of mentoring and developing senior program staff, helping them refine their skills and achieve their professional goals.
Preferred Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, complemented by a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in software development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, along with familiarity with frameworks like Spring or Django. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in database management, including SQL and NoSQL solutions, and possess strong problem-solving skills. Prior experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, as well as Agile and DevOps methodologies, is highly desirable. Exceptional communication abilities and a collaborative mindset are also sought after.
Esteemed industry leader evidenced through scholarly publications, academic conference presentations, and other notable contributions.
Seasoned professionals with hands-on experience in Kenya or comparable environments—particularly within arid and semi-arid lands (BASAL regions) or emergency response operations—are strongly encouraged to apply.
Experienced in overseeing collaborative initiatives involving multiple partners and enhancing the effectiveness of partnerships.
Proficiency in navigating Kenya’s governmental frameworks, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county-level administrative systems, is required.
Demonstrated expertise in addressing food security challenges or leading impactful humanitarian initiatives.
Experienced in cultivating relationships and enhancing collaboration with partners. Familiarity with CRS partnership strategy is advantageous.
With a proven track record in program management, you have successfully overseen intricate, high-value, multi-faceted projects that required meticulous logistical coordination.
Professional rewrite:
Proven proficiency in commodity management and the logistics of food aid distribution is required.
Proficient in navigating USG compliance frameworks and adhering to donor regulations with precision and expertise.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in high-level representation and presentation.
Proficient in utilizing the MS Office suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Vision, as well as web conferencing applications and systems for information and budget management.
We seek a candidate with a proven ability to effectively apply relevant expertise, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The ideal applicant must demonstrate proficiency in both written and verbal communication, ensuring clarity and precision in all professional interactions. Additionally, the role requires exceptional organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in dynamic environments is essential for success in this position.
Proven strategic aptitude, analytical prowess, systems thinking, and adept problem-solving capabilities, enabling a comprehensive perspective and the ability to render well-informed judgments and decisions.
Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential, along with the capacity to engage effectively with individuals across all organizational levels, both internally and externally. A strategic mindset is required to navigate and develop each relationship purposefully.
Demonstrates strong leadership capabilities in guiding diverse, cross-functional teams. Proficient in coaching and mentoring team members to enhance performance and collaboration.
You must possess excellent communication and presentation abilities, with a talent for crafting customized and compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
Proactive, resourceful, and driven by solutions and outcomes, the ideal candidate will consistently deliver measurable results.
Required Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Must possess the flexibility and capability to undertake travel obligations amounting to as much as 30% of the role’s requirements, which may include visits to field sites situated in remote areas, such as the BASAL counties.
Demonstrated proficiency in core competencies aligning with the mission and values of Catholic Relief Services is essential for all staff members. These foundational skills encompass a commitment to compassionate service, cultural sensitivity, and ethical integrity in all professional interactions. Additionally, staff are expected to exhibit adaptability in dynamic environments, strong interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within diverse teams. Proficiency in problem-solving, attention to detail, and adherence to organizational policies and procedures are equally critical to success in this role.
Demonstrates a strong sense of personal accountability by consistently owning the outcomes of their actions and decisions.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values outlined in the CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Serves as a trusted representative by upholding the highest standards of honesty.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by aligning actions with stated commitments, fostering a culture of trust and reliability.
Works collaboratively in multicultural and diverse team settings, fostering productive and inclusive work environments.
Open to learn actively pursues opportunities designed to broaden perspectives and foster continuous personal and professional growth through new experiences and insights.
Agency Leadership Competencies: Demonstrates the ability to guide teams toward achieving organizational objectives with strategic vision and decisive action. Requires a track record of fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and cultivating a high-performance culture. Must exhibit strong communication skills to align stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and inspire confidence in leadership decisions. Essential competencies include adaptability in dynamic environments, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to continuous professional development. Proficiency in change management, resource allocation, and performance evaluation is also required to ensure operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Drive Transformation – Consistently seeks opportunities to enhance the agency by fostering a culture characterized by adaptability, transparency, and forward-thinking innovation.
Develops and acknowledges team members by fostering their professional growth and maximizing their contributions to both team dynamics and organizational success.
Embraces a strategic perspective by recognizing the importance of their position in aligning tasks with agency objectives, effectively conveying these priorities, and ensuring their execution across the team.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
