Job Summary
As Chief of Party, you will spearhead the leadership and comprehensive management of the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance initiative in Kenya, addressing the needs of food-insecure and vulnerable populations, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Your strategic oversight, operational expertise, and technical proficiency—especially in commodity management and large-scale programs funded by the U.S. government—will guarantee the execution of high-caliber programming while reinforcing CRS’s prominence in emergency food assistance. In this senior leadership role, you will take a proactive approach to managing security, identifying and mitigating potential risks to ensure the safety and success of the program.
The position entails a diverse range of duties and primary accountabilities designed to support organizational objectives. Key tasks include collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive project success, analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities, and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the role requires maintaining clear communication with stakeholders, ensuring compliance with company policies, and contributing to team objectives through innovative problem-solving. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in relevant software tools, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Oversee the full spectrum of the Food for Peace program’s development, execution, and integration in Kenya, guaranteeing alignment with emergency food security goals and USDA compliance standards.
Act as the main liaison between the organization and key entities such as USDA/FAS, U.S. Embassy, and national stakeholders, including the National Drought Management Authority (CDMA), relevant line ministries, and humanitarian coordination platforms.
Foster robust collaboration with public, private, and non-governmental stakeholders to enhance effectiveness and eliminate redundant efforts.
To deliver project outcomes in alignment with donor expectations, oversee the design and implementation of initiatives that ensure timely, high-quality results while adhering to budget constraints, incorporate strategies for phase-out and long-term sustainability, and prioritize beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and nutrition outcomes. Provide leadership in executing tailored interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities—that directly address emergency needs.
Offer strategic and technical direction for all commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance (Mombasa), inland transport, storage, and distribution.
Facilitate seamless alignment between program and operations leads to ensure cohesive execution. Maintain adherence to CRS program quality standards in strict accordance with MEAL policy and established procedures.
You will oversee the leadership and performance of senior programming and operations professionals while fostering a positive team environment and prioritizing staff well-being. Through targeted coaching and mentoring, you will guide their growth and development. Additionally, you will design customized individual development plans and conduct thorough performance evaluations for your direct reports. Your responsibilities will also include managing staffing strategies and leading the recruitment efforts for senior-level positions.
Oversee the identification and mitigation of risks by tracking national and regional developments that could pose threats to personnel and programs. Verify that all staff are fully informed about and compliant 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 judicious utilization of agency and donor resources. Verify adherence to USDA/FAS grant requirements, encompassing 2 CFR 200, while overseeing financial tracking, partner budgets, finance, administration, and reporting obligations to USDA. Authorize program expenditures, budget modifications, and donor-requested cost adjustments.
Develop and execute communication strategies and materials in accordance with USDA branding and marking guidelines. Verify that all program materials and beneficiary communications appropriately acknowledge U.S. Government support.
Liaise with consortium partner organizations to cultivate productive relationships, organizing review and planning workshops as necessary. Provide support in aligning the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations with implementation efforts, ensuring adherence to CRS partnership principles.
Create and sustain an optimal learning environment, fostering a secure space where individuals can freely exchange ideas, solutions, and challenges while enabling prompt detection, analysis, and resolution of shortcomings. Assess performance gaps and training needs among CRS and partner staff, then develop and implement high-quality training programs and technical assistance to address them.
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled professional to join our team, possessing a proven track record in [specific field/industry] and a minimum of [X years] of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will hold a [degree/certification, if applicable] in [relevant field] from an accredited institution, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities. Familiarity with [specific tools/technologies/software] and adherence to industry best practices are essential. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment while meeting tight deadlines.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of five years of experience in a related field, along with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in key software tools and possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with industry standards and compliance regulations is a must.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related technical field is required, with a master’s degree considered a strong asset.
5–8 years of progressive management and technical expertise, with significant leadership responsibilities in senior roles on USDA or USG-funded programs.
Proven track record in overseeing extensive commodity-driven initiatives, such as Food for Peace or the USDA McGovern-Dole program, is required.
Skilled in leveraging commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations to drive efficiency and optimize performance. Demonstrated proficiency in overseeing end-to-end supply chain processes, from procurement to delivery, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to industry best practices.
Accomplished in overseeing intricate financial frameworks, ensuring adherence to donor mandates and maintaining rigorous fiscal control.
With a minimum of two years of hands-on staff management experience, the ideal candidate will bring a proven ability to foster a dynamic and growth-oriented learning environment. Additionally, they should possess a track record of coaching and mentoring senior program staff, demonstrating strong leadership and developmental skills.
Preferred Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. 3+ years of experience in software development or engineering. Proficiency in multiple programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, or Go. Experience with distributed systems, cloud computing (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure), and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Excellent communication skills for conveying technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Experience in designing scalable, fault-tolerant systems and optimizing performance. Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software design principles.
Established authority within the industry, evidenced by contributions to peer-reviewed journals and participation in key conference presentations among other forms of professional engagement.
Proficiency in working within Kenyan contexts or analogous environments—particularly Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (BASAL) regions—or in emergency response operations is required.
Proven expertise in overseeing collaborative initiatives involving multiple stakeholders while enhancing partnership effectiveness.
Possesses a strong understanding of Kenya’s governmental frameworks, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county-level administrative systems.
Demonstrated excellence in leadership within the domains of food security or humanitarian response.
Experienced in cultivating relationships with partners and enhancing collaborative efforts, with a preference for candidates familiar with CRS partnership strategy.
Skilled in leading program management initiatives, with a proven track record of overseeing intricate, high-value, multi-faceted projects that involve complex logistics.
Experienced professionals with a proven track record in managing commodities and overseeing the logistics of food aid programs are encouraged to apply.
Proficient in navigating USG compliance frameworks and adhering to donor regulations with precision.
Capable of delivering compelling presentations and representing the organization with the utmost professionalism and authority at all levels.
Proven proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Vision), web conferencing platforms, and information and budget management systems is required.
Demonstrated expertise in relevant technical, operational, or functional domains, supported by proven competencies and hands-on experience. Must possess strong analytical capabilities, effective communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams to achieve organizational objectives. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, methodologies, or frameworks is essential. Additionally, the role requires meticulous attention to detail, adaptability to evolving priorities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Demonstrates exceptional strategic and analytical acumen, coupled with robust systems thinking and problem-solving capabilities, enabling a comprehensive perspective and the capacity to render well-informed judgments and decisions.
Proven expertise in cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally. Skilled in establishing rapport with individuals at all organizational levels, from executive leadership to frontline employees and external partners. Demonstrates a strategic mindset in managing relationships, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives and fostering long-term value creation.
Capable of leading teams composed of individuals from various disciplines and backgrounds, with a strong aptitude for coaching and mentoring team members.
Proficient in crafting clear, impactful communications and delivering compelling presentations, with a talent for designing audience-specific, persuasive messaging.
Proactive, resourceful, solutions-driven, and results-focused individuals are sought.
Required Language Proficiency: English, with fluency as a mandatory criterion.
Must possess the flexibility and capability to travel up to 30% of the time to field locations, which may include remote areas within BASAL counties.
Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Staff at CRS are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the agency’s mission and values through a range of essential competencies. These include strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure clarity and collaboration across teams. Adaptability and problem-solving abilities are crucial, as staff must navigate dynamic environments and address challenges effectively. A dedication to continuous learning and professional development is also required, fostering innovation and growth within the organization. Additionally, cultural competence and inclusivity are prioritized, ensuring respect and responsiveness to diverse perspectives. Ethical conduct and accountability underpin all responsibilities, aligning with CRS’s principles of integrity and service excellence.
Demonstrates a steadfast commitment to personal accountability by owning actions and outcomes without deflection.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values outlined in CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Recognized for maintaining the highest standards of honesty in all professional interactions.
Demonstrates unwavering reliability by ensuring alignment between stated commitments and executed behaviors, thereby fostering confidence and credibility among colleagues and stakeholders.
Works collaboratively with a variety of individuals across different cultures and backgrounds, demonstrating strong adaptability and teamwork in diverse environments.
Open to learn actively pursues experiences that foster personal growth and broaden perspectives or provide avenues to acquire new knowledge and skills.
Demonstrates a strategic vision for the agency, fostering innovation and guiding teams toward achieving long-term objectives. Exhibits strong interpersonal and communication skills to inspire and motivate staff while cultivating a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Shows adaptability in navigating changing priorities and challenges, ensuring operational resilience and efficiency. Possesses a deep understanding of industry trends and best practices to drive continuous improvement and organizational growth. Maintains a commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in all decision-making processes.
Drive Continuous Improvement – Consistently identifies opportunities to enhance the agency by fostering an environment characterized by adaptability, transparency, and forward-thinking solutions.
Builds and fosters the growth of team members by empowering them to achieve their highest potential while simultaneously elevating overall team and agency performance.
Demonstrates a strategic perspective by recognizing the significance of translating, communicating, and executing agency strategy and team priorities effectively.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
