Job Summary
As the Chief of Party, you will lead and oversee the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance initiative in Kenya, delivering critical support to food-insecure and vulnerable populations, including those in arid and semi-arid lands (Nasals). Your role will encompass strategic leadership, operational management, and technical expertise—particularly in commodity management and large-scale programs funded by the U.S. government—to ensure the implementation of high-quality interventions and reinforce CRS’s standing as a premier emergency food assistance organization. In this senior leadership position, you will also take a proactive approach to security management, identifying and mitigating potential risks to safeguard program operations and personnel.
Oversee and execute key duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster innovation, streamline processes, and achieve departmental goals. Monitor progress through performance metrics, data analysis, and regular evaluations to identify areas for improvement. Provide leadership and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and continuous learning. Maintain compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices to mitigate risks and uphold organizational integrity. Serve as a primary point of contact for stakeholders, facilitating clear communication, transparency, and alignment of expectations.
Oversee the complete development, execution, and integration of the Food for Peace program in Kenya, ensuring alignment with emergency food security goals and USDA compliance standards.
Act as the main liaison between the organization and key external entities, specifically the USDA/FAS, U.S. Embassy, and domestic 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 while minimizing redundant efforts.
The project must be meticulously designed and executed to align with donor expectations regarding timely delivery, high-quality outcomes, and budgetary constraints, while incorporating strategic plans for phase-out and long-term sustainability. Additionally, it should prioritize beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and measurable nutrition results. Responsible for overseeing the implementation of tailored interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery initiatives—ensuring they are responsive to evolving emergency needs.
Deliver strategic and technical oversight for all commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance in Mombasa, inland transport, storage, and distribution.
Ensure seamless collaboration between program and operations leads to maintain alignment and efficiency. Verify adherence to CRS program quality standards as outlined in MEAL policy and procedures.
Effectively oversee senior programming and operations personnel, ensuring high performance and team cohesion while prioritizing staff well-being. Deliver targeted coaching and mentorship to drive professional growth. Design and implement individualized development strategies, along with conducting thorough performance evaluations for direct reports. Additionally, supervise the creation of staffing strategies and lead the recruitment initiatives for senior-level positions.
Oversee risk management by tracking national and regional developments that could pose threats to staff and programs. Verify that all personnel comply with CRS safety and security policies and procedures, while also ensuring these protocols remain current and relevant.
Demonstrate and reinforce a dedication to maximizing the effective utilization of agency and donor resources. Oversee adherence to USDA/FAS grant regulations—including 2 CFR 200—through meticulous financial tracking, budget oversight, and financial management for partners, as well as ensuring accurate reporting to USDA. Authorize program expenditures, budget revisions, and donor-requested cost adjustments.
Develop and implement communication strategies and materials that align with USDA branding and marking guidelines, ensuring all outputs accurately reflect U.S. Government support acknowledgment in program materials and beneficiary communications.
Coordinate relationships with consortium partner organizations by facilitating review and planning workshops. Support the coordination of roles and activities among staff from other consortium member organizations to ensure alignment with CRS partnership principles during implementation.
Establish and uphold optimal learning environments by fostering a secure space where ideas, solutions, and challenges can be openly shared, along with the ability to promptly identify, assess, and address deficiencies. Assess performance gaps and training needs among CRS and partner staff, then design and deliver high-quality training and technical assistance accordingly.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required. Proven experience in software development, with a minimum of 3 years in a relevant role, is essential. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is mandatory. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are critical. Knowledge of database management systems and cloud computing platforms is advantageous. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to convey technical information effectively. Familiarity with Agile and Scrum methodologies is preferred.
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Applicants must meet the following foundational criteria to be considered for this position. At minimum, candidates should possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, along with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in the field. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, as the role requires frequent collaboration with team members and stakeholders. Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools is also a prerequisite. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities in a fast-paced environment.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a closely related technical field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
Requires 5 to 8 years of progressive management and technical expertise, with demonstrated success in senior leadership capacities on programs funded by the USDA or USG.
Proven track record in leading extensive commodity-focused initiatives, such as the Food for Peace program or the USDA McGovern-Dole initiative, with a focus on strategic oversight and execution.
Demonstrated proficiency in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations is required.
Proven track record overseeing intricate financial frameworks, ensuring donor compliance, and maintaining rigorous fiscal oversight.
With at least two years of experience leading and developing teams, you bring a collaborative approach that fosters continuous growth and development. Your track record includes mentoring senior program staff, guiding them toward excellence in their roles.
Seeking candidates who possess the following preferred qualifications: a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field, a track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams, and a proven ability to drive strategic initiatives. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities. Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools, as well as a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development, are highly valued. Fluency in multiple languages and experience working in international markets would be advantageous.
Established authority within the industry, evidenced by contributions to peer-reviewed journals, keynote addresses at conferences, and other scholarly engagements.
Professional candidates should possess direct experience in Kenya or comparable environments, such as arid and semi-arid lands (BASAL regions) or emergency response efforts.
Experienced in overseeing collaborative initiatives involving multiple partners and enhancing the effectiveness of partnerships.
Proficiency in navigating Kenya’s government structures, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county government systems, is required.
Demonstrated expertise in food security or humanitarian response, with a proven track record of leadership.
With a proven track record in cultivating partner relationships and enhancing collaborative efforts, experience in this domain is essential. Familiarity with CRS partnership strategy is advantageous.
Proven expertise in program management is required, particularly in overseeing intricate, high-value initiatives comprising multiple interdependent activities and logistical challenges.
Exhibits extensive proficiency in commodity management and the logistical aspects of food aid distribution, including procurement, inventory control, and transportation coordination.
Extensive familiarity with USG compliance frameworks and donor regulations is essential for this role.
Capable of effectively representing and delivering presentations at senior levels with professionalism and authority.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Vision), web conferencing platforms, and information and budget management systems is required.
Seeking a candidate with a robust understanding of the position’s core competencies, including essential technical proficiencies and interpersonal capabilities. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a strong command of relevant tools and methodologies, alongside exceptional problem-solving acumen and collaborative aptitude. Proficiency in [specific skills or areas, if mentioned] is imperative, as is the ability to adapt to dynamic work environments while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, the role demands meticulous attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Individuals must possess robust strategic, analytical, and systems-oriented thinking capabilities, along with advanced problem-solving skills to effectively assess complex situations. Demonstrated proficiency in evaluating the broader implications of decisions is essential, enabling sound judgment and informed choices that align with organizational objectives.
You excel in managing relationships, connecting effectively with individuals at every organizational level both internally and externally. Your approach to each relationship is strategic and purposeful.
Demonstrated expertise in leading and developing high-performing teams composed of individuals from various disciplines. Strong aptitude for coaching and mentoring team members to enhance their performance and professional growth.
Skilled in crafting and delivering compelling, audience-specific messaging with clarity and impact.
Results-driven professional with a proactive approach, adept at leveraging resources effectively to develop innovative solutions and achieve measurable outcomes.
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position.
Must possess the flexibility to travel, as needed, to field locations, including remote BASAL counties, with up to 30% of the role requiring time away from the office.
Demonstrated proficiency in the essential competencies outlined for all CRS personnel is required. These foundational abilities encompass a range of professional, interpersonal, and operational skills deemed critical to fulfilling the organization’s mission and delivering high-quality services. Mastery of these competencies ensures alignment with CRS standards and contributes to effective collaboration across teams and departments.
Demonstrates unwavering personal accountability by owning the outcomes of their decisions and actions without shifting blame or making excuses.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values outlined in CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Regarded as an honest and trustworthy professional, maintaining the highest ethical standards in all interactions and decisions.
Demonstrates integrity by ensuring actions consistently align with stated commitments, fostering reliability and trustworthiness in all professional interactions and decisions.
Effectively collaborates with diverse teams, demonstrating strong intercultural communication skills and adaptability in varied group settings.
Open to learn actively pursues diverse experiences that broaden perspectives and foster continuous growth.
Demonstrated proficiency in guiding and overseeing agency operations with a focus on strategic vision and operational excellence. Exhibits strong leadership capabilities in fostering collaboration, driving performance, and ensuring accountability across all levels of the organization. Requires a proven track record of managing teams, optimizing processes, and achieving measurable results in alignment with agency goals.
Drives transformation by proactively identifying and implementing improvements that foster an agile, transparent, and inventive organizational culture.
Cultivates and Acknowledges Others – Empowers team members to maximize their potential, fostering both individual growth and organizational excellence.
Possesses a strategic mindset, effectively grasping how their role facilitates the translation, communication, and execution of the agency’s strategy and team objectives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
