Job Summary
As Chief of Party, you will lead and oversee the implementation of the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance program in Kenya, ensuring support reaches 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 programs funded by the U.S. government—will drive 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 take a forward-thinking approach to security management, actively addressing risks to safeguard operations and personnel.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties essential to the role, including strategic planning, operational oversight, and team leadership to drive organizational success. Key responsibilities involve developing and implementing policies, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Additionally, this position requires close collaboration with senior management to align business objectives with team performance, as well as mentoring staff to enhance productivity and professional growth.
You will oversee the full scope of the Food for Peace program in Kenya, from development and implementation to consolidation, while ensuring strict alignment with emergency food security goals and USDA mandates.
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.
Facilitate robust collaboration with public, private, and non-governmental stakeholders to enhance overall impact and prevent redundant efforts.
Ensure the project’s design and execution align with donor expectations regarding timely, high-quality outcomes, budget adherence, and sustainable phase-out strategies, while prioritizing beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and nutrition results. Supervise the implementation of tailored interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery initiatives—tailored to address immediate emergency needs.
You will lead the strategic and technical direction for all commodity management systems, overseeing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance (Mombasa), inland transport, storage, and distribution.
Ensure seamless collaboration between program and operations leads, maintaining alignment and communication. Uphold CRS program quality standards by strictly following MEAL policies and procedures.
Successfully lead senior programming and operations professionals while fostering a cohesive team environment and prioritizing staff well-being. Offer guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback to enhance team performance and career growth. Design and implement customized development strategies for direct reports, including thorough performance evaluations. Develop and execute comprehensive staffing strategies, overseeing the end-to-end recruitment process for top-tier talent.
Oversee risk management efforts by staying informed of national and regional developments that could affect staff and programs. Verify that all personnel are fully informed of and comply with CRS safety and security policies and plans, and maintain the currency of those plans.
Promote, uphold, and exemplify a dedication to the responsible and effective utilization of agency and donor resources. Oversee adherence to USDA/FAS grant regulations, particularly 2 CFR 200, by ensuring meticulous financial tracking, as well as monitoring partner budgets, finance, administration, and USDA reporting requirements. Authorize and approve program expenditures, budget modifications, and requests for donor cost adjustments.
Develop and execute communication strategies and materials while adhering to USDA branding and marking guidelines. Verify that acknowledgment of U.S. Government support is included in all program materials and beneficiary communications.
Coordinate relationships with consortium partner organizations by organizing review and planning workshops. Additionally, assist in aligning the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations with implementation efforts, ensuring adherence to CRS partnership principles.
Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance.
We seek a highly motivated individual with a strong background in [relevant field] and proven leadership capabilities. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of [X years] of experience in [specific industry or role], along with exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. A degree in [relevant field] is required, and professional certifications such as [specific certifications] are preferred. Responsibilities include overseeing [key tasks], collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive [specific outcomes], and ensuring adherence to industry standards and company policies. Proficiency in [specific tools or software] and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment are essential.
Basic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field, along with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in software development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, as is familiarity with frameworks like Spring or Django. Candidates must demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work collaboratively in a team environment. Additionally, prior experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure and knowledge of DevOps practices are highly desirable. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies are also key requirements.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related technical discipline is required, with a master’s degree considered advantageous.
5-8 years’ relevant management and technical experience, including senior leadership roles on USDA or USG-funded programs.
Proven track record in overseeing extensive commodity-driven initiatives, including programs such as Food for Peace or the USDA McGovern-Dole.
Demonstrates extensive experience in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations.
Accomplished in administering intricate budgets, ensuring adherence to donor stipulations, and maintaining rigorous financial governance.
With at least two years of direct experience in supervising and leading teams, as well as a proven ability to foster an engaging and educational atmosphere, the ideal candidate will bring a strong background in mentoring senior program staff to drive team growth and development.
Seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. Prior experience in software development, project management, or a similar technical role is highly valued. Individuals with expertise in specific programming languages, frameworks, or methodologies will be given preference. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are essential. Familiarity with industry best practices, tools, and emerging technologies is advantageous. Previous internships, certifications, or contributions to open-source projects may enhance your application.
Esteemed authority in the field, evidenced by contributions to peer-reviewed journals, scholarly conference engagements, and other distinguished presentations.
Hands-on experience within Kenya or comparable environments, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (BASAL) regions or during emergency response operations, is required.
Seasoned in spearheading collaborative initiatives across diverse partner networks and fostering robust, sustainable alliances.
Professional Version:
Experience with the systems operated by the Kenyan government, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county government administrations, is required.
Demonstrated excellence in leadership within the realms of food security or humanitarian response.
Experience in engaging partners and enhancing collaboration, with a preference for knowledge of CRS partnership strategy.
Proven track record in executing program management initiatives, particularly in overseeing intricate, high-value, multi-faceted projects characterized by complex logistical challenges.
Proven track record in managing commodity programs and executing food aid logistics operations is essential.
Proficient in navigating USG compliance frameworks and adhering to donor regulations with a high level of expertise.
Proficiency in delivering high-level presentations and representing the organization with distinction to various stakeholders is essential.
Proficient in utilizing MS Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Vision, along with web conferencing tools and systems for managing information and budgets.
The required knowledge, skills, and abilities include proficiency in relevant technical or professional domains, strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and exceptional communication and collaboration skills. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in both independent and team-based environments. Additionally, a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is essential, along with a high degree of integrity and accountability in all responsibilities. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, software, or methodologies may be required, depending on the role.
Experts must exhibit well-developed strategic and analytical capabilities, coupled with systems thinking and problem-solving prowess, enabling them to discern the broader context and render informed, judicious decisions.
You excel in managing relationships with finesse, engaging effectively with individuals across all organizational levels, both internally and externally. Your approach to relationship-building is deliberate and forward-thinking, ensuring each connection is strategically cultivated and maintained.
Demonstrates proficiency in leading cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams, along with strong coaching capabilities.
Proficient in communication and presentation, adept at crafting customized and compelling messaging to engage diverse audiences effectively.
Proactive, highly adaptable, and committed to delivering effective solutions, you excel in dynamic environments where achieving measurable outcomes is paramount. Your resourcefulness enables you to navigate challenges efficiently, while your results-driven mindset ensures sustained progress and impact.
Fluent proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Must be willing and able to travel up to 30% of the time to field locations, including remote BASAL counties, as required by the position.
Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff) encompass a set of essential skills, knowledge, and attributes required for effective performance across all roles within CRS. These competencies include strong communication and interpersonal abilities, adaptability in diverse and challenging environments, and a commitment to ethical conduct and accountability. CRS staff are expected to demonstrate proficiency in cross-cultural collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within teams. Additionally, a dedication to continuous learning, resilience in high-pressure situations, and alignment with CRS’s mission and values are integral to this role.
Personal accountability entails consistently accepting ownership of one’s actions and decisions.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values outlined in CRS Guiding Principles and the organization’s mission, while upholding a reputation for honesty and ethical conduct.
Demonstrates reliability through alignment of commitments with actual performance, fostering confidence and integrity in all professional interactions.
Actively engages with colleagues across various cultural and demographic backgrounds, fostering inclusive and productive teamwork.
Open to learn actively pursues experiences that have the potential to transform perspectives or introduce novel insights.
Agency Leadership Competencies encompass a range of essential skills and attributes required for effective leadership within the organization. These include strategic visioning, decision-making, and the ability to inspire and guide teams toward achieving agency goals. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for conveying objectives, providing feedback, and fostering collaboration. Additionally, leaders must demonstrate adaptability in navigating change, managing conflicts, and resolving issues to maintain operational excellence. Ethical conduct, accountability, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are also fundamental to these competencies, ensuring alignment with organizational values and regulatory standards.
Drive Continuous Improvement – Proactively identifies and implements opportunities to enhance the agency by fostering a culture characterized by adaptability, transparency, and forward-thinking innovation.
Builds and Enhances Team Capabilities – Empowers staff to maximize their potential while elevating overall team and agency performance through targeted development and recognition initiatives.
Maintains a strategic perspective by comprehending how their role facilitates the translation, communication, and execution of agency strategy and team objectives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
