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, delivering critical support to food-insecure and vulnerable populations, including those in arid and semi-arid regions (Nasals). Your expertise in leadership, program management, and technical skills—especially in commodity logistics and large-scale USG-funded initiatives—will drive the implementation of high-quality programming and strengthen CRS’s reputation as a premier emergency food assistance provider. In this senior role, you will also prioritize proactive security management and risk mitigation to ensure safe and effective program delivery.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to join our team, where you will assume a pivotal role with key responsibilities that drive our organization’s success. This position demands meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a fast-paced environment. You will be tasked with overseeing critical operations, ensuring adherence to best practices, and contributing to strategic initiatives that enhance productivity and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving abilities, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a timely manner. Additionally, you will serve as a key liaison between departments, fostering clear communication and alignment to achieve shared objectives.
Oversee the entire process of designing, executing, and integrating the Food for Peace program in Kenya, guaranteeing strict adherence to emergency food security goals and USDA regulations.
Act as the principal liaison with the USDA/FAS, U.S. Embassy, and key domestic stakeholders, including the National Drought Management Authority (CDMA), relevant line ministries, and humanitarian coordination platforms.
Foster robust collaboration with public, private, and non-governmental entities to enhance overall effectiveness and prevent redundant efforts.
The project must be meticulously designed and executed to align with donor expectations, emphasizing timely, high-quality outcomes, budget adherence, and clear strategies for phase-out and sustainability. Additionally, the initiative should incorporate beneficiary targeting, food distribution mechanisms, and measurable nutrition objectives. Responsibilities include supervising the implementation of tailored interventions, such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities, ensuring they are responsive to emergency requirements.
Provide strategic and technical leadership across all commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance (Mombasa), inland transport, storage, and distribution.
Facilitate seamless collaboration between program and operations leads to maintain alignment and efficiency. Uphold CRS program quality standards by strictly following MEAL policies and procedures.
You will oversee the management of senior programming and operations professionals while fostering a positive team dynamic and prioritizing staff well-being. Your responsibilities include providing coaching and mentoring to team members, designing individualized development plans, and conducting thorough performance evaluations for your direct reports. Additionally, you will lead the creation of staffing strategies and supervise the recruitment process for senior-level positions.
Oversee risk management and mitigation by tracking national and regional developments that could affect personnel and programs. Provide comprehensive training to ensure all staff comply with CRS safety and security policies and protocols, and oversee the regular review and update of these plans.
Demonstrate and reinforce a dedication to the responsible stewardship of agency and donor resources through proactive promotion and exemplary practice. Oversee adherence to USDA/FAS grant requirements—including compliance with 2 CFR 200—and maintain rigorous financial tracking, budget management, and administrative oversight for partner organizations. Additionally, evaluate and authorize program expenditures, budget reallocations, and donor-requested cost modifications as needed.
Develop and implement communication strategies and materials that adhere to USDA branding and marking guidelines. Verify that all program materials and beneficiary communications appropriately acknowledge U.S. Government support.
Coordinate relationships with partner organizations within the consortium by organizing review and planning workshops. Support the coordination of roles and responsibilities and the implementation of activities among staff from other consortium member organizations in alignment with CRS partnership principles.
Create and uphold conducive conditions for effective learning to thrive. Foster a secure environment that encourages the open exchange of ideas, solutions, and challenges while enabling the prompt identification, assessment, and resolution of deficiencies. Evaluate performance gaps and training needs among CRS and partner staff, then oversee the development and implementation of exceptional training programs and technical support initiatives.
Qualifications
We seek applicants who meet the following foundational requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience is required. Proficiency in [specific software/tool] is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, are necessary to collaborate effectively across teams. Prior experience in [specific industry/function], ideally with [X years] in a similar role, is preferred. The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is critical. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to evolving industry trends. Familiarity with [specific regulations/standards] is a plus.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related technical field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
We seek candidates with five to eight years of pertinent management and technical expertise, encompassing senior leadership positions on projects funded by the USDA or USG.
Proven track record in overseeing extensive commodity-focused initiatives, such as the Food for Peace program or the USDA McGovern-Dole initiative.
Experienced in overseeing commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations, with a proven track record of success in these areas.
Accomplished in overseeing intricate financial frameworks, ensuring adherence to donor regulations, and maintaining rigorous fiscal management.
With a minimum of two years in staff management, the ideal candidate will possess the skills necessary to foster a collaborative learning environment. Additionally, experience in coaching senior program staff is required.
Preferred Qualifications include a minimum of 3 years of experience in a relevant field, with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, and the capacity to work effectively in a team environment. Familiarity with project management methodologies and prior leadership experience are highly desirable. Additional advantages may include certifications in specialized areas or advanced degrees.
Esteemed authority within the industry, evidenced by extensive contributions to peer-reviewed journals, keynote addresses at leading conferences, and other scholarly engagements.
Proficiency in working within Kenya or comparable environments, particularly in BASAL regions or during emergency operations, is essential.
Proven expertise in leading and administering collaborative consortia comprising multiple partners, with a strong focus on enhancing and sustaining strategic alliances.
Proficiency in navigating Kenya’s governmental frameworks, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county administration systems, is required.
Demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing food security challenges or spearheading humanitarian response initiatives.
Engagement with partners and enhancement of collaborative relationships are key responsibilities. Familiarity with CRS’s partnership strategy is advantageous.
Proven track record in overseeing intricate, high-value program management initiatives, encompassing the coordination of multifaceted projects with logistical challenges.
Proven track record in overseeing commodity management and coordinating food aid logistics with precision and efficiency.
Profound expertise in navigating USG compliance frameworks and adhering to donor regulations is essential.
Capable of delivering high-level representation and presentations with professionalism and effectiveness.
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.
Demonstrated expertise in the relevant field, encompassing both technical proficiencies and interpersonal competencies, is essential. Applicants must exhibit a strong command of industry-specific tools and methodologies, coupled with the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within a team setting. Problem-solving acumen and adaptability to dynamic environments are also critical, as are organizational skills to manage multiple priorities efficiently. Additionally, a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is highly valued.
Requires exceptional strategic, analytical, and systems thinking abilities, along with robust problem-solving skills, enabling a comprehensive view of challenges and confident, well-reasoned decision-making.
Proven expertise in cultivating and maintaining robust relationships across all organizational levels, both internally and externally, with a strategic approach to nurturing each connection.
Demonstrated expertise in leading and guiding teams composed of individuals from varied backgrounds and disciplines, along with strong coaching capabilities.
Exceptional communication and presentation abilities are required, with a proven capability to craft targeted, compelling messaging that resonates with diverse stakeholders.
Proactive, resourceful, solutions-focused, and dedicated to delivering measurable results.
Proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement for this role.
Must possess the ability and willingness to travel as needed, with up to 30% of the role requiring visits to field locations, some of which may be remote BASAL counties.
CRS team members must demonstrate proficiency in the following core competencies, which apply universally across all roles within the agency:
Demonstrates unwavering personal accountability by consistently owning and taking responsibility for all actions and decisions.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying and upholding the values outlined in the CRS Guiding Principles and mission statement, while maintaining a reputation for honesty and ethical conduct.
Demonstrates unwavering reliability by ensuring alignment between promises and actual performance, fostering confidence and dependability in all interactions.
Collaborates seamlessly with colleagues across varied cultural backgrounds and diverse teams, fostering an inclusive and productive work environment.
Open to learn actively pursues opportunities for personal and professional development, embracing experiences that challenge existing perspectives and foster the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.
Demonstrates strategic vision and leadership excellence in guiding agency-wide initiatives, fostering innovation, and driving organizational success. Exhibits strong decision-making abilities, accountability, and adaptability in navigating complex challenges. Builds and maintains high-performing teams through effective communication, collaboration, and talent development. Ensures alignment with agency goals, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards while promoting a culture of integrity and continuous improvement.
Transforms the organization by proactively driving improvement through an agile, transparent, and inventive culture.
Develops and acknowledges others by fostering staff growth to maximize their potential, thereby strengthening both team and agency effectiveness.
Demonstrates a strategic perspective by effectively translating, communicating, and executing the agency’s strategy and team objectives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
