Job Summary
As the Chief of Party, you will lead and oversee the implementation of 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 lands (Nasals). Your strategic leadership, operational management, and technical expertise—particularly in commodity management and large-scale programs funded by the U.S. government—will drive the execution of high-impact programming and reinforce CRS’s reputation as a premier agency in emergency food assistance. In this senior role, you will also prioritize proactive security management and risk mitigation to ensure the safety and success of all program activities.
We are seeking a highly skilled professional to join our team, responsible for executing a diverse range of critical tasks aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives. The role demands a proven track record in [specific field or industry], with a strong emphasis on [key responsibility, e.g., project management, team leadership, or technical expertise]. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
A minimum of [X years] of relevant experience in [specific area] is required, along with proficiency in [key tools, software, or methodologies]. The position entails [briefly mention core duties, e.g., overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards, or driving innovation through strategic initiatives]. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders will be essential to achieve measurable results and foster continuous improvement.
The successful applicant must exhibit strong communication skills, adaptability, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Proficiency in [specific language, if applicable] and familiarity with [relevant regulations or frameworks] are advantageous. This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact while contributing to the growth and success of the organization.
Oversee the complete development, execution, and integration of the Food for Peace program in Kenya, guaranteeing full alignment with emergency food security goals and USDA regulatory standards.
Act as the main liaison between the organization and key entities such as the USDA/FAS, U.S. Embassy, and national stakeholders, which encompass the National Drought Management Authority (CDMA), relevant line ministries, and humanitarian coordination platforms.
Collaborate effectively with public, private, and non-governmental partners to optimize impact and prevent redundant efforts.
The project must be meticulously designed and executed to fulfill donor requirements, emphasizing timely delivery of high-quality results within the allocated budget. This includes incorporating strategies for phase-out and long-term sustainability, as well as ensuring precise beneficiary targeting, efficient food distribution, and measurable nutrition outcomes. Additionally, the project will require close supervision of intervention implementation, such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities, tailored to address urgent emergency needs.
Deliver strategic and technical direction for all commodity management systems, encompassing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance in Mombasa, inland transport, storage, and distribution.
Facilitate seamless collaboration between program and operations leads to promote alignment. Oversee adherence to CRS program quality standards in accordance with MEAL policies and procedures.
Proactively lead senior programming and operations teams while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Cultivate strong team dynamics and prioritize staff well-being through targeted engagement. Deliver tailored coaching and mentoring to enhance professional growth. Design and implement individualized development strategies, and conduct thorough performance evaluations for direct reports. Spearhead the creation of staffing strategies and oversee the meticulous recruitment of senior-level talent.
Oversee risk mitigation by continuously monitoring national and regional developments that could affect personnel and programming. Guarantee that all staff members are fully informed of and compliant with CRS safety and security policies and procedures, while also ensuring these plans remain current and up to date.
Demonstrate and reinforce a dedication to maximizing the effective utilization of agency and donor resources. Verify adherence to USDA/FAS grant regulations, such as 2 CFR 200, by overseeing financial tracking, partner budget management, financial controls, administrative processes, and donor reporting requirements. Authorize program expenditures, budget revisions, and donor requests for cost adjustments.
Develop and implement communication strategies and materials that align with USDA branding and marking guidelines, ensuring consistent adherence to federal requirements. Verify that all program materials and beneficiary communications appropriately acknowledge U.S. Government support in compliance with established protocols.
Coordinate partnerships with consortium member organizations by facilitating review and planning workshops. Collaborate in aligning the roles and responsibilities of staff from other consortium partners to ensure effective implementation that aligns with CRS partnership principles.
To foster an optimal learning environment, cultivate and sustain conducive conditions that encourage active participation, idea exchange, and collaborative problem-solving while promptly addressing challenges as they arise. Develop and uphold a secure setting that empowers individuals to openly discuss solutions, obstacles, and insights, enabling swift detection, analysis, and resolution of deficiencies. Assess performance gaps and identify targeted training and professional development opportunities for CRS and partner staff, ensuring the creation and delivery of exceptional training programs and technical support.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, computer science, or mathematics, is required. Candidates must possess at least five years of professional experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of successful project delivery. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data-driven decision-making are essential. Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools is mandatory. Excellent communication and leadership abilities are critical for collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines is also necessary.
Minimum 2 years of experience in a relevant field, a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, and proficiency with industry-standard software tools. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional communication abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively.
A bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related technical discipline is required, with a master’s degree preferred.
Seeking candidates with a minimum of five to eight years of management and technical expertise, encompassing senior leadership positions on programs funded by the USDA or USG.
Experienced in overseeing extensive commodity-based initiatives, such as the Food for Peace program or the USDA McGovern-Dole initiative.
Accomplished professionals in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations are required, with a demonstrated track record of success in these domains.
Proven expertise in overseeing intricate budgets, ensuring strict donor compliance, and providing meticulous financial oversight.
With at least two years of hands-on experience in managing teams, you bring a leadership style that fosters continuous growth and development. Your background includes mentoring and guiding senior-level program staff to enhance their performance and effectiveness.
Preferred Qualifications include five or more years of relevant experience, certification in project management (such as PMP or CAP), proficiency in Agile methodologies, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record in managing cross-functional teams. Familiarity with industry-standard software tools and a commitment to continuous professional development are also essential.
Esteemed authority in the field, evidenced by a substantial portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and contributions to leading academic conferences.
Proficiency in working within Kenya or analogous environments, particularly BASAL regions or emergency operations, is essential.
Experienced in overseeing multipartner consortia and enhancing collaborative relationships.
Professional Rewriting:
Understanding of the operational frameworks within Kenya’s public sector institutions, including the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county-level governance structures, is essential.
Demonstrated expertise in advancing food security initiatives or leading impactful humanitarian response efforts.
With expertise in cultivating partner relationships and driving collaborative efforts, candidates should bring a strong track record of engaging partners and enhancing strategic partnerships. Familiarity with CRS partnership strategy is highly desirable.
Experienced in leading program management initiatives, with a proven track record of overseeing intricate, high-value, multi-faceted projects characterized by complex logistical challenges.
Demonstrates extensive knowledge of commodity management and the logistics of food aid distribution.
Proficient in navigating USG compliance frameworks and adhering to donor regulations.
Capable of delivering compelling presentations and representing the organization with professionalism at the highest levels.
Proficient in utilizing the MS Office suite—including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Vision—along with web conferencing applications and information and budget management systems.
Possesses a comprehensive understanding of the required expertise, technical competencies, and essential abilities necessary to excel in the role. Demonstrates proficiency in key areas through relevant education, training, or hands-on experience. Exhibits strong analytical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and adaptability to evolving challenges. Maintains a keen attention to detail while ensuring accuracy in all tasks. Effectively communicates and collaborates with team members to achieve organizational objectives. Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Skilled in strategic planning, analytical reasoning, systems thinking, and problem-solving, with the aptitude to grasp the broader context and deliver well-founded judgments and decisions.
Exceptional skills in managing relationships with a keen ability to connect with individuals across all levels, both internally and externally. Demonstrates a strategic mindset in cultivating and maintaining each professional connection.
Demonstrates strong leadership capabilities in guiding diverse and multidisciplinary teams, coupled with exceptional coaching skills to foster team development and performance.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required, along with the ability to craft and deliver compelling, audience-specific messaging that resonates effectively.
Proactive, highly resourceful, and driven by a solutions-focused mindset, the ideal candidate is equally committed to achieving tangible results.
Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Must have the flexibility and capability to travel up to 30% of the time to various field locations, including remote BASAL counties.
Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
All personnel at CRS are expected to demonstrate proficiency in core competencies that align with the organization’s mission and operational standards. These foundational skills encompass adaptability, ethical conduct, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. Additionally, staff are required to uphold accountability, prioritize inclusivity, and maintain a results-driven approach in all professional endeavors. Proficiency in cross-functional teamwork, effective communication, and strategic problem-solving is also essential to support CRS’s goals and values.
Demonstrates a strong sense of personal accountability by consistently owning the outcomes of one’s decisions and actions.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values outlined in CRS Guiding Principles and advancing the organization’s mission with honesty and transparency.
Demonstrates reliability by aligning actions with commitments, thereby fostering lasting trust and credibility.
Actively engages with colleagues across various cultural and diverse backgrounds to foster productive teamwork and achieve shared objectives.
Open to learn – Actively pursues experiences that have the potential to shift perspectives or introduce fresh insights.
Agency leadership competencies encompass a range of essential skills and attributes required for effective oversight and strategic management within an organization. These competencies involve guiding teams toward achieving agency objectives, fostering innovation, and maintaining high standards of professionalism. Strong leadership is demonstrated through clear communication, decisive decision-making, and the ability to inspire and motivate staff. Additionally, leaders must exhibit financial acumen, operational efficiency, and a commitment to ethical practices to ensure sustainable growth and compliance with regulatory standards. Proficiency in stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and adaptive leadership in dynamic environments is also crucial for driving organizational success.
Drives Transformation—Relentlessly seeks opportunities to enhance the agency by fostering an agile, transparent, and inventive work environment.
Develops and acknowledges team members’ contributions by fostering their professional growth and strengthening overall team and organizational effectiveness.
Possesses a strategic perspective to effectively translate, communicate, and execute the agency’s strategy and team priorities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
