Job Summary
As Chief of Party, you will oversee leadership and comprehensive management 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 oversight, and technical expertise—particularly in commodity management and large-scale USG-funded initiatives—will drive the delivery of high-impact programming while reinforcing CRS’s prominence in emergency food assistance. In this senior role, you will take a proactive approach to security management, identifying and mitigating potential risks to ensure program continuity and staff safety.
Designs, develops, and maintains comprehensive job descriptions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry standards. Collaborates with department heads to gather accurate role-specific details, including essential duties, required qualifications, and performance expectations. Reviews and updates existing job descriptions to reflect evolving responsibilities, emerging skill requirements, and organizational changes. Ensures adherence to legal and compliance guidelines while maintaining consistency and clarity across all job documentation. Facilitates the alignment of roles with strategic objectives by analyzing performance metrics and feedback from managers and employees.
Oversee the entire lifecycle of the Food for Peace program in Kenya, from development and implementation to consolidation, while ensuring full alignment with emergency food security goals and USDA compliance standards.
Act as the main liaison to USDA/FAS, U.S. Embassy, and domestic stakeholders such as the National Drought Management Authority (CDMA), relevant line ministries, and humanitarian coordination mechanisms.
Collaborate effectively with public, private, and non-governmental partners to enhance overall impact and prevent redundant efforts.
Ensure the project is strategically designed and executed to fulfill donor requirements regarding timely, high-quality deliverables and budget adherence, incorporating robust phase-out and sustainability frameworks, beneficiary targeting protocols, food distribution logistics, and measurable nutrition outcomes. Provide oversight for the implementation of tailored interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition assistance, and recovery initiatives—tailored to address evolving emergency needs.
Offer strategic and technical direction for all commodity management systems, overseeing procurement planning, call forwards, port clearance (Mombasa), inland transport, storage, and distribution operations.
Facilitate seamless collaboration between program and operations leads to maintain alignment and efficiency. Uphold CRS program quality standards by strictly adhering to MEAL policies and established procedures.
Successfully lead and oversee senior programming and operations professionals, fostering a cohesive team environment while prioritizing their well-being. Offer guidance, mentorship, and support to enhance performance and career growth. Develop customized individual development plans and conduct thorough performance evaluations for direct reports. Additionally, supervise the creation of staffing strategies and oversee the recruitment process for senior-level positions.
Oversee risk management efforts by tracking national and regional developments that could affect personnel and program activities. Guarantee full compliance with CRS safety and security policies and plans among all staff, while also ensuring these plans remain current.
Demonstrate and reinforce a strong dedication to optimizing the use of agency and donor resources through effective stewardship. Oversee adherence to USDA/FAS grant regulations—including compliance with 2 CFR 200—by monitoring financial tracking, partner budget management, fiscal administration, and timely reporting to USDA. Authorize program expenditures, budget revisions, and donor-requested cost adjustments as part of this oversight role.
Develop and manage communication strategies and materials while ensuring adherence to USDA branding and marking guidelines. Verify that all program materials and beneficiary communications appropriately recognize U.S. Government support.
Coordinate interactions with consortium partner organizations by organizing and leading review and planning workshops. Collaborate with staff from other consortium member organizations to align roles and activities with CRS partnership principles throughout the implementation process.
Develop and uphold optimal learning environments by fostering a secure space for exchanging insights, solutions, and challenges while enabling prompt detection, analysis, and resolution of deficiencies. Assess performance gaps and training needs among CRS and partner staff, then design and deliver comprehensive, high-quality training and technical assistance programs to address them effectively.
Qualifications
Competent candidates must satisfy the following foundational prerequisites: a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience, proficiency with fundamental software tools, and at least three years of hands-on experience in a comparable role.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related technical field is required, with a master’s degree considered advantageous.
Requires five to eight years of progressive management and technical expertise, with at least some of that experience obtained in senior leadership capacities within programs funded by the USDA or USG.
Proven track record in overseeing extensive commodity-focused initiatives, such as Food for Peace or the USDA McGovern-Dole Program.
Experienced in overseeing commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations with demonstrated proficiency.
Experienced in overseeing intricate budgets, ensuring donor compliance, and maintaining rigorous financial controls.
With a minimum of two years of experience in managing teams, along with a proven ability to foster an environment that encourages continuous learning, you will have the opportunity to guide and develop senior program staff through effective coaching techniques.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline. A minimum of three years of experience in a similar role is required, with proven expertise in project management and technical analysis. Familiarity with industry-standard software development methodologies, including Agile and Scrum, is essential. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data are crucial for success in this position. Additionally, exceptional communication and collaboration abilities are necessary to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is a plus.
Established authority within the industry, evidenced by a robust portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and notable contributions at leading conferences.
Professional experience in Kenya or comparable settings, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (BASAL) regions or during emergency response operations, is required.
With a proven track record in overseeing collaborative initiatives involving multiple partners, as well as enhancing the effectiveness and cohesion of strategic alliances, this role requires demonstrated expertise in consortium management and partnership development.
Familiarity with Kenya government systems (e.g., NDMA, county governments).
Demonstrates exceptional leadership in addressing food security challenges or spearheading humanitarian response initiatives.
Experienced in cultivating relationships and enhancing partner collaborations. Familiarity with CRS partnership strategy is advantageous.
Experienced in overseeing intricate, high-value program management initiatives, including the coordination of complex, multi-faceted projects with demanding logistical requirements.
Proficiency in overseeing commodity management and food aid logistics is essential.
Proficiency in USG compliance frameworks and donor regulations is required.
Capable of delivering high-level representation and presentations with professionalism and confidence.
Proficient in utilizing the MS Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Vision), web conferencing platforms, and specialized systems for information and budget management.
Seeking candidates with a robust foundation in core competencies, encompassing both technical expertise and interpersonal capabilities. The ideal applicant will demonstrate proficiency in relevant areas of study, possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and exhibit effective communication and teamwork abilities. Prior experience in a similar role is preferred, along with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. The position requires adaptability, attention to detail, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Exceptional strategic and analytical capabilities, coupled with robust systems thinking and problem-solving expertise, empower you to discern overarching patterns while exercising sound judgment and making well-informed decisions.
Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential, with a proven ability to cultivate meaningful connections at every organizational level, both internally and externally. A strategic mindset is required to navigate and nurture each relationship effectively.
Demonstrates proficiency in leading cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams with diverse perspectives. Possesses strong coaching capabilities to develop and mentor team members effectively.
Exceptional communication and presentation abilities are required, with a proven capacity to craft compelling, audience-specific messaging that resonates across diverse groups.
Proactive, highly resourceful, and consistently solution-driven with a strong focus on achieving measurable results.
Required Languages: Proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Must be prepared to undertake travel obligations amounting to as much as 30% of the role’s requirements, with destinations encompassing various field locations, including remote areas within BASAL counties.
Agency Competencies (applicable to all CRS personnel):
Demonstrates unwavering commitment to CRS’s mission, values, and guiding principles. Exhibits proficiency in cross-cultural communication and collaboration, fostering inclusive partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Maintains accountability for ethical conduct, transparency, and professional integrity in all responsibilities. Embraces adaptability and resilience to navigate dynamic and challenging environments. Promotes a culture of continuous learning and innovation, actively seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Demonstrates unwavering personal accountability by owning decisions and actions without exception.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the values and mission outlined in the CRS Guiding Principles, while maintaining a reputation for honesty and ethical conduct.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by aligning actions with stated commitments, fostering a foundation of trust with colleagues and stakeholders.
Collaborates effectively with colleagues across diverse and multicultural team environments.
Open to learn – Actively pursues experiences that challenge existing perspectives or facilitate the acquisition of new knowledge.
Agency Leadership Competencies encompass a range of essential skills and qualities required for effective leadership within the organization. These competencies include strategic vision, decision-making, and the ability to inspire and guide teams toward achieving agency goals. Strong communication, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering innovation are also critical. Additionally, leaders must demonstrate ethical leadership, accountability, and a dedication to continuous professional development. Proficiency in managing resources, driving performance, and cultivating a positive organizational culture further define these competencies.
Drive meaningful transformation by proactively identifying and implementing improvements that foster a dynamic, transparent, and forward-thinking organizational culture.
Fosters Talent Development and Recognition – Enhances staff capabilities to maximize their potential while improving overall team and organizational performance.
Understands the critical importance of their role in interpreting, conveying, and executing the agency’s strategic direction and team objectives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
