Job Summary
As Chief of Party, your primary responsibility will be to lead and oversee the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance program in Kenya, ensuring support for food-insecure and vulnerable populations, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (Nasals). Through your leadership, management expertise, and technical proficiency—especially in commodity management and large-scale programs funded by the U.S. Government—you will uphold the delivery of high-quality programming and reinforce CRS’s standing as a premier agency in emergency food assistance. In this senior leadership role, you will actively oversee security protocols and implement measures to mitigate potential risks.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to join our team, responsible for executing a diverse range of essential duties and functions. The ideal candidate will be tasked with overseeing key operational activities, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures, and contributing to the achievement of organizational objectives. This role demands a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments. Additionally, the position requires meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational capabilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Oversee the entire process of designing, executing, and integrating the Food for Peace program in Kenya, guaranteeing adherence to emergency food security goals and USDA standards.
Act as the main liaison with the USDA/FAS, U.S. Embassy, and domestic stakeholders—such as the National Drought Management Authority (CDMA), relevant line ministries, and humanitarian coordination platforms.
Foster robust collaboration with public, private, and non-governmental stakeholders to enhance effectiveness and prevent redundancy.
The project must be meticulously designed and executed to fulfill donor requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results, adherence to budget constraints, and incorporation of strategies for phase-out and long-term sustainability. Additionally, beneficiary targeting, food distribution, and nutrition outcomes should be prioritized. Responsibilities include supervising the implementation of tailored interventions—such as general food distribution, targeted nutrition support, and recovery activities—in alignment with evolving emergency needs.
Provide 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 alignment and communication between program and operations leads to foster cohesive collaboration. Verify adherence to CRS program quality standards in accordance with established MEAL policies and procedures.
You will be responsible for leading highly skilled programming and operations teams, ensuring strong team performance and maintaining a positive work environment that supports staff well-being. Through ongoing coaching and mentoring, you will guide your team toward professional growth. Additionally, you will design individualized development plans and conduct thorough performance evaluations for your direct reports. Your role will also encompass creating staffing strategies and overseeing the recruitment of top-tier senior talent.
Oversee risk by continuously assessing national and regional developments that could affect personnel and programs, implementing measures to address potential threats proactively. Verify that all team members are fully informed of and compliant with CRS safety and security policies and protocols, while also ensuring these guidelines remain current and effective.
Promote, maintain, and exemplify a dedication to maximizing the effective utilization of agency and donor resources. Oversee adherence to USDA/FAS grant regulations—including 2 CFR 200—by managing financial tracking, partner budget oversight, and administrative and reporting obligations to USDA. Authorize program expenditures, budget modifications, and donor-requested cost adjustments.
Develop and implement communication strategies and materials while ensuring adherence to USDA branding and marking guidelines. Confirm that all program materials and beneficiary communications accurately acknowledge U.S. Government support as required.
Coordinate relationships with partner organizations within the consortium by arranging review and planning workshops. Additionally, support the coordination of roles and responsibilities among staff from other consortium member organizations to ensure alignment with CRS partnership principles during project implementation.
Create and maintain conducive learning environments while fostering a secure space for open dialogue, idea sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. Proactively assess and address performance gaps and deficiencies with swift detection, thorough analysis, and timely resolution. Evaluate training needs within CRS and partner organizations, then design and implement high-quality training programs and provide expert technical assistance to support staff development.
Seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least three years of professional experience in a related capacity. Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively within a team and with stakeholders. Candidates must demonstrate a proactive approach to work, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Proficiency in data analysis and project management is highly desirable.
Must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field, with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is required. Candidate must demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. Prior experience in project coordination or a similar role is preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related technical field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
7+ years of progressive management and technical expertise, with a strong background in senior leadership roles on programs funded by the USDA or USG.
Proven track record in overseeing expansive commodity-focused initiatives, such as Food for Peace or the USDA McGovern-Dole program.
Demonstrates extensive experience in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations.
Seasoned professional with extensive expertise in directing intricate financial frameworks, ensuring adherence to donor mandates, and maintaining rigorous fiscal oversight.
With a minimum of two years in supervisory roles, you possess a proven ability to foster a productive learning atmosphere. Additionally, you have hands-on experience mentoring senior program staff, ensuring their professional growth and development.
Preferred Candidates Will Possess Demonstrated Experience In, Or A Strong Acquaintance With, The Relevant Field Or Industry. The Ideal Applicant Should Exhibit Proficiency In Specialized Tools, Software, Or Methodologies Relevant To The Role. Additional Valuable Qualifications May Include Prior Leadership Or Mentorship Experience, As Well As A Proven Track Record Of Problem-Solving And Adaptability In Dynamic Environments. Familiarity With Industry Best Practices, Emerging Trends, And Compliance Standards Is Also Preferred. Candidates With Certifications Or Advanced Training In A Pertinent Discipline Will Be Given Preference.
Esteemed authority within the industry, evidenced by contributions to peer-reviewed publications and participation in conference presentations, among other achievements.
Professional candidates should possess relevant experience in Kenya or comparable environments, particularly in BASAL regions or emergency response operations.
Proven track record in overseeing collaborative consortia involving multiple partners, coupled with expertise in enhancing and sustaining strategic partnerships.
Possesses a comprehensive understanding of Kenya’s governmental frameworks, including entities such as the National Disaster Management Authority (CDMA) and county-level administrative systems.
Demonstrated expertise in addressing food security challenges or leading humanitarian response efforts.
A proven track record in cultivating partner relationships and enhancing collaborative efforts is essential. Familiarity with CRS’s partnership strategy is advantageous.
Proven expertise in overseeing program management initiatives, encompassing the leadership of intricate, high-value projects involving multifaceted logistics and diverse activities.
Professional rewrite:
Proven proficiency in managing commodities and overseeing the logistics of food aid distribution.
Proficient in USG compliance frameworks and donor regulations, ensuring adherence to established guidelines and requirements.
Capable of delivering compelling presentations and serving as a distinguished representative at elite levels.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Vision), web conferencing platforms, and systems for information and budget management is required.
Requires a comprehensive understanding of the relevant field, along with proven expertise in key operational areas. Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for conveying complex ideas clearly. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, software, or methodologies is expected, as is a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Additionally, the role demands adaptability to evolving priorities and the capacity to manage multiple tasks efficiently under tight deadlines.
Exceptional abilities in strategic analysis, systems thinking, and problem-solving, combined with a keen capacity to discern the broader context, enable the ability to make well-informed, sound judgments and decisions.
You excel at managing relationships effectively, fostering strong connections with individuals across all organizational levels, both internally and externally. Your approach is strategic, ensuring each relationship is cultivated with intention and purpose.
Strong leadership capabilities demonstrated through effective management of diverse, multidisciplinary teams. Proven coaching expertise to develop and mentor team members for optimal performance.
Exceptional communication and presentation abilities are required, enabling the development of customized, compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
Proactive and resourceful, with a strong focus on solutions and results, this individual demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving and achieving measurable outcomes.
Fluency in English is a mandatory prerequisite for this position.
Must be willing and able to travel up to 30% to field locations, including remote counties in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (BASAL) regions.
CRS Staff are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following core competencies, applicable to all personnel within the agency.
Demonstrates unwavering personal accountability by owning and accepting responsibility for all actions taken.
Demonstrates unwavering integrity by consistently embodying the core values and mission outlined in the CRS Guiding Principles, while maintaining the highest standards of honesty in all professional interactions.
Demonstrates reliability by ensuring actions consistently align with spoken commitments, fostering trust through transparent and dependable behavior.
Collaborates effectively with colleagues across diverse and multicultural teams, demonstrating strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
Open to learn actively pursues experiences designed to broaden perspectives or introduce novel insights.
Agency leadership competencies encompass the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviors required to effectively guide and manage an organization. These competencies may include strategic vision, operational excellence, financial acumen, talent development, stakeholder engagement, and adaptability to change. Additionally, strong ethical standards, communication proficiency, and a commitment to innovation are often critical for driving organizational success. Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in these areas to lead teams, foster collaboration, and achieve mission-critical objectives.
Demonstrate leadership in driving transformation by fostering an environment characterized by adaptability, transparency, and forward-thinking solutions to propel the agency forward.
Fosters and Acknowledges Talent – Empowers team members to maximize their potential while elevating both team and organizational effectiveness.
Possesses a strategic perspective, recognizing the significance of their role in articulating, disseminating, and executing the agency’s strategy and the team’s key priorities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
