Chief of Party- Early Childhood Development, Rwanda 203 views0 applications

Roles and Key Responsibilities

Management:

1. Ensure staff compliance with all applicable donor regulations, as well as CRS administrative, operational procedures and policies.
2. Approve programme expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donor.
3. Monitor progress against indicators to ensure payment by results metrics are met.
4. Proactively identify and address financial issues and concerns in concert with other staff and partners to ensure adherence to financial guidelines and maintain transparent systems and records.
5. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of programme finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget and take corrective action to ensure that programme expenses match the execution of activity plans and accurate effort reporting.

Representation and Communication:

1. In collaboration with CRS supervisor, act as primary programme contact to DFID, Government of Rwanda and other key local and international stakeholders.
2. Strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
3. Oversee the development and implementation of programme communication strategies and materials, including compliance with DFID’s branding requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.
4. Collaborate effectively and regularly with regional/HQ management and technical advisors, especially with regards to sharing and reviewing important communication with DFID.
5. Seek out opportunities to represent CRS programming in external meetings with domestic and international stakeholders. Highlight the innovative work under the IECD-R project, for example, prepare and deliver presentations of the project ongoing activities, challenges/opportunities, and results achieved.

Programme Quality:

1. Lead the implementation of the IECD-R programme, collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure programme’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished at scale while meeting expected technical and programme quality standards.
2. Ensure that vision and plans for the programme align with CRS and Government of Rwanda strategies.
3. Oversee the development and iterative revision of IECD-R performance tracking tools (Detailed Implementation Plans, Indicator Performance Tracking Tables, etc.) and oversee the utilization of these tools to ensure effective and efficient delivery of IECD-R programme objectives.
4. In collaboration with programme staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that best practices and lessons learned are documented and disseminated.
5. Coordinate with M&E department to oversee the design and implementation of the programme’s monitoring and evaluation system, using appropriate forms, procedures, and tools for data collection and analysis as the basis for measuring, documenting and reporting of project performance and outcomes.
6. Ensure that M&E lessons learned from results of programme monitoring and evaluation are incorporated into the design and execution of programme activities to meet stated objectives and needs of the beneficiary populations.
7. Integrate project interventions with other CRS programmes as appropriate through linkages with other service providers.
8. Ensure that processes are anchored in CRS ProPack methodologies, Integral Human Development (IHD), the Justice Lens, the Gender Lens and CRS Partnership principles.

Human Resources:

1. In collaboration with Human Resources Department and CRS country programme management, manage recruitment portfolio for the programme, and orient and support the professional development of supervisees, providing timely, respectful feedback.
2. Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
3. Supervise and coach a team of CRS and consortium staff to meet programme objectives.
4. Oversee the management of the relationship with partner organizations, ensure regular communication and organization of review/planning workshops.
5. With programme staff, lead the identification of performance gaps and training needs of CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high quality training, technical assistance, and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants.

Basic Qualifications (BQs)

Education and Experience:

• Masters’ Degree in related field required;
• At least 10 years of progressively increased management responsibility in developing countries; previous experience as a Chief of Party/Programme Director a plus.
• Prior management of large DFID agreement required; DFID contracting experience a plus.
• Recognized leader in international development a plus; within ECD sector also a plus.
• Proven track record of successful programme management, including management of multi-activity projects, complicated logistics and large budgets.
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience, including performance evaluation, coaching and mentoring
• Knowledge of CRS Partnership strategy and Partner management experience an advantage
• Excellent report-writing skills
• Excellent knowledge and experience in budget management and project management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Publisher, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook

Required Languages – Native fluency in English & excellent English writing skills, especially with the ability to produce quality written reports for the donor in English on a timely basis.

Travel– Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required up to 25% of the time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven leadership, and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
• Proven experience in building and maintaining partnerships between institutions
• Ability to work to meet multiple deadlines
• Excellent organization, planning and analytical skills; detail oriented
• Ability to think critically, effectively manage change and problem solve
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills, with demonstrated strength in relationship management
• Ability to be flexible, persistent, and diplomatic and to gain respect among staff, local community leaders, church and secular partners, as well as local government ministries and donors.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi- cultural team,
• Self-motivated, ability to work independently, if needed.
• Inclination to hold self-accountable for programme implementation.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises a team of up to five CRS staff members and consortium members.
• Indirect supervisory responsibilities for entire programme team.

Work Conditions/Environment Conditions

• This position is based in Kigali, Rwanda

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

****Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.*

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

EOE/M/F/D/V – CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)

This position is conditional upon award of funding as well as donor approval.