Job Title: Chief of Party I- Eastern DRC Multi-sectoral Program
Job Location: Eastern DRC – TBD
Job Type: Regular, Full Time
Reports to: Deputy Country Representative- Programming
*This post is contingent on donor funding.
About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.
Job Summary:
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the most populous, vast and resource rich countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Decades of conflict and other challenges over the past decades have left the Congo with an 80 percent poverty rate, an annual per capita income of just over $120, inadequate social and health services, and weak governmental institutions. Given its fragility and weak institutions, the country is susceptible to health crises, including recent outbreaks of Ebola, measles, cholera and COVID-19.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS has operated in the DRC since 1961, successfully implementing programs in nutrition, agriculture livelihoods, emergency, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, microfinance, and peacebuilding throughout the country. CRS/DRC currently has around 180 staff operating out of 8 offices in Kinshasa, Goma (North Kivu), Kananga (Kasai Central), Mbuji Mayi (Kasai Oriental), Kalemie (Tanganyika), Lubumbashi (Haut Katanga), Bukavu (South Kivu), and Kole/Lodja (Sankuru).
A proposal-based position, as Chief of Party I you will provide leadership and overall management of the overall management of a multi-year Eastern Congo program pending a successful bid for the award. Your leadership, management and technical knowledge will ensure the delivery of high-quality programming and advance the position of CRS as a leading agency in multi-sectoral interventions bridging the humanitarian and development nexus. As a senior leader you will proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.
The Chief of Party (CoP) will oversee the development, management and implementation of a high quality multi-sectoral program seeking to address what the donor has described as a “development emergency” affecting the eastern DRC.
The Chief of Party will ensure that activities are needs-driven and evidence-based, adhering to CRS program quality standards for emergency and development and employing best practices based on a long history of multi-sectoral interventions in DR Congo. He or she will ensure compliance with CRS and donor requirements and will maintain positive and productive relationships with the donor and partners throughout the co-creation process and project life cycle.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
* Lead all aspects of the development, implementation and management of the program, including sharing how the project contributes to the thought leadership of the industry. Serve as the primary point of contact to the donor as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders.
* Ensure the project is designed and implemented to meet donor expectations in terms of timely and quality results and budget, including strategies for phase out and sustainability. Ensure coordination between program and operations leads. Ensure the CRS program quality standards are adhered to per MEAL policy and procedures.
* Effectively manage senior programming and operations talent. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching and mentoring. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Oversee the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff.
* Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming. Ensure all staff understand and adhere to CRS staff safety and security policies and plans and ensure the updating of such plans.
* Promote, uphold and model a commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources. Ensure compliance with donor grants, including financial tracking and oversight of partner budgets, finance, administration and reporting to donor. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.
* Oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, complying with donor and CRS’ branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
Basic Qualifications:
* Master’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or relevant field.
* Minimum of 7 or more years work experience in a program management position with progressive responsibilities for an international NGO.
* Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing donor funds, preferably for donor awards. Strong knowledge and experience in budget management.
* Minimum of 5 years of staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. Experience coaching senior program staff.
Required Languages – English, French
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 25 %.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Excellent English writing skills.
* Prior experience as a Chief of Party or comparable senior leadership position.
* Demonstrated experience of successful program management, including management of complex, high-value, multi-activity projects.
* Experience engaging partners (local organizations, private sector, government, etc.) and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
* Experience working in conflict-affected or insecure areas.
***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.
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.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
More Information
- Job City Democratic Republic of the Congo