Job Title: Chief of Party, McGovern-Dole International School Feeding and Child Nutrition Program (MGD), Guinea Bissau
Job Location: Bissau, Guinea Bissau
Reports to: Head of Programs
Job Type: regular, full-time
Anticipated start date: 1st October 2019
Note: This position 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.
BACKGROUND:
CRS is seeking applications from qualified candidates for a Chief of Party (COP) position to lead the anticipated U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) McGovern-Dole International School Feeding and Child Nutrition Program (MGD) in Guinea Bissau. The MGD Program supports education, child development and food security in low-income, food-deficit countries around the globe. The program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities, as well as financial and technical assistance, to support school feeding, literacy and maternal and child nutrition projects.
JOB SUMMARY:
The COP will provide the vision and overall leadership to the Guinea Bissau FFE project team. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the overall management of the project, including the quality of programmatic implementation (including monitoring, accountability, evaluation and learning) and administrative elements of the project, including the coordination of all consortium partners, and monitoring the budget. The COP will serve as the primary point of contact to USDA as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders. S/he will be responsible for ensuring compliance, including oversight of partner budgets, finance and administration, and reporting to USDA. The COP will ensure that project results are achieved on time and on budget, including strategies for phase out and sustainability, and that the budget is executed as planned.
SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead all aspects of the planning and implementation of the FFE project.
- Serve as the primary point of contact to HQ award management staff 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, especially for CRS’ accountability commitments.
- Effectively manage senior programming and operations talent under the FFE Project. Provide constructive feedback, coaching and mentoring to program staff. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Oversee the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of FFE staff.
- Promote, uphold and model a commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources. Ensure compliance with USDA grants, including financial tracking and oversight of partner budgets, finance, administration and reporting to USDA. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.
- In line with CRS partnership principles coordinate relationships with sub-recipient partners to organize review/planning workshops and coordinate with consortium partners the roles and activities of their staff to create a culture of learning and cooperation among CRS and partner project staff.
- Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance.
- Include community participation and local authorities in project processes, including safeguarding of beneficiaries at all stages of the implementation of the project.
- Oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, complying with donor and CRS’ branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in International Development, International Relations or a relevant technical area(s). PhD preferred.
- 7 or more years of relevant management and technical experience, with experience in one of more of the following areas: school feeding, education, literacy, school health, and food security.
- 5 years of experience managing donor funds. Strong knowledge and experience in budget management.
- Recognized leader in sector as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, etc.
- Demonstrated experience of successful program management, including management of complex, high-value, multi-activity projects, with challenging logistics.
- Experience in the management of USDA school feeding programs desired.
- 5 years of staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. Experience coaching senior program staff.
- Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
- Ability to represent and present at high levels in French.
- Ability to communicate in Portuguese or Spanish is desired
- Fluency in French and excellent English writing skills especially with the ability to produce quality written reports for the donor in English on a timely basis.
- An understanding of Guinea Bissau context desired.
- Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio), web conferencing applications, and information and budget management systems
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
TRAVEL: The COP will be required to travel nationally and internationally up to 30% of the time. Field work monitoring is essential to the success of the intervention.
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.
More Information
- Job City Bissau, Guinea Bissau
