Chief of Party II - CRS

Chief of Party II - CRS

• Job Title: Chief of Party II
• Department: Programs
• Reports To: Head of Programming, JWBG
• Base Location: Gaza
•  Note: *This position is contingent upon donor funding and approval

Job Summary:

CRS is seeking a Chief of Party for the anticipated USAID Improve Livelihoods and Enhance Economic Development (ILEED). This five-year, up to $60 million program will focus on promoting resilient livelihoods in Gaza and give households the tools they need to cope with recurrent crises. The activity will build upon USAID investments and successes to date, with a primary focus on building resilience through livelihoods while maintaining the flexibility and capacity to respond to emergencies, should they arise. A secondary focus will be on adapting to climate change through livelihood development. 

As Chief of Party you will provide leadership and overall management of the ILEED project to serve the poor and vulnerable. 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 livelihoods and resiliency programming and emergency response. As a senior leader you will proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

1. Lead all aspects of the development, implementation, and consolidation of the ILEED project, including sharing how the project contributes to the thought leadership of the industry. Serve as the primary point of contact to USAID as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders.
2. Ensure the project is 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Promote, uphold and model a commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources. Ensure compliance with USAID grants, including financial tracking and oversight of partner budgets, finance, administration and reporting to USAID. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.
6. Oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, complying with donor and CRS’ branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
7. Represent CRS programming in international circles, highlighting innovative work. Publish program results and deliver presentations. Oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, complying with donor and CRS’ branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
8. Manage relationships with consortium partner organizations, including organization of review/planning workshops. Coordinate the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in implementation in line with CRS partnership principles.
9. 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.

Basic Qualifications 

1. Masters degree in International Development, International Relations, Community Development, or a relevant technical area. PhD preferred.
2. 10 or more years’ relevant management and technical experience.
3. 7 years’ experience managing donor funds, including multi country grants. Strong knowledge and experience in budget management.
4. 5 years of staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. Experience coaching senior program staff. Experience in managing moderately complex projects preferably with an international NGO.

Required Languages –  English and fluency or professional proficiency in Arabic preferred.

Travel - Travel throughout Gaza.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams. Coaching skills.
• Strong communications and presentation skills; able to develop tailored and persuasive messaging for varied audiences.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

 Preferred Qualifications

1. Arabic language skills.
2. Experience in managing similar programs in the Middle East and North Africa Region.
3. Experience managing programming focused on building resilient communities.
4. Recognized leader in sector as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications, conference presentations etc.
5. Demonstrated experience of successful program management, including management of complex, high-value, multi-activity projects, with complicated logistics.
6. Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
7. Ability to represent and present at high levels.
8. Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates with relevant education and work experience are invited to complete an application which addresses the position’s requirements. In order to be considered for the position, candidates must submit both a CV and a cover letter, in English. Applications which fail to meet these requirements will not be considered. Applications must be submitted online at click here The position will remain open until filled; however, submission of application before July 15, 2023 is advised.