Chief of Party I- McGovern Dole Food for Education, Gambia

*Position contingent upon award*
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.
CRS has been supporting activities continuously in The Gambia since 1964 and has long-standing relationships with partners and communities. CRS’ current programming in the Gambia includes work in malaria, agricultural livelihoods, microfinance (SILC), migration and peace building with a particular focus on youth in the Gambia and the effects of climate change. CRS has been a faithful partner with the Ministry of Health for over 15 years in both the fight against HIV/AID S and more recently in the elimination of malaria. Our work is funded both by donors like the Global Fund and KOICA but also through private donations. CRS globally and in the Gambia remains dedicated to working side by side with others so they can lift themselves out of poverty, assisting during emergencies and enabling people to build the resiliency they need to stand on their own. Operations in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau are overseen by the CRS Senegal Country Program. A Head of Office is present in the Gambia although this position will report to the Head of Programming who is based in Dakar, Senegal.
Job Summary:
As Chief of Party I you will provide leadership and overall management of a McGovern Dole Food for Education (MGD/FFE) project. 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 school feeding programming. You will motivate and manag ement the project team to ensure project success, and draw on lessons learned to inform adaptive management. As a senior leader you will proactively manage and mitigate security risks. The position is based in The Gambia and reports to the Head of Programs who is based in Senegal.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all aspects of the development, implementation and consolidation of the MGD/FFE project, including sharing how the project contributes to the thought leadership of the industry. Represent CRS and serve as the primary point of contact to USDA as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders.
• Ensure the project is implemented to optimize impact and meet all donor expectations and requirements in terms of timely and quality reporting, on track results and compliant and accurate budget management, including strategies for phase out and sustainability.
• Ensure high quality and seamless coordination between programmatic and operational staff. Ensure the CRS MEAL policy and procedures are fully implemented and adhered to.
• Effectively manage senior programming and operations talent. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching and mentoring. Strategically develop and tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Oversee the recruitment of key senior project 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. The COP will also be responsible for ensuring that CRS safeguarding and protection policies are fully enforced and when deviations occur to report and work with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to address and resolve in accordance with CRS policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, complying with donor and CRS’ branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
• Coordinate relationships with consortium partner organizations, including organization of review/planning workshops. Contribute to coordination of the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in implementation in line with CRS partnership principles.
• Create and maintain an ethos that encourage continuous learning and quality improvements. Establish a professional 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

• Master’s degree in international development, International Relations or a relevant technical area. PhD preferred.
• 7 or more years’ relevant management and technical experience.
• 5 years’ experience managing donor funds, including multi country grants. Strong knowledge and experience in budget management.
• 5 years of staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. Experience coaching senior program staff.

Required Languages

• Fluent English required
• Working ability (oral and written) in French highly desirable.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 complicated logistics.
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
• Ability to represent and present at high levels.
• Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities: To be determined. Estimated 4 staff- DCoP, Finance Director, Education Specialist, Supply Chain Manager
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programming, Head of Operations, Internal Audit, Deputy Regional Director for Program Quality, Regional Technical Advisors.
External: USDA, Other Donors; UN agencies; Government of The Gambia technical ministries; peer international and local NGOs

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.