Catholic Relief Services
Job Title: Chief of Party II
Reports To: Head of Programs
Country/Location: Uganda
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 Uganda has a vibrant portfolio of projects, serving hundreds of thousands of people each year. Projects currently focus on agriculture and value chains, health, microfinance, systems strengthening, youth, and humanitarian response and recovery, and are funded by USAID, CDC, the United Nations, and private foundations. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships wit h local organizations, including international and local NGOs, Ugandan government departments and ministries, the Catholic Church, and community-based organizations for maximum impact and sustainability. CRS Uganda employs around 190 staff and has its main office in Kampala, with sub-offices in Moroto, Yumbe, and Hoima.
Job Summary
As Chief of Party II you will be responsible for the management of all aspects of implementation of the USDA Food for Progress Uganda Vanilla Market System Strengthening, Vines Project including, but not limited to, technical, administrative, operational, and logistical management of project activities. You will provide vision, leadership, and accountability for the ultimate success of the program. Your strategic leadership, management and technical knowledge will ensure the delivery of high-quality programming and advance the position of CRS as a leading agency in agriculture and livelihoods. As a senior leader you will proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of the development, implementation and consolidation of the project including sharing how the project contributes to the thought leadership of the industry. Serve as the primary point of contact to USDA.
- Ensure the project is implemented to meet donor expectations in terms of timely and quality annual work planning, reporting, results management and budget execution, including strategies for phase out and sustainability. Ensure close coordination between program and operations leads, ensuring compliance with CRS program quality standards, and MEAL policy and procedures as well as CRS’ safeguarding policy and all other relevant policies.
- Develop and maintain strong, candid, and transparent relationships with key market system actors including Government of Uganda (national and local district), the Association of Vanilla Exporters of Uganda (VANEX), private sector processors/exporters, cooperative and producer organization leadership, global buyers, etc. to ensure effective coordination and alignment on key sector-level initiatives.
- Effectively manage senior program and operations teams across two geographic locations, develop a deep understanding of technical activities and provide technical guidance as required. Manage team dynamics, staff well-being and provide coaching and mentoring support to direct reports and other team members.
- 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 all USDA and USG regulations, including financial monitoring and oversight of subrecipient and other 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 including quarterly newsletter, regular innovation spotlights and case studies, ensuring compliance with both donor and CRS branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
- Coordinate and manage relationships with five consortium partner organizations, including organization of quarterly review/reflection/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.
- Actively lead and maintain an environment to foster effective use of MEAL data for continuous learning and adaptive management. Establish a safe environment for team members to surface challenges, share of ideas and develop innovative solutions with a focus on results and impact delivery. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance.
Required Languages
English fluency, including excellent oral and written skills, required.
Travel
Must be willing to travel 50% throughout Uganda.
Basic Qualifications
- Master’s Degree or PhD Agronomy, Agriculture, International Development, International Relations, Business Administration, or a relevant technical area. PhD preferred.
- 10 – 15 years’ relevant management and technical experience.
- 7 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
- Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
- Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
- Ability to represent and present at high levels.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.
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.