Chief of Party I, USDA Food for Peace - Kenya in Nairobi at Catholic Relief Services

Position title: Chief of Party I, USDA Food for Peace - Kenya

Location: Nairobi, Greater Nairobi, Kenya | (On-site)
Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations or a relevant technical area. Master preferred.
• 5-8 years’ relevant management and technical experience, including senior leadership roles on USDA or USG-funded programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale commodity-based programs (e.g., Food for Peace, or USDA McGovern-Dole).
• Proven expertise in commodity management systems, logistics, and supply chain operations.
• Strong experience managing complex budgets, donor compliance, and financial oversight.

• 2 years of staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. Experience coaching senior program staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recognized leader in sector as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications, conference presentations etc.
• Experience working in Kenya or similar contexts (ASAL regions or emergency operations).
• Experience managing multi-partner consortia and partnership strengthening.
• Familiarity with Kenya government systems (e.g., NDMA, county governments).
• Recognized leadership in food security or humanitarian response.
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
• Demonstrated experience of successful program management, including management of complex, high-value, multi-activity projects, with complicated logistics.
• Demonstrated expertise in commodity management and food aid logistics
• Strong knowledge of USG compliance frameworks and donor regulations.
• 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.

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.

Required Languages: English (required

Travel: include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and able to travel up to 30 % to field locations, including remote ASAL counties.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes – Direct supervision of senior program and operations staff and oversight of consortium partners.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.

• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Salary and benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Selection and hiring decisions are made without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, veteran status or any other protected area.