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Chief of Party, Multi Year Activity Plan (MYAP) - I 09 118
Source: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) - USA
GA
| Deadline: | 21 Dec 2009 |
| Organisation: | Catholic Relief Services (CRS) - USA |
| Location: | Liberia |
| Type: | permanent |
| Salary: | TBA (000's USD) |
| Description: | Est. Length of Service: 3-5 years
Note: This position is contingent on the awarding of funding by the donor
Background:
In May 2010, CRS in consortium with two other international partners will be ending a three-year USAID funded Title II Liberia Integrated Assistance Program (LIAP). In a new consortium CRS is the lead on a new five year (FY 2011-2015), $75 million USAID Title II Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP) to be submitted in January 2010. The MYAP is directed at community based integration of sustainable food security interventions to address the root causes of food insecurity among vulnerable households, especially those with pregnant and lactating women and children under 2 years old. Approaches will include strengthening livelihoods, enhancing human capacities, and improving community resilience to shocks and other external factors that negatively affect household food security. Job Summary: CRS seeks a qualified candidate for Chief of Party who will manage the FY 2011-2015 Title II Multi Year Assistance Program consortium and program. This multi-faceted position will be integrated into the CRS organizational structure and supervise a team of program managers from the consortium members. The position will be responsible for articulating a unified vision for the program; providing leadership in coordinating the implementation of all aspects of the program to ensure program quality and timely reporting to donors; managing a diverse staff; and representing the MYAP to major stakeholders, especially USAID and key relevant ministries within the Government of Liberia. Job Responsibilities: Program Quality 1. Oversee, in coordination with consortium technical leads, the development a detailed implementation plans with corresponding operational guidelines based on the MYAP proposal. 2. With key consortium member program staff and stakeholders, ensure program's strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards. 3. Ensure that program plans are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies. 4. Oversee quarterly technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus, accordingly. 5. Oversee the program's monitoring and evaluation system, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. 6. In collaboration with key consortium member program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that lessons of sound practice are documented, disseminated and used to improve the management and outcomes of the program. 7. Ensure collaboration with and integration of program interventions with other complementary programs or through linkages with other service providers, especially relevant programs funded by USAID or other donors. 8. With consortium program staff, ensure the delivery of quality training, technical assistance and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants. Management and Administration 1. Provide direction and oversight to the operations of the MYAP consortium, ensuring consortium members adhere to their assigned scopes of work and sub-award terms, and ensuring all members of the consortium work cooperatively and productively to achieve project objectives. 2. Ensure that all partners manage USG food aid resources accountably, effectively, and in accordance with USG guidelines and regulations. 3. Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources. 4. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis. 5. Ensure key consortium member staff remain in compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations. 6. Review and authorize program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors. Representation and Advocacy 1. In collaboration with consortium members' country directors/representatives and CRS Head of Programming, act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, responsible for addressing all program matters. 2. In collaboration with consortium members' country directors/representatives and CRS Head of Programming, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies, and strive to avoid duplication of interventions by other agencies. 3. In collaboration with consortium members' country directors/representatives and CRS Head of Programming, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor's branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures. Performance Management 1. Lead, manage and supervise a team of consortium staff to meet program objectives. 2. Ensure the training of key consortium and partner staff at the start of and throughout the program to ensure adherence to program quality standards. 3. In collaboration with consortium members, conduct periodic reviews of key staff performance in keeping with consortium members' or CRS' performance management systems, as applicable, and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork. 4. In collaboration with consortium members, manage the recruitment portfolio for the program, in collaboration with CRS Human Resources and CRS country program management to ensure optimum service delivery through recruitment of competent and qualified staff. 5. Ensure the development of terms of reference for all program consultants and ensure fulfillment of the same. Supervisory Responsibilities: Both CRS and consortium member staff. Qualifications and Skills: 1. Minimum Masters Degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Economics, Sociology, Political Science or related fields required. 2. Minimum 10-12 years of progressively increasing management responsibility in developing countries, including experience in health/nutrition, food security or similar programming. 3. Previous work experience in West Africa, especially Liberia is a plus. 4. Prior management of a food aid program with significant USAID funding required, with Title II knowledge and experience preferred. 5. A full comprehensive understanding of applicable USAID rules and regulations. 6. Minimum 2 years successful experience in managing complex consortium or partnership relationships of at least three members in a developing country required. 7. Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams. 8. Proven ability to think strategically, articulate a clear vision and capacity to oversee a vast and complex program required. 9. Experience with participatory methods and partnerships required. 10. Public relations skills required. 11. Proven ability to think strategically. 12. Flexibility to work both in a team and independently. 13. Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility. 14. Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others. 15. Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local church structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships desired. 16. Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required. 17. Excellent English oral and written communication skills required. 18. Experience working in a variety of developing environments required. 19. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required. NOTE: This is a family posting with limited education opportunities for children above grade school. EOE/M/F/D/V |
