Chief of Party - Feed the Future Nigeria Livelihoods Project at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job ID: #1875569
Position Type: Full Time/regular
Reports to: Deputy Country Representative - Agriculture and Livelihoods

Job Summary

• CRS/Nigeria is seeking a Chief of Party (CoP) to manage an innovative, multi-sectoral livelihoods project valued at $20 million with USAID funding. The CoP will be responsible for overall management of the program in its last 1 and half years.
• The COP will provide strategic, technical and operational leadership to implement a successful program and will represent the program to USAID and the Government of Nigeria on behalf of CRS/Nigeria.
• The CoP will report to the Deputy Country Representative for Agriculture and Livelihoods and will maintain close liaison with relevant Regional Technical Advisors and the CRS All Africa Agriculture Team.
• The CoP will ensure adherence to CRS technical and program quality standards in implementation and the timely submission of all required deliverables to USAID.

Job Responsibilities
Program Quality:

• COP will ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
• Ensure that vision and plans for the program are innovative and are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies.
• Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus.
• COP will provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that lessons of sound practice are documented and disseminated.
• Oversee program’s monitoring and evaluation system, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. Ensure that M&E learning is incorporated into evolving program plans. Collaborate with Regional and Headquarters technical staff to implement appropriate ICT4D solutions to improve timeliness and quality of M&E and project implementation.
• Ensure integration of program interventions with other CRS programs or through linkages with other service providers.
• Ensure effective gender-mainstreaming in both programming and management aspects of implementation.
• With 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.
• Collaborate with the All Africa Agricultural Team, the Food Security Unit and relevant Regional Technical Advisors to promote sharing of learning and identify relevant innovations.

Management and Administration:

• Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources.
• Ensure accurate and timely management of program budget and tracking of financial and material resources.
• 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.
• Ensure staff compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
• Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.

Representation and Advocacy:

• In collaboration with CRS/Nigeria Country Representative (CR), act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, responsible for addressing all program matters.
• In collaboration with CR and Deputy Country Representative, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
• In collaboration with Deputy Country Representative, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements, as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.

Human Resource Management:

• Lead, manage and supervise a team of technical experts, CRS/NG and consortium staff to meet program objectives.
• Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
• Manage recruitment portfolio for the program, in collaboration with Human Resources and CRS country program management, to ensure optimum service delivery through recruitment of competent and qualified staff.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Qualifications and Requirements

• Advance degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, economics, business, or a related field.
• 7-10 years’ international development experience managing and implementing multi-faceted agricultural development programs in developing countries. USAID experience preferred; at least 4 years in a field based position.
• Previous COP experience highly preferred.
• An in depth understanding of the pro-poor value chains in Nigerian context, and experience managing value chain projects addressing the vulnerable households.
• Previous experience managing Feed the Future programs a plus.
• Demonstrated success in designing and introducing activities that transfer appropriate technologies.
• Experience with participatory methods and partnerships required. Demonstrated capacity and experience with institutional strengthening of local civil society and government agencies.
• Knowledge of key USG regulations including, but not limited to USAID 22 CF Part 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations, 22 CFR Part 145 Grants and Agreements with Non-Profits, OMB Circulars A-122, Cost principles for non-profit organizations and A-133 Audit of states, local governments, and non-profits preferred.
• Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages required.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving gender equality and gender responsiveness in programming and operations.
• Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility.
• Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others.
• Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local church structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships highly desired.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills required.
• Nigerian nationals encouraged to apply.