Rwanda: Chief of Party II - Rwanda Multi-Sectoral Nutritional Program
May 17, 2015
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Catholic Relief Services
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About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 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.
Background:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)/Rwanda will be submitting a proposal in response to an anticipated USAID Request for Applications (RFA) focused on nutrition. CRS/Rwanda will serve as the prime on the application and will develop the proposal in consortium with other international non-governmental organizations, local implementing partners and international/national research institutions. The proposed program will involve a multi-sectoral response to addressing stunting across multiple districts in Rwanda. It will likely include a significant WASH component. The estimated timeframe for this program is 2015-2020.
Job Summary:
CRS/Rwanda seeks a qualified candidate for a Chief of Party (CoP) II position to lead implementation of the CRS/Rwanda multi-sectoral nutrition program. The CoP will be responsible for ensuring high quality, result-oriented program implementation and timely achievement of project milestones and objectives. The CoP will represent the program to the donor, key government officials, research institutions and other international/local partners, ensuring high levels of visibility and strong collaboration with relevant key stakeholders. The CoP will also ensure effective consortium management, building on the strengths of each partner to promote strong program integration and holistic service provision and capacity building for vulnerable households and local government.
The overall goal of the proposed program will be to measurably reduce stunting in multiple chronically food insecure districts in Rwanda. CRS/Rwanda will identify vulnerable households and target support using CRS’ Integral Human Development Framework, with a focus on enhancing household/community assets and reducing unequal structures and systems. The proposed program will take a mult-sectoral approach to reducing chronic malnutrition, with a particular focus on enhancing resiliency and increasing household and community capacities to manage and mitigate risk.
Primary Responsibilities:
· Leads and supports consortium partners to achieve program targets.
· Manages all resources assigned to the project, and serves as the primary liaison among stakeholders including the donor, consortium members, implementing partners, Country Representative and relevant government ministries, raising decisions and issues as needed.
· Coordinates program implementation and finance management according to the policies and procedures of USG and CRS.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
Program Quality:
· With key program staff and stakeholders, 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.
· Ensure appropriate program quality support to consortium members through technical leads
· Promote alignment of program’s strategies and activities with the priorities outlined in relevant national strategies and policies related to agriculture, nutrition and health, particularly the Rwanda National Food and Nutrition Strategic Plan.
· Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus, where necessary. Lead the process of annual results reporting and analysis.
· In collaboration with program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that lessons of sound practice are documented and disseminated.
· Promote synergy between various technical sectors and ensure that this is contributing to achieving program targets
· Oversee program’s monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) systems, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. Ensure that MEAL is incorporated into evolving program plans.
· Lead the development of annual results reports and other required donor reports and ensure the integration of program innovation and learning.
· Lead the development and dissemination of learning materials that contribute to national policies/approaches and inform industry best practices.
· Ensure integration of program interventions with other CRS and consortium programs.
· 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.
· Put in place and enforce quality control mechanisms across all partners
Management and Administration:
· Ensure strong coordination/collaboration among consortium members through regular coordination meetings/program reviews, joint field visits and action planning.
· Develop and manage annual program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources for CRS, consortium members and implementing partners.
· Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to donors and senior management. Review actual financial performance against the budget and identify/address variances on a regular basis.
· Ensure staff compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
· Coordinate regular programmatic and financial progress reviews with consortium members and lead budget harmonization processes, where necessary.
Representation and Advocacy:
· In collaboration with the Country Manager, act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, responsible for addressing all program matters. Serve as the primary representative for the consortium.
· In collaboration with the Country Manager, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
· In collaboration with the Country Manager, 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 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 the 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.
· Develop terms of reference for all program consultants and ensure that they are fulfilling their tasks.
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
Direct Supervisory Responsibilities: 4-6 positions to be determined
Key Working Relationships:
Internal- CRS/Rwanda: Country Representative – Rwanda & Burundi, Rwanda Country Manager, Operations Manager, Team Leaders, Program Staff
CRS/HQ/Region: Central Africa Regional Office Staff (RTAs/ DRDs) and CRS/HQ departments.
External: Catholic Bishops and the Episcopal Conference, Government Officials, USAID, UN Agencies, Consortium Member and Implementing Partner Staff, etc.
Qualifications and Skills:
Minimum Master’s Degree in Economic Development, Public Health, Nutrition or related field required. Ph.D. preferred.
At least 10 years of progressively increasing management responsibility in developing countries. Previous experience as a Chief of Party a plus.
At least 7 years of experience managing nutrition and food security projects.
· Prior management of significant USAID funding required; knowledge of USG regulations applicable to USAID cooperative agreements.
Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams.
Proven experience in managing complex consortium or partnership relationships required.
Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local church structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships highly desired.
Experience working with Ministries of Health required.
Strategic vision and capacity to oversee a vast and complex program required.
Experience with participatory methods and partnerships required.
Public relations skills required.
Proven ability to think strategically.
Flexibility to work both in a team and independently.
Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility.
Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others.
Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
Excellent English and French language oral and written communication skills required.
Experience working in a variety of developing environments required; knowledge of the
Rwandan context desired.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.
Major Responsibilities of Position:
Project Management; Budget Management; Staff Supervision; Monitoring/ Evaluation; Mentoring/Training; Report Writing.