Chief of Party, Rural Resilience Program

Job Title: Chief of Party, Rural Resilience Program- Nigeria Position Type: Full time Job Location: Based in Abuja, with travel among field locations in Nigeria. Reports To: Deputy Country Representative, Agriculture and Livelihoods

*Contingent on donor approval

**Interview done on a rolling basis

About CRS: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS is a global leader in agricultural livelihoods programming, and promotes resilience building in impoverished, disaster-affected, and climate change-impacted areas around the world. CRS re-established presence in Nigeria in 2000 and currently works in 32 of Nigeria’s 36 states, focusing on agriculture and livelihoods, health, and emergency programming.

Background: CRS is preparing for an anticipated multi-million dollar, multi-year USAID/Nigeria Rural Resilience Program, which will support poverty reduction for vulnerable households in Nigeria. This effort will contribute to CRS’ agriculture and livelihoods signature program area and ongoing efforts to promote resilience, recovery and development within Nigeria and neighboring countries around the Lake Chad Basin.

Job Summary: The Chief of Party (COP) will have overall responsibility for the Rural Resilience Program. Responsibilities include meeting project objectives and deliverables while providing overall leadership in technical, administrative, operational, and management aspects. The COP will act as the primary relationship manager for the project with USAID/Nigeria, Government of Nigeria, partners and external stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide overall strategic guidance, leadership, management and general technical oversight of the entire program, with a strong focus on achieving defined results.
• Act as the key liaison with USAID, Government of Nigeria, all implementing partners and stakeholders involved with the program.
• Represent the program and present its work nationally and globally to CRS leadership, the donor, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Lead, manage, supervise and mentor program staff and consortium partners.
• Ensure high-quality monitoring and evaluation of program impact and timely submission of donor reports and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with CRS and USAID policies and requirements

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

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Masters in international development, management, agriculture, economics or other relevant field.
• At least 7 years of international management experience
• At least 5 years’ experience in agriculture-based and rural development
• At least 5 years in a senior management role for USAID-funded activities strongly preferred
• Prior experience managing USAID-funded assistance projects of a similar size and scope in developing countries; experience managing multi-sectoral projects including livelihoods, agricultural development, resilience, market-based approaches to economic development, climate change, food security, gender, conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations, and partners.
• Experience managing programmatic and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience with USAID rules, regulations and requirements is preferred.
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa required. Prior experience in Nigeria preferred Required Travel: To field locations in Nigeria Work Environment: Abuja office

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

EOE/M/F/D/V

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.