Vacancies At Catholic Relief Services (crs)

JOB VACANCIES AT CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES (CRS), TUESDAY 8, JANUARY 2013

CHIEF OF PARTY II – AGRICULTURE
REQUISITION NUMBER: I1037
AREA OF INTEREST: Agriculture
POSITION TYPE: Full Time
LOCATION: Nigeria/Abuja

JOB DESCRIPTION:
This position is contingent upon approval of donor funding.

BACKGROUND
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 works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs. Therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to our approach in every country in which CRS operates. CRS re-established its presence in Nigeria in 2000 and currently focuses on agriculture, governance, peacebuilding and Health/HIV programming.

JOB SUMMARY
CRS/Nigeria is seeking a Chief of Party II (CoP) in anticipation of a multi-year, $30 million pro-poor agriculture and livelihoods program funded by USAID. The CoP will be responsible for overall management of the program; will provide strategic, technical and operational leadership to develop and 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 Head of Programs 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:
A. 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 Head of Programs, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
In collaboration with Head of Programs, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements, as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.

B. 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.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Technical team, consortium staff.

C. 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 identify and 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.

D. 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.


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.
Models Stewardship
Cultivates Constructive Relationships
Promotes Learning
Serves with Integrity


QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
Advance degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, economics, business, or a related field.
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 419 Scam-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.
Minimum 15 years of international development experience managing and implementing multi-faceted agricultural development programs in developing countries. Livelihoods, MYAP, food security or related experience also acceptable.
Previous COP experience highly preferred.
Minimum 10 years managing large and complex USG-funded programs required. USAID experience preferred; at least 4 years in a field based position.
An in depth understanding of the pro-poor value chains in Nigerian context, and experience managing value chain projects addressing the vulnerable households.
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.

Nigerian nationals encouraged to apply.


METHOD OF APPLICATION

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