Project Director (Chief of Party II)

This position is contingent upon successful project award and USAID approval. Applicants must be eligible to work in the US at the time of application

Job Summary:
CRS seeks a Project Director for an anticipated USAID funded New Partnerships Initiative (NPI) COVID-19 Round. The resulting project(s) will focus on supporting interventions that will build upon and expand USAID's efforts to leverage the roles of communities to strengthen and adapt existing community health platforms to support national policies and implementation plans for COVID-19 preparedness and response (non-pharmaceutical interventions) and continuity of existing primary healthcare services based on national guidelines, needs, and priorities to create lasting structures for future responses.

As Project Director, you will provide leadership and overall management of the project. Your leadership, management and technical knowledge will ensure the delivery of high-quality programming and advance the position of CRS as a leading agency in local capacity strengthening and health. This position will be based out of CRS headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:
* Lead all aspects of the development, implementation and consolidation of the NPI COVID-19 cooperative agreement, including sharing how the project contributes to the thought leadership of the industry. Serve as the primary point of contact to USAID as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders.
* Ensure the project is designed and implemented to meet donor expectations in terms of timely and quality results and budget, including strategies for transition, phase out and sustainability. Ensure coordination between program and operations leads. Ensure that CRS program quality standards are adhered to per MEAL policy and procedures.
* Effectively manage senior programming and operations talent. Build and maintain relationships with country program senior management. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching and mentoring. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Oversee the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff.
* Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff, partners and programming. Ensure all staff understand and adhere to CRS staff safety and security policies and plans, and that activities are planned responsibly in alignment with do no harm principles
* Promote, uphold and model a commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources. Ensure compliance with donor regulations, including financial tracking and oversight of partner budgets, finance, administration and reporting to USAID. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.
* Oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, complying with donor and CRS’ branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
* Coordinate relationships with partner organizations, including organization of review/planning workshops. Contribute to coordination of the roles and activities of staff from partner organizations in line with CRS partnership principles.
* Ensure close coordination with other NPI Implementing partners, USAID projects, and other relevant in-country initiatives.
* Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance.

Preferred Qualifications
* Recognized leader in sector as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications, conference presentations etc.
* Demonstrated experience of successful program management, including management of complex, high-value, multi-activity projects, with complicated logistics.
* Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
* Commitment to local leadership and empowering local actors.
* Ability to represent and present at high levels in fast moving, complex situations.
* Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

Required Languages - Excellent verbal and written English communication skills required; proficiency in a second language preferred.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 25%.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct supervision of core management team. Matrixed or direct supervision of in-country project staff based on country-specific programming.

Basic Qualifications
* Master’s degree in International Development, International Relations or a relevant technical area. PhD preferred.
* 10 or more years’ relevant management and technical experience.
* 7 years experience managing donor funds, including multi country grants. Excellent knowledge and experience in budget management.
* 5 years of staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. Experi ence coaching and mentoring senior program staff.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

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.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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.

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