Job Vacancy in Rwanda for Chief of Party, Integrated Livelihoods Program

Job Background /Summary:
Catholic Relief Service is seeking a Chief of Party for a USAID funded integrated livelihoods and rural finance program in Rwanda. The program will focus on expanding economic opportunities through strengthening supply and demand of rural finance products and services, and increasing food consumption. The program will engage a wide array of partners, including rural savings groups, entrepreneurs, microfinance institutions, and other local and international NGO partners. The Chief of Party will oversee and guide all program activities implemented by CRS and consortium members. S/he will serve as the primary point of contact to USAID/Rwanda, consortium partners, Government of Rwanda at national and local levels, and other external parties. S/he must effectively manage relationships with CRS and partner staff to establish and oversee and all program activities.

Job Responsibilities:
A. Leadership and Program Quality:
1. Ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards, with key program staff and consortium members.
2. Ensure that vision and plans for the program are innovative and are in line with the approved program and CRS agency and country program strategies.
3. Ensure strong linkages are built between the Consortium and relevant Government of Rwanda authorities at national and district levels.
4. Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Ensure integration of program interventions with other CRS programs or through linkages with other service providers.
8. 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.
9. Liaise with relevant regional and HQ technical and management staff to ensure appropriate and timely technical assistance is provided to achieve program goals.

B. Management and Administration:
1. Lead the Consortium, ensuring strong communication and program ownership among Consortium members.
2. Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources.
3. 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.
4. Ensure staff compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
5. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.

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

D. Human Resource Management:
1. Lead, manage and supervise a team of CRS and consortium staff to meet program objectives.
2. 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.
3. 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

Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, Management Quality Coordinator, Senior Behavior Change Specialist, Senior M&E Officer, Unit Heads for M&E, Livelihoods (agriculture, microfinance), and Health/Nutrition

External: USAID/Rwanda, local government, consortium partners, other local and international organizations

Qualifications:
1. Minimum Masters Degree in Microfinance, MBA, Development Studies, International Relations or related field required. PhD highly preferred.
2. Minimum 15 years experience in microfinance and/or rural finance, and project management
3. Minimum 3 years managing significant USG-funded programs required.
4. Knowledge of key USG regulations including, but not limited to USAID 22 CFR
5. Part 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental
6. Organizations, 22 CFR Part 145 Grants and Agreements with Non-Profits, OMB
7. Circulars A-122, Cost principles for non-profit organizations and A-133 Audit of states, local governments, and non-profits preferred.
8. Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams.
9. Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages required.
10. Experience with participatory methods and partnerships required.
11. Public relations skills required.
12. Proven ability to think strategically.
13. Flexibility to work both in a team and independently.
14. Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility.
15. Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others.
16. Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local church structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships highly desired.
17. Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
18. Excellent English language oral and written communication skills required.
19. Professional fluency in French highly desirable; Kinyarwanda helpful.
20. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
To apply, visit www.crs.org/about/careers

EOE/M/F/D/V