Chief of Party, MYAP Consortium

Req. No: I 08 135
Department: SARO

Job Background/Summary

In September 2008, funding from USAID's Office of Food for Peace for CRS/Madagascar's food security program came to an end. In order to continue responding to food insecurity in Madagascar, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Catholic Relief Services - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (CRS), the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, INC (CARE) and Land O'Lakes entered into a consortium, with CRS/Madagascar as the lead agency, to apply for funding through the Office of Food for Peace's Multi Year Assistance Program (MYAP) in Madagascar for 2009-2014. The proposed MYAP will contribute to the reduction of food insecurity and vulnerability in the most food insecure and disaster prone areas of Madagascar

CRS seeks a qualified candidate for Chief of Party who will manage the MYAP consortium and program in Madagascar. The overall goal of the program is to reduce food insecurity and vulnerability in parts of seven regions of eastern and southern Madagascar that are highly inaccessible or vulnerable to cyclones, floods or drought. 90,000 households will be targeted through a focus on improving human capabilities, livelihood capabilities, capacities to manage risk and good governance.

Intermediate results will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Expanded household capacities to reduce child malnutrition
• Expanded household capacities to reduce morbidity from common illnesses, STIs and HIV/AIDS
• Increased food production, income and assets from farm production
• Increased income and assets from farm production through better marketing
• Improved mobilization of capital through membership in village savings and loans groups
• Increased participation of authorities and communities in implementing emergency responses to natural disasters
• Improved use of water and land resources
• Better access to markets
• Increased access for urban and peri-urban families to critical support from service providers
• Increased capacities of participating groups with regards to good governance principles
• Increased capacities of communes to demonstrate principles of good governance.

Job Responsibilities

I. 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 that program's strategies and activities are consistent with the priorities outlined in the Malagasy Government Madagascar Action Plan as well as national policies.
• Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

II. Management and Administration:

• Manage program budgets, including 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.
• Draft and submit program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.

III. Representation and Advocacy:

• In collaboration with the country representatives/directors for CRS, ADRA, CARE and Land O'Lakes, act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, responsible for addressing all program matters.
• In collaboration with the country representatives/directors for CRS, ADRA, CARE and Land O'Lakes, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
• In collaboration with the country representatives/directors for CRS, ADRA, CARE and Land O'Lakes, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor's branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.

IV. 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.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum Masters Degree in Economic Development, Agricultural Economics, Public Health, Development Studies, International Relations or related field required.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively increasing management responsibility in developing countries
• Prior management of significant USAID funding required
• Knowledge of Title II policies and procedures preferred.
• 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.
• 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.
• Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local church structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships desired.
• 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 Malagasy context desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.

NOTE: This position is contingent on the awarding of funding by the donor.