Job Description: Responsibilities & Requirements
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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.
CRS/Ghana Background
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been working in Ghana since 1958 in Health, Agriculture, Peace Building, Water and Sanitation, Microfinance and Education programs and has long-standing relationships with Church and non-Church partners and communities throughout the country. CRS/Ghana currently has 61 staff with project offices in Tamale and Accra
Job Description
Department: Programming
Job Title: Chief of Party
Location: CRS Tamale Office
Band/Grade: Level 11
Reports to: Country Representative
Job Summary:
The Chief of Party will provide the vision and overall leadership to the program team. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the overall management of the project including the quality of programmatic implementation (including monitoring, evaluation and learning) and administrative elements of the project, including the coordination of all consortium partners, and monitoring the budget. S/he will also serve as the primary point of contact to USAID as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders. He/she is responsible for ensuring compliance with USAID grants including oversight of partner budgets, finance and administration, and reporting to USAID. The Chief of Party is responsible for ensuring that project results are achieved on time and on budget, including strategies for phase out and sustainability; and that the budget is consumed as planned.
The Chief of Party will be a senior leader from the health development sector responsible for leading all aspects of the development, implementation and consolidation of the maternal and child health project, including ensuring that the project contributes to the thought leadership of the industry and positions CRS as a leading agency in health field. The Chief of Party is also responsible for leveraging this position for future growth within this sector for the agency.
The candidate will operate within the organizational structure of CRS while coordinating the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in the implementation of the program interventions. The successful candidate will also be responsible for representing the maternal and child health project, to major stakeholders, especially USAID and key relevant ministries within the country.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Job Responsibilities:
Program Quality
- Lead the design and implementation of a maternal and child health project with an innovative program lens, designing pilot solutions to existing development issues.
- With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards through annual and quarterly activity planning and budget forecasts.
- Ensure that vision and plans for the program are innovative and are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies.
- Lead quarterly technical review of implementation plans for the project and ensure appropriate actions are taken to meet implementation timelines and commitments.
- In collaboration with program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that best practices and lessons learned are documented and disseminated.
- Coordinate with M&E department to oversee the design and implementation of the program’s monitoring and evaluation system, using appropriate forms, procedures, and tools for data collection and analysis as the basis for measuring, documenting and reporting of project performance and outcomes.
- Ensure that M&E lessons learned from results of program monitoring and evaluation are incorporated into the design and execution of program activities to meet stated objectives and needs of the beneficiary populations.
- Integrate project interventions with other CRS programs as appropriate through linkages with other service providers.
- Ensure that processes are anchored in CRS ProPack methodologies, Integral Human Development (IHD), the Justice Lens, the Gender Lens and CRS Partnership principles
Management
- 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.
- Carry out quarterly financial tracking and reporting system, review the budget comparison report to ensure that spending and program implementation is aligned while analyzing the progress toward program goals and against burn rates.
- Proactively identify and address financial issues and concerns in concert with other staff and partners to ensure adherence to financial guidelines and maintain transparent systems and records.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget and take corrective action to ensure that program expenses match the execution of activity plans and accurate effort reporting.
Representation and Communication
- Seek out opportunities to represent CRS programming in international circles and highlight the innovative work under the maternal and child health project.
- Publish on program results.
- In collaboration with CRS supervisor, act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, and be responsible for addressing all program matters.
- Represent CRS at external meetings with international and domestic stakeholders.
- In specific instances, prepare and deliver presentations of the project ongoing activities, challenges/opportunities, and results achieved.
- Strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
- Oversee the development and implementation of program communication strategies and materials, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.
- Collaborate effectively and regularly with regional/HQ management and technical advisors, especially with regards to sharing and reviewing important communication with USAID
Human Resources
- Manage recruitment portfolio for the program, in collaboration with Human Resources Department and CRS country program management, orient, and support the professional development of supervisees, providing timely and respectful feedback.
- 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.
- Supervise and coach a team of CRS and consortium staff to meet program objectives.
- Oversee the management of the relationship with partner organizations, ensure regular communication and organization of review/planning workshops.
- With program staff, lead the identification of performance gaps and training needs of CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training, technical assistance, and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants.
Scope: Supervises the project team members
Required Skills or Experience
Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree or PhD preferred in relevant technical area, 10-15 years’ experience and 7 years managing donor funds, established leader in sector as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, etc.
- Recognized leader in health sector
- Proven track record of successful program management, including management of multi-activity projects, complicated logistics and large budgets
- Proven track record of resource acquisition
- At least 7 years of supervisory experience, including performance evaluation, coaching and mentoring
- Knowledge of CRS Partnership strategy and Partner management experience an advantage
- Prior experience managing multi country grants
- Excellent report-writing skills
- Excellent knowledge and experience in budget management and project management
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Publisher, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
Personal Skills
- Proven leadership, and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
- Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages
- Ability to work to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environments
- Excellent organization, planning and analytical skills; detail oriented
- Ability to think critically, effectively manage change and problem solve
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills, with demonstrated strength in relationship management
- Ability to be flexible, persistent, and diplomatic and to gain respect among staff, local community leaders, church and secular partners, as well as local government ministries and donor organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi- cultural team but be self-motivated and accountable for program implementation and work independently if needed.
Required/Desired Foreign Language
- Native fluency in English & excellent English writing skills especially with the ability to produce quality written reports for the donor in English on a timely basis
Travel Required (include percentage of required travel, if applicable)
- Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required up to 30% of the time
Key Working Relationships:
- Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, Health Program Manager, Resource Management Coordinator, Deputy Regional Director, Regional Technical Advisors, HQ specialists)
- External: All project partners, Government officials, public and private sector stakeholders, donors, industry experts, local/international NGOs, and local and international Catholic agencies.
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
Competencies Relevant for the Specific Position (include those that are applicable):
- These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each program manager to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:
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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.
CRS/Ghana Background
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been working in Ghana since 1958 in Health, Agriculture, Peace Building, Water and Sanitation, Microfinance and Education programs and has long-standing relationships with Church and non-Church partners and communities throughout the country. CRS/Ghana currently has 61 staff with project offices in Tamale and Accra
Job Description
- Lead the design and implementation of a maternal and child health project with an innovative program lens, designing pilot solutions to existing development issues.
- With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards through annual and quarterly activity planning and budget forecasts.
- Ensure that vision and plans for the program are innovative and are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies.
- Lead quarterly technical review of implementation plans for the project and ensure appropriate actions are taken to meet implementation timelines and commitments.
- In collaboration with program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that best practices and lessons learned are documented and disseminated.
- Coordinate with M&E department to oversee the design and implementation of the program’s monitoring and evaluation system, using appropriate forms, procedures, and tools for data collection and analysis as the basis for measuring, documenting and reporting of project performance and outcomes.
- Ensure that M&E lessons learned from results of program monitoring and evaluation are incorporated into the design and execution of program activities to meet stated objectives and needs of the beneficiary populations.
- Integrate project interventions with other CRS programs as appropriate through linkages with other service providers.
- Ensure that processes are anchored in CRS ProPack methodologies, Integral Human Development (IHD), the Justice Lens, the Gender Lens and CRS Partnership principles
Management
- 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.
- Carry out quarterly financial tracking and reporting system, review the budget comparison report to ensure that spending and program implementation is aligned while analyzing the progress toward program goals and against burn rates.
- Proactively identify and address financial issues and concerns in concert with other staff and partners to ensure adherence to financial guidelines and maintain transparent systems and records.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget and take corrective action to ensure that program expenses match the execution of activity plans and accurate effort reporting.
- Seek out opportunities to represent CRS programming in international circles and highlight the innovative work under the maternal and child health project.
- Publish on program results.
- In collaboration with CRS supervisor, act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, and be responsible for addressing all program matters.
- Represent CRS at external meetings with international and domestic stakeholders.
- In specific instances, prepare and deliver presentations of the project ongoing activities, challenges/opportunities, and results achieved.
- Strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
- Oversee the development and implementation of program communication strategies and materials, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.
- Collaborate effectively and regularly with regional/HQ management and technical advisors, especially with regards to sharing and reviewing important communication with USAID
Human Resources
- Manage recruitment portfolio for the program, in collaboration with Human Resources Department and CRS country program management, orient, and support the professional development of supervisees, providing timely and respectful feedback.
- 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.
- Supervise and coach a team of CRS and consortium staff to meet program objectives.
- Oversee the management of the relationship with partner organizations, ensure regular communication and organization of review/planning workshops.
- With program staff, lead the identification of performance gaps and training needs of CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training, technical assistance, and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants.
Required Skills or Experience
Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree or PhD preferred in relevant technical area, 10-15 years’ experience and 7 years managing donor funds, established leader in sector as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, etc.
- Recognized leader in health sector
- Proven track record of successful program management, including management of multi-activity projects, complicated logistics and large budgets
- Proven track record of resource acquisition
- At least 7 years of supervisory experience, including performance evaluation, coaching and mentoring
- Knowledge of CRS Partnership strategy and Partner management experience an advantage
- Prior experience managing multi country grants
- Excellent report-writing skills
- Excellent knowledge and experience in budget management and project management
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Publisher, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
Personal Skills
- Proven leadership, and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
- Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages
- Ability to work to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environments
- Excellent organization, planning and analytical skills; detail oriented
- Ability to think critically, effectively manage change and problem solve
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills, with demonstrated strength in relationship management
- Ability to be flexible, persistent, and diplomatic and to gain respect among staff, local community leaders, church and secular partners, as well as local government ministries and donor organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi- cultural team but be self-motivated and accountable for program implementation and work independently if needed.
Required/Desired Foreign Language
- Native fluency in English & excellent English writing skills especially with the ability to produce quality written reports for the donor in English on a timely basis
Travel Required (include percentage of required travel, if applicable)
- Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required up to 30% of the time
Key Working Relationships:
- Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, Health Program Manager, Resource Management Coordinator, Deputy Regional Director, Regional Technical Advisors, HQ specialists)
- External: All project partners, Government officials, public and private sector stakeholders, donors, industry experts, local/international NGOs, and local and international Catholic agencies.
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
Competencies Relevant for the Specific Position (include those that are applicable):
- These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each program manager to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:
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