Chief of Party, Disaster Resilience in the Compact Nations, Micronesia

Job Description

Job Title: Chief of Party II- Disaster Resilience in the Compact Nations (RESILIENCE)

Department: CRS Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Reports To: Sub-Regional Representative

Country/Location: Pohnpei, FSM

Job Summary:

As Chief of Party II you will be responsible for the management of all aspects of activity implementation in meeting the objectives of the USAID funded-Disaster Resilience in the Compact Nations (RESILIENCE) project including, but not limited to, technical, administrative, operational, and logistical management of project activities. You will provide vision, leadership and accountability for the ultimate success of the program. Your strategic leadership, management and technical knowledge will ensure the delivery of high-quality programming and advance the position of CRS as a leading agency in the emergency preparedness, risk reduction, and rapid response sectors. The successful candidate will have a proven track record leading complex US government projects in disaster management, working with host governments and humanitarian organizations, and training and mentoring of disaster responders.

** THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON DONOR FUNDING **

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide overall technical and administrative leadership to the project implementation team, including development of strategy, budgets, work plans, monitoring and evaluation plans and reporting to USAID and other stakeholders.
• Provide supervision, coaching, and professional development to RESILIENCE team members, in accordance with CRS’s performance management system. Provide additional supervision, support, and oversight for consultants and implementing partner organizations. Effective distance management and a demonstrated ability to successfully delegate are critical for success.
• Work closely with the USAID Mission in Manila and USAID personnel in FSM and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to provide timely updates on project progress, achievements, and challenges and make decisive adjustments when needed.
• Serve as the primary representative of the RESILIENCE Project to relevant local and national governmental authorities, local and international NGOs, community organizations, private sector partners, UN Agencies and other donor organizations. The CoP II will have primary responsibility for promoting sustainable cooperation with counterparts at various levels of government and the private sector.
• Ensure full compliance with USAID rules and regulations, with a particular emphasis on preventing the misuse or misdirection of program funds and maximizing value for money in a region with severe logistical constraints and significant operational expenses.
• Lead and carefully monitor program implementation, impact, and milestone achievement. Work in close collaboration with the sub-Regional Head of Programs to ensure that project targets are met, achievements are documented, and successes are disseminated.
• Promote the sustainability of project activities through effective networking, linkages to other programs, capacity building of project staff, and institutional strengthening of implementing partners, community-based organizations, and host government counterparts.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in management, public administration, economics, engineering or related fields. PhD preferred.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in disaster management, preparation of contingency plans, disaster simulation exercises, working with host governments and humanitarian organizations, training and mentoring of disaster responders.
• Prior experience working in the Pacific Islands.
• 7 years experience managing US government funds, including multi country grants and/or awards in excess of USD 10 million. Excellent knowledge and experience in budget management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID project management including USAID rules and regulation and reporting requirements
• Demonstrated experience of successful program management, including management of complex, high-value, multi-activity projects, with complicated logistics and distance management of direct subordinates.

• 5 years of staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to creating learning environment. Experience coaching and mentoring senior managers and effectively engaging influential project stakeholders.
• Experience engaging government and private sector stakeholders and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership approach a plus.
• Ability to represent the Agency, verbally and in writing, at high levels.
• Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

Personal Skills

• Excellent strategic, analytic, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make strategic decisions.
• Excellent relationship management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Strong team leadership abilities with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams. Ability to be an effective coach and mentor.
• Strong communications and presentation skills; able to develop tailored and persuasive messaging for varied audiences.
• Proactive, patient, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and flexible.

Required/Desired Foreign Language: English

Travel Required: 50% within FSM and RMI, with occasional regional or international trips

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Sub-Regional Country Representative, Sub-Regional Head of Programs, Finance Manager, Deputy Chief of Party, technical leads

External: FSM and RMI government representatives, USAID representatives in Manila, FSM, and FMI, implementing partner program managers, private sector stakeholders

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.

• Trusting Relationships
• Professional Growth
• Partnership
• Accountability

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

About the Organization

CRS staff, alongside our partners and the people we serve, work daily to bring our mission and guiding principles to life. We share our stories of hope, compassion and solidarity to inspire others to join us in creating a more just and prosperous world for all.