Madagascar: Chief of Party - WASH

Job Title: Chief of Party - WASH
Department/Country: Madagascar
Position Type: Full-Time
Job Location: Antananarivo, Madagascar
**Band:
FLSA: Exempt
Reports To: **Country Representative

This position is contingent upon CRS being awarded the contract.

About CRS:
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.

Background:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID-funded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project in Madagascar. The COP will lead the in-country management and implementation components of a program aimed at improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services to target populations.

Job Summary:
The COP will oversee the day-to-day operations for the project in Madagascar. S/he will ensure the timely planning and implementation of activities, provide technical WASH and strategic guidance to CRS and partner staff, monitor budget expenditures and reporting, and deliver high quality monitoring, evaluation and learning performance to achieve the project's objectives. The COP will establish and reinforce key relationships with USAID representatives, government entities, and other sector stakeholders. The COP will report to the Country Representative to harmonize interventions within the agency's broader project portfolio.

The successful candidate will be a strong decision-maker, an adept manager who is deliverable-oriented, a technical expert in one or more WASH areas, and have the capacity to manage a large team of direct reports in Madagascar, as well as to coordinate multiple partner organizations.

**Specific Responsibilities:
I. Program Management: **

• Ensure that the program delivers quality technical programming, according to national and international standards and in coordination with other national WASH programs.
• Lead the in-country management team in achieving program targets.
• Oversee and support in-country partners' performance based on sub-contract deliverables.
• Assure that monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes are standardized throughout consortium partners to successfully manage knowledge on the project.
• Ensure regular monitoring of activities and submit timely feedback to USAID and partners.
• Ensure that cross-cutting themes such as gender equity and sustainability are fully integrated into programming.
• Provide timely preparation and submission of high quality reports.
• Work with in-country staff and regional WASH teams to ensure clear, strategic direction in technical areas.

II. Finance and Administration:

• Provide strong budget management and oversight to quickly identify problems and take corrective action.
• Ensure program compliance with CRS policies and procedures and USAID regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and the status of activities. Review actual financial performance against the budget, USAID contract, and partner sub-contracts.
• Ensure strong communication and coordination with the Government and other WASH agencies throughout program areas.
• Work in coordination with the CRS Head of Programs (HoP), CRS Finance department and Management Quality teams to ensure good stewardship of resources and appropriate budget management.

III. Representation and Advocacy:

• Act as primary in-country project contact to USAID and other local and international stakeholders.
• Ensure the consortium's presence and active participation in coordination meetings in the WASH and health sectors.
• Facilitate and document lessons learned and best practices within the consortium to realize improved WASH outcomes.
• Organize learning and sharing opportunities between program and external stakeholders on a regular basis.
• Oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with USAID's branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS' marketing and communication procedures.

IV. Human Resource Management:

• Oversee the hiring, orientation, and training of key staff to build a technically strong, well supported, motivated team.
• Provide direction and technical advice through quarterly coaching sessions and daily support.

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

Supervisory Responsibilities: Both CRS and consortium staff members at the country level.

Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, consortium staff
external: Consortium agencies, local USAID Mission and WASH teams, consortium staff, other stakeholders

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, water resources management, engineering, and/or public health.
• At least 10 years of high level management experience in the development sector, preferably in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing and/or implementing programs in Africa, with experience in Madagascar a plus.
• Technical proficiency in sanitation, CLTS, water supply, and/or hygiene program design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current WASH situation, strategies, and key relationships in Madagascar.
• Proven success managing multi-million dollar development budgets.
• Prior COP experience a plus.
• Thorough understanding of USAID rules and regulations strongly desired.
• Proven strategic planning and monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Demonstrated experience leading coalitions, coordinating with and advocating among a broad set of diverse stakeholders including communities, local and national governments, donors, INGOs, and other local partners.
• Proven ability to provide representation at high profile donor and governmental meeting
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French are required, and knowledge of Malagasy is a plus

Required Foreign Language: French

Required Travel: Extensive travels within Madagascar, and internationally as required.

Work Environment: Typical office environment with regular travel to the field.

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

Apply online: https://www5.apply2jobs.com/CRS/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showJob&RID=2779&CurrentPage=1