About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. For nearly 60 years, CRS has taken the lead in responding to natural and man-made disasters affecting Ethiopia's most vulnerable communities. Moving beyond emergency response, CRS' disaster mitigation and recovery projects in drought and flood-prone areas have rebuilt individual and community assets through non-food aid in the form of agriculture, livestock, health, nutrition, and water and sanitation assistance. CRS's humanitarian work in Ethiopia also provides livelihoods support to farmers and entrepreneurs, promotes equality and inclusion, and mitigates the impact of COVID-19.

As part of CRS family, you will join the more than 5000 strong and vibrant individuals working globally to accomplish the mission of CRS. CRS/Ethiopia invites you, the qualified candidate, to apply for the following position.

Job Title:                        Deputy Chief of Party I - Operations/JEOP

Band:                              X

Required number:        One

Department:                 Programs/JEOP

Employment Term:      Definite Term 

Reports To:                   JEOP Deputy Chief of Party II

Country/Location:       CRS Ethiopia/Addis Ababa

Job Summary:

As Deputy Chief of Party- Operations, you will work as part of a team on a large project and provide oversight of operations function of the Joint Emergency Operations Plan (JEOP) project to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will be responsible for ensuring efficiency and accountability of JEOP operations in support of high-quality programming. including generating financial reports, monitoring project expenses, ensuring cost effective services, facilitating requested audits (internal and external) including partners’ required audits; and ensuring coordination with main office’s Operations’ team (Finance, Administration, HR and ICT); and supporting capacity building of implementing partners around grants management. As a senior leader you will oversee project administrative and finance functions, ensuring sound management of donor resources and compliance with internal and external policies, regulations, CRS policies and procedures and local government’s laws.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as a point of contact on JEOP operational issues within CRS and the donor as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders.

• Work closely with CRS Ethiopia’s Deputy Head of Operations and Finance Manager to ensure effective and efficient service delivery to the JEOP project; ensure that they are consulted for effective and quality coordination, compliance with CRS policies and procedures, and compliance with Donor’s requirements and regulations.

• Manage JEOP operations to ensure timely and accurate financial and commodity report.

• Coordination with D/COPs (3) for Program Quality and Operations; Operations and Commodity Risk Monitoring and Compliance; and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL).

• Serve as the primary point of contact with various federal government bureaus, particularly Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC), as well as regional, zonal, and woreda contacts.

• Effectively manage talent and supervise the Operations team, including managing team dynamics, staff well-being and coaching. Complete performance assessments and contribute to the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff.

• Support the overall administrative needs of JEOP staff including the optimal utilization and maintenance of program assets and resources including computers, vehicles, furniture, supplies and other equipment, logistical arrangement for staff and visitors, and procurement of materials and equipment in a transparent and accountable manner. With the CRS Ethiopia Country Program Admin Office, take an active role in inventory planning and management, accounting and recordkeeping of all properties, inventories and fixed assets.

• Ensure partner compliance with the Food for Peace Act; USG regulations, including but not limited to 22 CFR 211 (Reg. 11); the terms of the JEOP Cooperative Agreement and partner sub-agreements; and USAID provisions and policies.

• Manage commodity pipeline in coordination with the Logistics Manager, JEOP COP, JEOP DCOPs and relevant CRS/Ethiopia and HQ Departments, especially Shipping, providing monthly analysis and pipeline information, and analysis as required.

• Provide analysis to the JEOP COP on resource needs (cash and commodities) and projections for anticipated need to ensure that the JEOP is fully resourced as required. Support Title II Call Forward and cash resource requests for USAID/BHA along with detailed analysis.

• Coordinate weekly and monthly dispatch and distribution status updates supported with ICT4D tools to share with USAID and other food assistance operators (shared for wider dissemination to the humanitarian community on monthly basis).

• Develop, analyze and review sub-recipient grant agreements. Ensure receipt and maintenance of all sub–recipient agreements and supporting documents as well as overseeing the financial management of all consortium partners including processing advances and liquidations.

• Ensure that JEOP partners provide accurate and timely inputs into program audits; ensure timely closure of audit recommendations; document and ensure discussion and preparation of a plan of action; and monitor implementation of action/improvement plans relative to JEOP activity.

• Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming. Ensure all staff understand and adhere to CRS staff safety and security policies and plans.

• Promote, uphold and model a commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources. Ensure compliance with donor grants, including financial tracking and oversight of partner budgets, finance, administration and reporting to donors.

• Maintain relationships with key staff of consortium partner organizations in operations. Contribute to coordination of the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in implementation in line with CRS partnership principles.

• Create and maintain a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and recommend trainings and technical assistance.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.

• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.

• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.

• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.

• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.

• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.

• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Job Requirements

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• MA/BA Degree in accounting/finance with 5 years' relevant experience for MA or 8 years' relevant experience for BA degree.

• Recognized technical experience and qualifications in sector.

• Demonstrated experience of successful management, including management of functions of complex, multi-activity projects.

• Strong financial management skills, particularly budgeting and financial report review

• Proven skills, knowledge and experience in USAID Title II programs including emergency food distribution, program monitoring and evaluation, commodity management, consortium management, logistics.

• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. 

• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.

• Strong report writing skills.

• Experience in MS Office package including MS Teams, Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems. 

Personal Skills

• Very good strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.

• Very good relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.

• Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams.

• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

Required/Desired Foreign Language: English, Amharic

Travel Required: approx. 25%

How to Apply

• You should fill the application form through this link: CLIK HERE and attach your up-to-date CV on / before the application deadline January 13, 2024. You will be contacted only if selected for written exam/interview. Phone solicitations will not be accepted. These job opportunities are open to Ethiopian nationals only.

• What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. 

** Qualified women & persons with disability are highly encouraged to apply**

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer