Deputy Chief of Party I, Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain

Note: this position is contingent upon donor approval.

Job Summary

The Deputy Chief of Party – Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain, provides leadership and oversight of operations, commodity management, logistics, and supply chain systems for the USDA Food for Peace (Title II) emergency food assistance program in Kenya. The incumbent will support the Chief of Party in ensuring the timely and accountable delivery of U.S. origin commodities to food-insecure populations, particularly in ASAL regions. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with USDA requirements, including full traceability of commodities, strong accountability systems, and prevention of fraud, waste, abuse, and diversion.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Lead logistics and supply chain operations including port clearance, transport, warehousing, and distribution.
• Ensure compliance with USDA requirements and applicable Code of Federal Regulations (i.e. 2 CFR 200, 22 CFR 211, etc.) including U.S.-origin commodities and traceability systems.
• Oversee Commodity Management systems ensuring efficient delivery across remote program areas.
• Manage cross-functional coordination between program and operations teams to support implementation and operational efficiency.
• Lead efforts to strengthen accountability systems and mitigate operational risks to ensure effective and compliant operations.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise logistics and supply chain staff. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Contribute to the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff.
• Manage consortium partner compliance and facilitate coordination to support successful program implementation.
• Manage and mitigate risk. Monitor issues that may impact staff and programming. Ensure all staff understand and adhere to CRS staff safety and security policies and plans. Ensure effective contingency planning.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish 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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, or related field.
• 5 years of relevant experience including USG-funded programs.
• Experience managing commodity-based programs and logistics systems.
• Experience supervising staff and managing operational budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in supply chain, logistics or a related field.
• Experience in Kenya or similar contexts (ASAL, emergency operations).
• Experience managing multi-partner consortia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong expertise in commodity management and logistics.
• Knowledge of government coordination systems.
• Knowledge of USG compliance frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex supply chains.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Required Languages: Fluency in English.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% to field locations, including remote ASAL counties.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes – supervision of operations, logistics, and commodity management staff.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• 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.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Salary and benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Organization context

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements. All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.