Chief of Party USDA McGOVERN DOLE FOOD FOR EDUCATION

About Corus: Corus International is the parent of a family of world-class organizations working to deliver the holistic, lasting solutions needed to end extreme poverty once and for all. We are a global leader in international development, with 150 years of combined experience across our brands. Our nonprofit and for-profit subsidiaries include IMA World Health and its fundraising brand Corus World Health, Lutheran World Relief, CGA Technologies, Ground Up Investing, and Farmers Market Brands. Our more than 800 employees around the globe are experts in their fields and dedicated to helping the world’s most vulnerable people break the cycle of poverty and lead healthy lives. Further details about the organization can be found at: https://corusinternational.org

About The Job: Corus International is seeking a Chief of Party.

As Chief of Party , you will provide strategic leadership and overall management for the anticipated USDA McGovern-Dole Food for Education (MGD/FFE) project in Cote d’Ivoire specifically in the areas of Bagoué, Poro, Tchologo, Gontougo, Bounkani, Cavally, Bafing.

Cote d’Ivoire has been identified as a priority country in the solicitation, with USDA expecting strong government engagement to continue the roll out of a wide scale feeding program and roads to sustainability and transition of targeted schools to the national school feeding by end of project. In addition to school feeding, the project will integrate complementary interventions in literacy, nutrition, and school-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

This position is based in Cote d’Ivoire and reports to the Africa Area Director. The Chief of Party will be expected to conduct regular visits to project sites to oversee implementation and engage with stakeholders.

Actual hiring is contingent upon signed agreement and USDA approval.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the design, implementation, and consolidation of the McGovern-Dole Food for Education (MGD/FFE) project. Highlight the project’s contributions to sector-wide thought leadership and serve as the primary liaison with USDA and key public, private, and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Engage effectively with senior government officials at both provincial and federal levels to ensure strong advocacy and alignment with national priorities. Support the development of sustainable, scalable project strategies.
• Ensure high-quality project delivery that meets donor expectations for results, timelines, and budget. Oversee integration between programmatic and operational functions, and ensure adherence to CORUS program quality standards, including MEAL policies and procedures.
• Lead and manage senior staff, fostering a positive team dynamic and staff well-being. Provide coaching, mentorship, and tailored professional development. Oversee staffing plans and recruitment of senior personnel.
• Monitor and mitigate risks by staying informed of national and regional developments that may impact operations. Ensure all staff are trained in and comply with CORUS safety and security protocols, and that plans are regularly updated.
• Promote responsible stewardship of donor and organizational resources. Ensure full compliance with USDA grant requirements, including financial oversight, partner budget management, and reporting. Approve expenditures, budget revisions, and cost modifications.
• Oversee communications and visibility efforts, ensuring alignment with USDA and CORUS branding and marketing guidelines.
• Coordinate effectively with consortium partners, facilitating planning and review workshops. Support alignment of partner roles and activities with CORUS partnership principles.
• Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement, creating a safe space for sharing challenges and solutions. Identify capacity gaps and lead the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical support for CORUS and partner staff.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of senior leadership experience managing large-scale, donor-funded development programs, specifically for USDA McGovern Dole Food For Education or similar U.S. government funded programs. Prior roles as COP, Deputy COP, or Team Lead in Cote d’Ivoire for similar contexts are highly preferred.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, public health, international development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with development diplomacy and engaging host country government leaders including up to the Ministerial level.
• Technical expertise in school feeding, primary education, child nutrition, and/or food security.
• Experience in food aid and/or school feeding programs in developing countries. Also, working with government agencies, community-based organizations, and diverse stakeholders.
• Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations, with a focus on performance and results.
• Strong strategic planning and decision-making skills, with a track record of delivering complex programs on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication and representation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior-level stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, virtual collaboration tools, and financial/program management systems.
• Solid understanding of U.S. Government compliance requirements and donor regulations.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) or willingness to obtain one within the first months of employment.
• Knowledge of Sphere standards and humanitarian response training is a plus.

Languages

• Fluency in French and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing**.**

How to apply

https://corus.applicantpro.com/jobs/3752019