Chief of Party I – Project Director, Child Development

About the role

The Project Director will provide overall leadership and management for a multi‑county child development, care, and protection project in Malawi. The role ensures effective systems, donor compliance, and coordination with consortium partners and government stakeholders while advancing CRS’s mission to serve vulnerable children and families.

Key responsibilities

• Lead relationship management with ministries, government agencies, civil society and community networks in Malawi.
• Oversee the full project cycle – design, start‑up, implementation and close‑out – ensuring compliance with CRS quality standards and donor guidelines.
• Manage sub‑awards, consortium coordination and integration with the global project team.
• Supervise senior staff recruitment, performance, well‑being and professional development.
• Ensure donor compliance, financial oversight and security risk mitigation.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in humanitarian or development projects, preferably in child protection or early childhood development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi‑partner consortia and government relations.
• Strong understanding of donor compliance, sub‑award management and security protocols.
• Experience working in Malawi or similar contexts is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Project management and monitoring & evaluation.
• Partnership development and stakeholder engagement.
• Donor reporting and financial oversight.
• Security risk assessment and mitigation.