Chief of Party II – Program Director for Rio Lempa Conservation

About the role

The Chief of Party II will provide vision, leadership, and overall management of the Rio Lempa Conservation and Restoration Program, ensuring high‑quality delivery of ecosystem restoration and livelihood development for vulnerable communities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the program through its foundational implementation phase, translating long‑term objectives into short‑ and medium‑term priorities, budgets, and measurable results.
• Coordinate effectively among CRS, FIAES, the Program Supervisory Board and its committees, clarifying roles, preparing decisions, and maintaining information flows.
• Build and manage trusted relationships with Salvadoran governmental and non‑governmental actors, anticipating risks and adapting the program’s approach.
• Establish disciplined management systems aligning technical implementation, partner performance, grant‑making and resource use with watershed outcomes.
• Serve as primary point of contact with the donor and other public, private and non‑government stakeholders, ensuring compliance with donor expectations.
• Lead senior programming and operations talent, manage team dynamics, provide coaching, and oversee staffing and recruitment of senior staff.
• Proactively manage security, risk mitigation, and staff safety policies.
• Oversee financial compliance, approve expenditures, and ensure accurate donor reporting.
• Represent CRS programming internationally, publish results, and develop communication strategies.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, watershed management, rural development, water resources management, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience leading complex development, environmental, watershed or rural development programs.
• At least 5 years in senior program management or leadership roles.
• Extensive experience managing donor‑funded projects.

Required skills

• Strategic leadership and program management.
• Budget development and financial oversight.
• Grant management and donor compliance.
• Risk assessment and security management.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building.