Deputy Chief Of Party

Work Location: Malawi – Lilongwe	Type of Post: Full-Time
Other Possible Location: N/A	Funding: APPROVED
Expected Travel: Up to 50%	Type of Contract: To Be Determined
Language Requirement: English	Application Deadline: N/A
Employee Duration: Full-Time

Note: Starting salaries are determined by several factors, including a candidate's experience, educational background, knowledge, skills, and the prevailing cost of living in the job's location. Salary ranges provided are applicable only to positions based within the US.

Who We Are:

As a globally recognized leader, CARE is instrumental in shaping the future of humanitarian aid and international development. Each year, we extend vital support and services to millions of individuals worldwide. Our efforts are guided by our core mission and vision, as well as the values of equality and excellence that define our organization. We are actively seeking committed individuals who resonate with our mission and are enthusiastic about bringing it to fruition through collaborative efforts, a dedication to learning and innovation, and a focus on achieving tangible results.

What We Are Looking For:

At CARE, we celebrate and value the diverse talents individuals bring, along with their varied experiences and perspectives. We understand that not every applicant will possess every skill and qualification listed. We strongly encourage all candidates who meet the minimum required qualifications to submit their applications. While possessing one or more of the preferred qualifications will enhance an application, even those earlier in their careers or with non-traditional educational or professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to explore career opportunities at CARE.

Job Title: DEPUTY CHIEF OF PARTY – COMMODITY AND SCHOOL FEEDING – MALAWI

Job Location(s): Malawi – Lilongwe

CARE International firmly believes that no child should face the dilemma of choosing between hunger and education. Through the TIWOLOKA project, funded by the USDA's McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, we are dedicated to reinforcing school feeding systems, improving child nutrition, and enhancing access to quality education across Malawi.

We are currently searching for a seasoned, strategic, and exceptionally organized Deputy Chief of Party – Commodity & School Feeding to join our leadership team in Lilongwe. This represents a significant opportunity for a humanitarian and operational leader with a passion for making a difference to play a crucial role in implementing impactful school feeding initiatives that directly enhance the lives of children and their communities.

This position is open to both national and international applicants. In accordance with CARE’s long-term localization strategy, priority will be given to Malawian nationals. International candidates will be considered if suitable national candidates are not identified.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) – Commodity & School Feeding is an integral member of the TIWOLOKA Program Management Team and will spearhead the implementation and oversight of commodity operations and school feeding activities within the project framework.

Reporting directly to the Chief of Party, the DCOP will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of commodity management, logistics coordination, school feeding implementation, compliance protocols, reporting procedures, and stakeholder engagement. The role is designed to ensure the meticulous planning, tracking, distribution, and accountability of USDA and locally procured commodities, while simultaneously strengthening collaborative relationships with governmental bodies, donors, service providers, and local communities.

The successful candidate will also guide cross-functional teams, contribute to annual planning and budgeting cycles, manage field operations, and be instrumental in the overall success and long-term sustainability of the program.

What You Will Do

Program Management & Operational Leadership

• Lead the comprehensive planning and execution of processes for USDA food imports and local commodity procurement.


• Oversee the implementation of school feeding programs to ensure the timely and effective delivery of food to designated schools.


• Develop and manage robust operational plans encompassing logistics, inventory control, field activities, and monitoring systems.


• Foster close collaboration with finance, logistics, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), and country office teams to ensure seamless program execution.


• Support the creation of annual work plans, budgets, and donor reports.

Commodity Management & School Feeding Operations

• Ensure the efficient receipt, storage, transportation, and distribution of commodities, strictly adhering to USDA regulations and CARE’s internal policies.


• Maintain sophisticated systems for commodity tracking, reporting, and accountability.


• Monitor commodity supply chains and inventory levels to prevent any interruptions to school feeding activities.


• Supervise third-party service providers, including transport companies, customs clearing agents, warehouse operators, and fumigation services.


• Manage processes related to loss prevention and claims administration.


• Partner with education and nutrition teams to enhance the quality and impact of program interventions.


• Facilitate accurate verification of student data and support commodity planning processes.


• Address operational challenges that may affect schools in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.

Stakeholder Engagement & Compliance

• Act as a primary liaison with relevant government ministries, donors, local authorities, and implementing partners.


• Represent the project effectively in technical working groups and coordination meetings.


• Ensure complete adherence to USDA regulations, donor requirements, and CARE’s established policies.


• Promote community involvement and the long-term sustainability of school feeding initiatives.

Reporting, Data & Performance Management

• Oversee the timely preparation and submission of both commodity-specific and broader programmatic reports.


• Strengthen systems for data quality assurance, validation, and reporting.


• Collaborate closely with the M&E team to track program performance and support evidence-based decision-making.


• Ensure precise tracking of commodity utilization and overall program impact.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Lead, mentor, and manage commodity and school feeding staff across the project.


• Develop the capabilities of field teams, service providers, and other stakeholders in commodity management and compliance standards.


• Cultivate an environment of accountability, teamwork, safeguarding principles, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field.


• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in commodity management, school feeding programs, humanitarian logistics, or comparable programming.


• A thorough understanding of food supply chain operations, encompassing procurement, warehousing, transportation, and distribution.


• Proven experience in managing teams, fostering partnerships, and cultivating relationships with government entities and donors.


• Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related academic discipline.


• Prior experience working with programs funded by the USDA or USAID.


• Familiarity with USDA regulations, compliance mandates, and reporting frameworks.