Senior Administrative Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve the poor and vulnerable, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its policies reflect this commitment. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving lives globally, and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values.

Job Overview:
The Senior Administrative Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that the administrative services provided by Catholic Relief Services are responsive, effective, and efficient. This position is integral to supporting the organization's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. The Senior Administrative Manager is tasked with promoting stewardship of resources, ensuring compliance with regulations, and proactively identifying and addressing risk issues. Under supervision, this role also involves leading operational improvements related to administrative services, which are essential for the successful implementation of CRS programs. The manager will coordinate various administrative functions, ensuring that they meet the standards set by CRS, donor requirements, and local regulations. This includes anticipating delivery challenges and ensuring service continuity, as well as collaborating with programming leads to manage project-related expenditures effectively. The Senior Administrative Manager is expected to maintain high-quality administrative services, oversee logistics and travel support for staff and visitors, and manage the overall performance and well-being of the administrative team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Administrative Manager will manage or coordinate various administrative functions, including systems, processes, and staffing, to meet CRS standards and donor requirements. Key responsibilities include anticipating delivery challenges to ensure service continuity, collaborating with programming leads on project facility expenditures, and monitoring day-to-day administrative services. The manager will identify and address challenges affecting the stewardship and utilization of program assets and resources. Additionally, the role involves close collaboration with the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-manager" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Manager to manage security risks related to facility management and assume the Security Manager's duties in their absence. The Senior Administrative Manager will supervise the administrative team, providing coaching and development plans, and ensuring performance management for direct reports. The position also requires guidance on internal processes for approving facility-related expenses and monitoring spending in line with operational needs. The manager will coordinate compliance with agency and donor requirements, respond to audit issues, and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including government representatives and service providers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Law, or a relevant field. A minimum of 8 years of work experience in an administrative support function with progressive responsibilities is required. Additional education may substitute for some experience, and additional experience may substitute for some education. Proficiency in MS Office packages and budget management systems is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively and ethically. A proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented approach is necessary, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Law, or another relevant field. A Master’s degree is preferred, along with office management experience and familiarity with NGO operations. Understanding financial systems, including budgeting and expense analysis, is also advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in an administrative support role, with increasing levels of responsibility. Experience in an NGO setting is preferred, as is familiarity with multiple public donors’ regulations, including USAID. Staff management experience is also beneficial, particularly in fostering a learning environment.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel of up to 25%. The Senior Administrative Manager will supervise the Senior Admin Officer, Admin Officer, and Admin Assistants. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate is expected to adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct.