Deputy Country Representative - Programs

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services 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 organization has a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor throughout the world. In Sudan, CRS manages a portfolio exceeding 150 million USD, targeting 1.5 million people with essential services by 2025, and operates through a network of 11 offices across various states.

Job Overview:
As the Deputy Country Representative, you will play a crucial role in managing and advancing the programming and operations objectives of CRS in Sudan. This position requires strategic management skills to enhance CRS' reputation and impact while ensuring the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of staff and programming. You will work closely with the Country Representative to harmonize program and operations objectives, oversee project management to meet donor expectations, and ensure adherence to CRS program quality standards. Your leadership will be vital in managing senior talent, developing strategic partnerships, and representing CRS to key stakeholders, including government and international donors. You will also be responsible for promoting accountability, learning, and knowledge management within the organization, ensuring a safe and effective working environment for all staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the design and implementation of medium and long-term goals under the guidance of the Country Representative.
• Harmonize program and operations objectives in alignment with CRS strategy.
• Oversee project management to ensure compliance with donor expectations and maximize impact.
• Ensure adherence to CRS program quality standards as per MEAL policy and procedures.
• Manage senior talent and supervise team dynamics, promoting staff well-being.
• Develop individual development plans and conduct performance assessments for direct reports.
• Oversee staffing plans and contribute to the recruitment of senior staff.
• Develop strategic partnerships with national and international organizations.
• Ensure strong representation to key stakeholders, including Church partners and government entities. 1
• Monitor national and regional issues to manage and mitigate risks. 1
• Ensure compliance with CRS safety and security policies. 1
• Promote efficient use of agency and donor resources. 1
• Oversee monthly expenditures and pursue strategic growth opportunities. 1
• Maintain a conducive learning environment and promote accountability and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven staff management experience conducive to a learning environment.
• Ability to represent the agency at high levels effectively.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and web conferencing applications.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent relations management abilities and communication skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented mindset.
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships is preferred.
• Experience working with Church partners is a plus.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in international development, International Relations, or a related field is required. Additional education may substitute for some experience, indicating a flexible approach to educational qualifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have 5-8 years of experience managing high-value relief and development programs. Demonstrated experience in managing high-value projects from multiple international donors, including the Department of State, World Bank, and/or UN, is essential. Knowledge of relevant donor regulations is also required.

Languages:
Fluent written and spoken English is mandatory. Proficiency in written and spoken Arabic is advantageous, enhancing communication within the local context and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Geneina, Sudan, with travel requirements of up to 50% within the country, including remote field locations. The role may involve working from home or other locations in East Africa, depending on visa arrangements. The position is open to international applicants, with a preference for Sudanese passport holders. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs.