Emergency and Early Recovery Program Manager II

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 worldwide. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS's work encompasses various sectors, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency's mission is driven by a collaborative culture that values integrity, accountability, and respect for all individuals. CRS also emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes reflect a commitment to the dignity and rights of all people. The organization welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and faiths who share its values and commitment to humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
The Emergency and Early Recovery Program Manager II will lead and provide strategic oversight for CRS's Gaza psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (PSS), security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Livelihoods programming. This role is critical in managing a multi-donor portfolio and ensuring that effective systems and processes are in place to support high-quality programming in a dynamic and challenging context. The Program Manager will coordinate closely with various teams, including PSS, food security, and emerging livelihoods, while also collaborating with other sectors such as shelter, WASH, supply chain, and operations. The position requires strong project management skills to enhance the impact of emergency response efforts and ensure a responsive approach to early recovery. The Program Manager will also be responsible for fostering team dynamics, supporting staff well-being, and ensuring that the Country Program delivers high-quality programming that meets the needs of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight of all new and existing projects within the CP PSS, Food Security, and Livelihoods portfolio throughout the project cycle, ensuring alignment with CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise teams, fostering positive team dynamics and supporting staff well-being.
• Provide coaching and develop tailored individual development plans for direct reports, conducting performance management.
• Lead program learning initiatives, identifying opportunities for research and publications in PSS, Food Security, and Livelihoods, and implementing MEAL policy.
• Facilitate the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to contribute to the agency's knowledge management agenda.
• Pursue new funding opportunities to grow the CP PSS, Food Security, and Livelihoods portfolio in line with strategic priorities.
• Serve as the technical lead for quality proposals and contribute to budgeting and staffing plans for proposals.
• Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
• Identify and strengthen partnerships relevant to PSS, Food Security, and Livelihoods, applying appropriate partnership concepts and tools. 1
• Ensure timely project expenditures align with financial plans and efficient use of project resources.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in relevant field-based project management is required, with at least 3 years of experience in complex emergencies.
• Experience managing a diverse portfolio of moderately complex projects, preferably for an INGO.
• Strong project grants management experience, including project design for grants from multiple public donors, including USG funding.
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical proposals and reports.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations and in capacity strengthening.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments and offer innovative solutions.
• Strong relations management abilities and emotional intelligence to support teams under stress.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, International Relations, or a related field pertinent to PSS, Food Security, or Livelihoods. While a Master's degree is required, additional relevant experience may be considered as a substitute for formal education.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in relevant field-based project management, with a preference for at least 3 years of experience in complex emergencies. Candidates with 8 years of experience in relevant project management are preferred. Experience in managing a diverse portfolio of moderately complex projects, particularly in the context of an international non-governmental organization (INGO), is highly valued. Additionally, experience working in the Middle East and in conflict or post-conflict settings, particularly in humanitarian/emergency response, is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Gaza, contingent on security conditions. The role requires regular travel between Gaza and Jordan/Jerusalem, as well as travel to CRS's office in Jerusalem. The Program Manager will supervise staff, including the PSS Senior Project Officer and Food Security Project Officer, among others. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous 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.