Program Manager II - Multisectoral Emergency Response and Partnership

Job Posting Organization:
CRS (Catholic Relief Services) is a well-established organization that has been working to save, protect, and transform lives in need across the globe for over 75 years. Founded in 1943, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and is dedicated to building local capacities and fostering partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of its programs. The Moldova and Ukraine Country Office has rapidly expanded its programming reach following the crisis in Ukraine, aiming to support over 500,000 people through integrated emergency, recovery, and development strategies. The organization is resourced by institutional donors and private emergency funding, reflecting its commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs while also focusing on long-term recovery and development goals.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager II position is a critical role within CRS, focusing on leading the provision and coordination of technical support to Caritas Ukraine for the US Department of State funded program, Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine. This role is essential for ensuring that the program aligns with CRS's quality and management standards as well as partnership principles. The Program Manager will work closely with partner staff through a secondment model, providing guidance and support to enhance their capacity to design and implement effective multisectoral humanitarian programming. The position requires a strong emphasis on risk management, compliance with donor requirements, and effective communication with stakeholders. The Program Manager will also oversee the development and implementation of other emergency and recovery programs, particularly large and complex projects, ensuring that they meet the needs of the country office and the vulnerable populations they serve. This role demands a combination of technical knowledge, management experience, and strong relationship-building skills to advance the work of CRS and its partners in supporting conflict-affected communities in Ukraine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager II will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Providing management, guidance, and technical oversight of the DOS-funded project and other programs throughout the project cycle, ensuring implementation and close-out align with program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Leading the provision and coordination of technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities to enhance program quality and impact, leveraging expertise from CRS Country Office, regional, and global technical advisors.
• Overseeing the identification, assessment, and strengthening of partner capacities, applying appropriate partnership concepts, tools, and approaches.
• Ensuring timely and appropriate CRS project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use of project resources.
• Supporting the CUA program manager in effectively managing team dynamics and staff well-being.
• Contributing to the advancement of the CRS Country Office strategy and proactively pursuing opportunities for new funding to ensure growth of the sector portfolio in line with agency, regional, and CO strategic priorities.
• Identifying opportunities for learning related to capacity strengthening and facilitating the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to contribute to the agency's knowledge management agenda.
• Ensuring the integration of innovations and best practices into program implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, International Relations, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of relevant field-based project management experience is required, with at least 3 years working in complex emergencies. Strong experience in project grants management and knowledge of requirements and regulations of major emergency donors, including US Government entities, is essential. Candidates should also have experience managing moderately complex projects with USG funding, preferably for an international NGO prime.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, or International Relations. A Master’s Degree in a related field is preferred, which would enhance the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in project management, particularly in field-based roles. This experience should include at least 3 years working in complex emergencies, demonstrating the ability to navigate challenging environments and manage multifaceted projects effectively. Experience with USG funding and regulations is highly desirable, as is a background in managing projects for international NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is required for this position. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on funding confirmation and is based in Ukraine. The role may require up to 30% field travel within Ukraine, primarily to partner offices. The position does not have supervisory responsibilities. 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. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.