Program Manager I - Cash and Voucher

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization is committed to a mission-driven culture that emphasizes collaboration and the improvement of lives for the poor. CRS engages in various programs including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding, and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager I for Cash and Voucher will oversee the programming within the Country Program (CP) focused on Food Assistance. This role involves designing and implementing projects that align with CRS's mission to serve vulnerable populations. The manager will ensure high-quality programming and work towards enhancing the impact of the initiatives. Responsibilities include managing project cycles from design to close-out, ensuring compliance with CRS standards and donor requirements, and fostering a collaborative environment among project teams and partner organizations. The manager will also be responsible for analyzing project performance data and addressing any implementation challenges that arise, thereby ensuring the effective delivery of services to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will manage and implement all project activities, ensuring adherence to CRS program quality principles and standards. Key responsibilities include: overseeing project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out; managing project team dynamics and staff well-being; providing coaching and development plans for team members; contributing to recruitment and performance management; championing learning and evaluation processes; identifying and addressing project performance issues; coordinating capacity-building efforts for partner organizations; and managing financial and material resources effectively. The manager will also play a crucial role in proposal development and partnership strengthening relevant to Food Assistance and Cash and Voucher programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field focused on Food Assistance and Cash and Voucher programming. A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant field experience in managing or coordinating moderately complex projects is required, preferably within an international NGO context. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with diverse groups are essential. Proficiency in MS Office and experience with information management systems are also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as International Development or International Relations is mandatory. A Master’s Degree is preferred, particularly for candidates with project management experience in Food Assistance and Cash and Voucher programming.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2-3 years of relevant field-based experience in project management or coordination, particularly in contexts involving food assistance or cash and voucher programming. Experience with international NGOs is highly desirable, as is familiarity with MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) practices.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, encompassing speaking, reading, and writing skills. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local partners and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term assignment expected to last for a total of 4 months. The role includes supervisory responsibilities and is designed to support the effective implementation of cash and voucher programming in Sudan. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, and compensation for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. will be based on the local context. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, and candidates are expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.