Deputy Head of Programming

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 it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency has a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally, and it employs a comprehensive benefits package for its staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. The organization prioritizes hiring candidates from the countries and regions where it operates, reflecting its commitment to local engagement and empowerment.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Head of Programming will play a crucial role in providing strategic direction and management for the program office’s initiatives. This position complements the efforts of the Country Manager in establishing and implementing high-quality programs aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable populations. The successful candidate will leverage their management and programming skills, along with their ability to mobilize resources, to secure grants and enhance the quality and impact of programming. The role involves leading project design, ensuring adherence to project management standards, and integrating program interventions effectively. The Deputy Head of Programming will also be responsible for fostering a learning environment, promoting accountability, and ensuring the efficient use of resources. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying and strengthening partnerships, as well as coordinating technical assistance and capacity building for project teams and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Head of Programming will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Collaborating with the Country Manager to provide strategic direction for the design of country program strategic frameworks and plans, including resource mobilization strategies.
• Leading and contributing to high-quality project design that incorporates project management standards and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) methods.
• Coordinating project planning activities to ensure integration and efficiency in implementation.
• Managing the business development cycle to ensure quality proposals that meet agency and donor standards.
• Effectively managing talent, supervising team dynamics, and ensuring staff well-being through coaching and performance assessments.
• Creating a conducive learning environment that encourages the sharing of ideas and solutions.
• Promoting accountability and knowledge management as part of the MEAL policy implementation.
• Coordinating with operations staff for appropriate project budgeting and resource stewardship.
• Identifying and strengthening partnerships, applying partnership concepts and tools effectively. 1
• Providing technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners. 1
• Collaborating with MEAL and Communications staff to produce quality visibility materials and learning events. 1
• Organizing and coordinating program reporting, ensuring timely submission of high-quality reports.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Deputy Head of Programming position will possess the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a relevant field.
• A minimum of 5 years of work experience in program management and/or business development, with progressive responsibilities in an international NGO context.
• Strong experience in project grants management, including project design, budget preparation, expenditure tracking, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting, preferably for projects funded by multiple public donors.
• Proven experience in successful business development activities that capture public and/or private donor funding.
• Excellent strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to see the big picture and make sound judgments.
• Strong relations management abilities and team leadership skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of program management and the international development landscape.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in program management and/or business development, with a focus on international NGOs. This experience should include progressive responsibilities and a strong track record in project grants management, including design, implementation, and evaluation.

Languages:
Proficiency in both French and English is mandatory, with strong oral and written communication skills in both languages being essential for effective collaboration and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This position is only open to nationals of Burkina Faso. The role may require travel up to 25%. The Deputy Head of Programming will supervise various technical advisors and program managers, ensuring effective team dynamics and project implementation. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, and the work culture is mission-driven, focusing on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding program participants and community members.