Country Manager

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 assistance 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 all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally.

Job Overview:
The Country Manager for CRS Laos will oversee the management of the CRS Laos Country Program, ensuring alignment with the organization's objectives and mission. This role involves acting as a representative and ambassador for CRS and the USCCB to key stakeholders, including local government, partners, and donors. The Country Manager will identify funding opportunities to advance CRS' strategy and raise critical resources necessary for the continuation of its work serving the poor and marginalized. The position requires ensuring high-quality programming and continuous improvement of program impact, coordinating activities across various projects to ensure integration and efficiency in implementation. The Country Manager will also manage workforce planning, team development, and staff well-being, fostering an environment that reflects CRS values and principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Manager will develop strategic partnerships with national and international organizations, ensuring strong representation to key stakeholders. Responsibilities include managing workforce planning, team development, and staff well-being, while providing coaching and mentoring. The Country Manager will ensure that all projects meet and exceed donor expectations, are designed for maximum impact, and adhere to CRS program quality standards. This includes overseeing monthly expenditures, promoting accountability, learning, and knowledge management, and managing the annual planning process. The role also involves cultivating effective donor relationships, supporting prepositioning and capture planning for program expansion, and managing risks that may impact staff and programming. The Country Manager will develop a strong leadership team, champion safeguarding policies, and ensure compliance with CRS safeguarding and fraud prevention guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to see the big picture and make sound judgments. They should have strong relationship management abilities and be able to relate to people at all levels. Team leadership abilities, strong communication and presentation skills, and a proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented mindset are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate personal accountability, integrity, trust-building, collaboration, and a willingness to learn.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in a similar field is preferred, along with experience in complex development settings and managing high-value projects from multiple international donors.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years’ experience managing high-value relief and development programs. Demonstrated experience in business development, private sector engagement, and engaging partners to strengthen partnerships is also required. Experience working with Church partners is a plus, as is a proven track record of managing staff and developing leaders.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. Proficiency in the local Lao language is considered a plus, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 25%. 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., salary and 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 the job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and expects the successful candidate to adhere to its Code of Conduct.