Program Manager I, Nutrition

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 collaborative, mission-driven culture that aims to improve the lives of the poor globally. 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. The agency emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to the rights and dignity of all people.

Job Overview:
As a Program Manager I for Nutrition, you will oversee programming within the Malawi Country Program, focusing on nutrition-related projects or smaller, less complex initiatives. Your role will involve designing and implementing projects that align with Catholic Relief Services' mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will be responsible for ensuring high-quality programming and continuously improving the impact of these initiatives. This position requires strong management skills and knowledge to effectively lead project teams, ensuring that all activities are carried out efficiently and in accordance with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and best practices. You will also play a crucial role in coaching and developing team members, managing project resources, and fostering partnerships to enhance project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include managing and implementing all project activities throughout the project lifecycle, from design to close-out. You will ensure that project teams and partner staff utilize appropriate systems and tools for effective implementation. Talent management will be a key focus, where you will supervise staff, manage team dynamics, and promote staff well-being. You will provide coaching, tailor individual development plans, and contribute to the recruitment and performance management processes for project staff. Additionally, you will champion learning among project staff and partners, analyze project performance data in line with MEAL policy, and proactively identify and address implementation challenges. You will also coordinate the identification of capacity-building needs for partner organizations and facilitate necessary interventions to support quality project execution. Your role will involve monitoring financial and material resources to ensure they meet project needs and are used efficiently.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field in Nutrition. A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects is required, preferably within an international NGO context. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage relationships effectively across diverse cultural groups, are essential. You should also have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce reports and documentation as needed. Proactive and results-oriented individuals who are service-oriented will thrive in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a field related to Nutrition. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the complexities of international development and nutrition programming, enabling you to effectively manage projects and contribute to the agency's mission.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience in managing or coordinating projects, particularly in a field-based setting. Experience with international NGOs is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the operational and cultural dynamics of such organizations. Familiarity with project management principles and practices will be highly beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Chichewa is required for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with project teams, partners, and stakeholders in the region. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Malawi and may involve travel to field sites, estimated at 30%. 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 will be based on the country of employment. The agency is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The job description provided is not exhaustive and may evolve as the needs of the agency change.