Program Manager I

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 programs that include emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. CRS welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and dedication to serving those in need. The agency's talent acquisition procedures emphasize the protection of program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and it is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager I (PM I) position is a critical role within CRS’ Humanitarian Response Department (HRD), specifically focused on the Hurricane Melissa Emergency Response project. The PM I will be seconded to Caritas Antilles in Jamaica, where they will support the implementation of emergency response projects aimed at assisting the poor and vulnerable populations affected by the hurricane. This role requires strong management skills and a deep understanding of emergency response programming, as the PM I will work closely with local partners to ensure high-quality programming and continuous improvement in project impact. The PM I will be responsible for strengthening the emergency response capacity of local partners, ensuring that they can effectively implement emergency projects, and providing operational support, coordination, and technical assistance. The position emphasizes alignment with localization commitments, donor requirements, and humanitarian principles, ensuring that the local leadership is supported rather than replaced.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PM I will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting Caritas Antilles in managing and implementing all activities throughout the Hurricane Response project cycle, from design to close-out; ensuring efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards; managing project team dynamics and staff well-being; providing coaching and development plans for project staff; analyzing project performance data; identifying and addressing implementation obstacles; coordinating staff capacity needs and technical assistance; managing financial and material resources; representing Caritas Antilles in various coordination platforms; ensuring adherence to international guiding principles and program quality standards; contributing to new project designs and proposals; and documenting learning for future improvements. The PM I will also support the development of reports and ensure alignment with donor requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or Project Management. A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects is required, preferably with an international NGO. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of humanitarian coordination systems, stakeholder engagement, and humanitarian programming principles. Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, particularly during project design and implementation, is essential. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, excellent communication abilities in English, and proficiency in MS Office applications are also required. Candidates should be flexible and able to cope with stressful situations in emergency environments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or Project Management. A Master’s Degree is preferred and project management experience is highly desirable. Knowledge of humanitarian programming, SPHERE standards, and Catholic Social Teaching principles is also beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing projects, particularly in humanitarian settings. Candidates should have demonstrated experience working with local partners and building their capacity, as well as familiarity with humanitarian coordination systems and platforms.

Languages:
English is the mandatory language for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Jamaica for the entirety of the assignment, with a length of 6 months and potential for extension based on funding. The start date is January 8, 2026, and the end date is July 7, 202

• The role is full-time, requiring the candidate to be based in Kingston and/or Montego Bay, with travel around the island as needed. There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position, and the PM I will work closely with various stakeholders, including CRS teams, Caritas Antilles, UN agencies, and donor organizations.