Country Program Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a leading international humanitarian agency that has been working to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries. Established in 1943, CRS focuses on emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, and its work culture is collaborative and mission-driven. CRS has a strong commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it operates with a set of guiding principles that reflect its values. The organization employs a diverse workforce and welcomes candidates from the regions in which it operates, ensuring that its talent acquisition procedures prioritize the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Country Program Manager will oversee the development and implementation of the Country Program (CP) and its associated program areas, particularly focusing on large and complex projects. This role requires a strong management skill set and technical oversight to ensure that high-quality programming is delivered effectively. The manager will be responsible for ensuring that systems and processes are in place to support the CP's objectives, which include improving the impact of programming aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable. The position demands a proactive approach to managing talent, fostering team dynamics, and ensuring staff well-being. The manager will also lead program learning initiatives, identify opportunities for research and publications, and contribute to the agency's knowledge management agenda. Additionally, the role involves pursuing new funding opportunities to grow the CP's sector portfolio in alignment with strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Program Manager will provide comprehensive management, guidance, and technical oversight for all new and existing projects within the CP. This includes ensuring that project design, implementation, and close-out adhere to CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The manager will effectively manage talent within the program area, supervise staff, and foster a positive team environment. Responsibilities also include coaching team members, developing individual development plans, and conducting performance management for direct reports. The manager will lead the development of program learning, facilitate the dissemination of best practices, and ensure the integration of innovations. Furthermore, the role involves contributing to budgeting and staffing plans for proposals, overseeing technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities, and ensuring timely project expenditures in line with financial plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments and offer innovative solutions. Excellent relations management abilities are essential, as the role requires interaction with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally. The ideal candidate should have good presentation and facilitation skills, be proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented. Preferred qualifications include experience in project grants management, particularly with public donors like USAID, and the ability to write high-quality technical proposals. Staff management experience conducive to a learning environment is also required, along with proficiency in MS Office applications and information management systems.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in project management and capacity strengthening.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant field-based project management experience, with at least 3 years in emergency livelihoods, livelihoods restoration, agriculture livelihoods, or market systems strengthening. Experience managing moderately complex projects in humanitarian contexts is essential, as is familiarity with partner organizations and project management.

Languages:
The position requires proficiency in English, with additional languages being a plus, particularly those relevant to the regions where CRS operates.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve travel, with candidates expected to be willing and able to travel up to a specified percentage. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding measures to protect program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse. The agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS has offices.