Program Manager II - Livelihoods

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

Job Overview:
The Program Manager II - Livelihoods will be responsible for managing and providing technical oversight for the development and implementation of the Country Program (CP) and its associated Program Areas. This role is particularly focused on large and complex projects, ensuring that effective systems and processes are in place to support high-quality programming that advances CRS's mission of serving the poor and vulnerable. The Program Manager will leverage their management skills and knowledge to ensure that the CP delivers impactful programming while continuously seeking to improve the effectiveness of its initiatives. This position requires a strategic approach to project management, including the integration of innovations and best practices, as well as the proactive pursuit of new funding opportunities to grow the CP's sector portfolio in alignment with agency and regional strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will provide comprehensive management, guidance, and technical oversight for all new and existing projects within the CP's Program Areas throughout the project cycle. This includes ensuring that project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out align with CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. Key responsibilities include managing talent within the Program Areas, supervising staff, fostering team dynamics, and ensuring staff well-being. The Program Manager will lead the development of program learning, identifying opportunities for research and publications, and facilitating the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned. They will also oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for staff and partner organizations, ensuring the enhancement of program quality and impact. Additionally, the Program Manager will contribute to budgeting and staffing plans for proposals, oversee project expenditures, and ensure the appropriate application of partnership concepts and tools.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments and decisions while offering innovative solutions. Strong relations management abilities are essential, as the role requires effective interaction with individuals at all levels both internally and externally. Proficiency in presentation and facilitation skills is necessary, along with a proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented mindset. Preferred qualifications include significant experience in project grants management, particularly in project design for grants from multiple public donors, including USAID. Demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical proposals and experience engaging with partner organizations is also required. Familiarity with MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) skills and experience, as well as staff management experience conducive to a learning environment, are highly valued.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a livelihoods-related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred, particularly for candidates with experience working with partner organizations on project management and capacity strengthening. Knowledge of humanitarian principles, standards, and systems, especially related to CRS and Caritas Internationalis programming standards, is a plus.

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

Languages:
The position requires proficiency in English, with additional languages being advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates should be willing and able to travel as required, with travel percentages to be determined based on project needs.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve supervisory responsibilities, and candidates should be prepared for the possibility of travel as part of their role. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For successful candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.