Project Director

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 over 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 has a significant presence in Moldova and Ukraine, particularly following the escalation of conflict in Ukraine in 2022, where it has expanded its programming to assist over 500,000 people through various initiatives aimed at recovery and development.

Job Overview:
The Project Director will lead and coordinate CRS's technical support to Caritas Ukraine (CUA) for the U.S. Government-funded Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine project. This role requires strong leadership and management skills to ensure the delivery of high-quality programming that meets compliance standards. The Project Director will guide CUA in enhancing its capacity to design and implement effective humanitarian programming, supervise a team of technical experts, and ensure alignment with humanitarian principles and sectoral standards. The position also involves managing programmatic and operational risks, leading donor communications, and identifying strategic opportunities for the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Director will be responsible for leading all aspects of the Multi-Sector Assistance project, serving as the primary contact with the U.S. Government. Key responsibilities include coordinating technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities, ensuring project design and implementation meet donor expectations, facilitating learning and dissemination of best practices, managing team dynamics and staff well-being, overseeing compliance with safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies, and contributing to the growth of the CRS Country Office sector portfolio. The role also involves developing staffing plans, managing risks, and ensuring high-quality training and technical assistance for staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should have experience working with partners and strengthening partnerships, with a strong preference for those familiar with CRS's partnership strategy. Demonstrated experience in managing complex, high-value emergency projects is essential, along with the ability to represent the organization at high levels. Proficiency in MS Office and budget management systems is required, as well as strong knowledge of donor fund management, particularly with U.S. Government grants.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their ability to manage humanitarian programming effectively.

Experience:
The position requires 5-8 years of relevant management experience in humanitarian programming, including at least 5 years of experience managing donor funds, particularly U.S. Government grants, in complex emergencies. Experience in coaching senior program staff and managing complex projects with international NGOs is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and verbal) is mandatory. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on funding confirmation and involves up to 30% field travel within Ukraine, primarily to partner offices. The role includes supervisory responsibilities for up to 10 staff members. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor globally.