Deputy Country Representative

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been actively supporting activities in Madagascar since 196

• The organization has established long-standing relationships with various stakeholders, including church and civil society partners, the Government of Madagascar, the Private Sector, and local communities. CRS Madagascar operates with diverse funding sources and implements a range of emergency, recovery, and development projects across sectors such as WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), malaria, agricultural livelihoods, climate change, and education. The organization has project offices located in several regions including Ambovombe, Antananarivo, Beloha, Farafangana, Fort Dauphin, Mananjary, Tsihombe, and Tulear, demonstrating its extensive reach and commitment to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Madagascar.

Job Overview:
As the Deputy Country Representative, you will play a crucial role in managing and advancing the programming and operational objectives of CRS under the guidance of the Country Representative. This position is pivotal in supporting CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable populations. Your strategic management skills will be essential in enhancing CRS's reputation and impact while proactively managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and mitigating risks associated with the organization's operations. You will be responsible for leading the design of medium and long-term goals, providing strategic direction for the development of country program strategic frameworks and plans, and ensuring that all projects meet and exceed donor expectations. This role requires a strong focus on program quality standards, adherence to MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) policies, and the integration of activities across various sectors to maximize efficiency and impact. Additionally, you will oversee team dynamics, manage senior talent, and contribute to the recruitment process of senior staff, ensuring that the organization attracts and retains high-quality personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties and responsibilities will include collaborating with the Country Representative to lead the design of strategic frameworks and plans, overseeing project management to ensure compliance with donor expectations, and ensuring adherence to CRS program quality standards. You will lead the planning of activities across different projects, manage team dynamics, and supervise staff well-being. You will also be responsible for developing staffing plans, contributing to recruitment processes, and establishing strategic partnerships with national and international organizations. Furthermore, you will represent CRS to key stakeholders, manage and mitigate risks, ensure compliance with safety and security policies, and promote accountability and learning within the organization. Your role will also involve overseeing monthly expenditures, pursuing strategic growth opportunities, and creating a conducive environment for learning and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in international development, International Relations, or a related field. Additional education may substitute for some experience. Candidates should have 5-8 years of experience managing high-value relief and development programs, with demonstrated success in managing projects funded by multiple international donors, including USAID, DFID, and UN agencies. Knowledge of relevant donor regulations is essential. Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills are required, along with the ability to represent the agency at high levels and manage relationships effectively. Proficiency in MS Office applications and web conferencing tools is also necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in international development, International Relations, or a related field. Additional education may be considered as a substitute for some of the required experience, indicating that the organization values diverse educational backgrounds and recognizes the importance of continuous learning and professional development.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 5-8 years of experience in managing high-value relief and development programs. This experience should include successfully managing projects funded by various international donors, demonstrating a strong understanding of donor regulations and compliance requirements. The candidate should also have experience in engaging partners and strengthening partnerships, particularly with Church partners, which is considered a plus for this role.

Languages:
Advanced proficiency in French and English is required for this position, with Malagasy being preferred. This language requirement reflects the need for effective communication with local communities, stakeholders, and partners in Madagascar, ensuring that the Deputy Country Representative can engage effectively in both operational and strategic discussions.

Additional Notes:
The position involves supervisory responsibilities over the Head of Programming, Chief of Parties, relevant Program Managers, and Technical Advisors. The role requires 30-40% travel, primarily to project sites within the communities served by CRS. 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 are based on the country of employment. The work culture at CRS is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and all staff are expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The successful candidate will be expected to sign and comply with this code, reflecting the organization's commitment to ethical practices and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals.