Senior Program Manager

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 worldwide. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to serving those in need without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency emphasizes safeguarding and protecting the dignity and rights of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, from any form of harm, abuse, or exploitation. The organization has a collaborative, mission-driven culture dedicated to improving the lives of the poor globally, and it has a comprehensive benefits package for its staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement savings plans.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Manager (SPM) position at CRS is pivotal in overseeing the implementation of the Global Fund Malaria grant for the period 2024-202

• The SPM will manage and provide oversight to three Sub-Recipients (SRs) - Society for Family Health, Management Sciences for Health, and Malaria Consortium. This role involves coordinating activities, planning effective oversight and monitoring, providing technical support, and participating in direct implementation as necessary. The SPM will ensure that malaria treatment and prevention services are effectively delivered in the 13 GF-supported states, focusing on interventions such as Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, ITN campaigns, and testing and treatment interventions. The position requires adherence to the Detailed Implementation Plan and compliance with donor guidelines, ensuring that all activities are executed within budget and timelines. The SPM will also oversee the reporting process for SRs, monitor training, and liaise with health ministry counterparts to align with national strategies for malaria prevention and treatment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Manager will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of program activities, ensuring that all project operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. Key responsibilities include supervising and mentoring project teams, developing and implementing strategic plans that align with organizational goals, and monitoring progress against established targets. The SPM will ensure compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies, prepare and manage program budgets, and track expenditures while providing regular financial reports. Building and maintaining relationships with donors, government agencies, and partners is crucial, as is representing CRS at relevant meetings and advocating for program priorities. The SPM will identify training needs for staff and partners, facilitate capacity-building initiatives, and support professional development and performance management. Additionally, the SPM will identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies, promote safeguarding, and ensure effective communication within the team and with external stakeholders. High-quality reporting will be a critical aspect of this role, requiring the SPM to prepare and submit reports as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Program Manager position must possess a Master’s degree in public health or a related discipline. They should have a proven ability to lead and manage grants while collaborating with stakeholders in overseeing public health programs and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Strong MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) skills and experience are preferred. Technical competencies required for this role include proficiency in MS Windows, MS Office applications, web conferencing tools, and information management systems. Candidates should demonstrate strong relationship management skills, experience working with diverse groups, and the ability to develop technical proposals and reports. Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential, along with a commitment to safeguarding and compliance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Program Manager position includes a Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, MBBS, or related disciplines as a minimum requirement. A Master’s degree in public health or a related field is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in public health management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in programming management, ideally within the non-profit sector. Candidates should have at least 3 to 5 years of experience managing, coordinating, and overseeing public health programs focused on malaria, preferably at a managerial level and with an international NGO. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to lead teams and manage complex projects effectively.

Languages:
English is the mandatory language for this position, and proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, although not explicitly stated in the job description.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Program Manager position is expected to involve travel of up to 50%. The role includes supervisory responsibilities over Program Managers and Program Officers. The job is full-time and may involve working with both national and international stakeholders. CRS emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding and expects all staff to adhere to its Code of Conduct. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and the successful candidate will be expected to sign and comply with safeguarding policies and procedures.