Program Manager II - Bahamas Blue Carbon

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, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's policies reflect its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all people, especially the most vulnerable.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager for the Bahamas Blue Carbon initiative will play a crucial role in providing technical support to local stakeholders in the Bahamas. This position involves developing, coordinating, and implementing the Bahamas Blue Carbon Development Program. The Program Manager will be responsible for organizing capacity-building activities and ensuring that climate finance projects align with CRS program quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The role is vital in advancing high-quality programming aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable populations. The Program Manager will work closely with technical partners, sponsors, and the Government of the Bahamas to ensure the successful launch and management of the initiative, which aims to restore and protect coastal natural capital while generating carbon credits for sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will engage with technical partners and sponsors in the Bahamas to plan and coordinate activities effectively. Key responsibilities include managing CRS activities for the program, prioritizing project interventions for both the short and medium term, launching start-up activities in Q2 of 2026, and collaborating with the Government of the Bahamas to design a long-term Sustainable Development Strategy. The Program Manager will identify and contract local partners and subcontractors to support start-up activities, ensuring quality implementation and adherence to CRS quality principles and standards. Additionally, the role involves monitoring project expenditures, establishing safeguarding protocols, and reporting progress to CRS and stakeholders. The Program Manager will also contribute to knowledge management by collecting and analyzing program data, evaluating projects, and sharing lessons learned. This position requires strong collaboration with CRS technical experts and partners to ensure high-quality implementation and effective engagement with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as environmental management or program management, or demonstrate extensive experience that showcases technical knowledge and skills. A minimum of 8 years’ experience managing field-based development and environmental restoration projects is required, along with experience in managing complex projects involving multiple partners. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and experience working with international NGOs, particularly familiarity with CRS principles. Candidates should demonstrate strong collaboration skills with government partners and local stakeholders, as well as the ability to manage multi-stakeholder planning and implementation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as environmental management or program management. Candidates with a Master’s degree will be preferred, especially those with experience in international NGOs. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong understanding of environmental issues and program management principles, which are essential for the successful execution of the Bahamas Blue Carbon initiative.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in managing relevant field-based development and environmental restoration projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex projects that involve multiple partners and stakeholders. Experience in project management, including project design and implementation, is crucial, particularly for projects funded by various public donors. The ability to work independently in dynamic environments and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, partners, and team members. While not explicitly stated, additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly if they relate to the local context or stakeholders in the Bahamas.

Additional Notes:
This is a short-term assignment expected to last approximately 5-7 months, with the potential for extension based on funding availability. The position requires the candidate to be willing and able to spend at least 50% of their time in the Bahamas during the contract period. There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this role. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.