Program Manager II – Environmental and Social Safeguarding (ESS)

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 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 diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency has a strong emphasis on protecting the rights and dignity of all people, particularly marginalized groups and individuals with disabilities. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture that aims to improve the lives of the poor throughout the world, and it operates with a comprehensive benefits package for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager II for Environmental and Social Safeguarding (ESS) will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will play a crucial role in managing and providing technical oversight for the Thabat Enhancing Community Resilience Project’s ESS programming. This position is vital for ensuring that the project adheres to high-quality programming standards that align with the mission of Catholic Relief Services. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and leading the ESS strategy, ensuring compliance with World Bank Environmental and Social Standards, and overseeing a five-person ESS team. The role requires the incumbent to establish effective systems and processes to integrate ESS across all project activities, adapt approaches based on evolving contexts, and provide strategic guidance to project and country leadership. The Program Manager II will also be tasked with identifying innovative opportunities to strengthen ESS programming within the project and the communities served, ensuring that the project continuously improves its impact on environmental and social standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Manager II include providing management, guidance, and technical oversight of the Thabat Project’s ESS activities throughout the project cycle. This involves ensuring that implementation and close-out are in line with CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The incumbent will effectively manage talent within the ESS team, focusing on team dynamics and staff well-being, providing coaching, and conducting performance management for direct reports. The role also includes leading the development of program learning, identifying opportunities for research and publications in ESS, and facilitating the dissemination of promising practices. The Program Manager II will oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities in ESS for both Thabat and Country Program staff, ensuring compliance with World Bank requirements. Additionally, the incumbent will develop annual work plans, coordinate closely with the MEAL team, and lead all donor ESS communication and reporting processes, ensuring timely completion of reports and monitoring compliance of key project stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's Degree in a relevant field, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience managing ESS compliance with the World Bank or a World Bank-funded project. Familiarity with IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability is strongly preferred, along with knowledge of evolving corporate and donor ESG norms and standards. Candidates should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent relations management abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively with partner organizations. Proficiency in MS Office applications and experience in project grants management are also essential. The ability to write high-quality technical ESS content is a must, as well as good presentation and facilitation skills.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability Studies, Environmental Engineering, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Finance, Public Policy, International Development, International Relations, or other relevant fields is required. Additional professional experience may substitute for some educational requirements, but a minimum of 5 years' project management experience, specifically overseeing environmental, social, and governance or risk and compliance, is essential.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of 5 years' project management experience, particularly in overseeing environmental, social, and governance or risk and compliance for complex projects involving multiple countries and subcontractors. Experience in managing projects funded by bilateral and multilateral donors, including the World Bank, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position will supervise a five-person team, including two Gender and Protection Officers, an Environmental Specialist, an Environmental and Social Safeguarding Manager, and a Social and Accountability Specialist. The role requires the incumbent to be willing and able to travel up to 40%, particularly in conflict-affected contexts like Sudan. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture. The organization is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and candidates are expected to adhere to CRS' Code of Conduct.