Program Manager Sr. (Project Director – Afghanistan Pathway to Prosperity – Resilient Rural Livelihoods Pilot)

Job Posting Organization:
CRS (Catholic Relief Services) is a leading international humanitarian agency that has been working to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries. Established in 1943, CRS has a mission to alleviate suffering and provide assistance to people in need, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally and operates in various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it actively engages in programs that reflect its dedication to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world. The organization fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture and emphasizes the importance of ethical practices in all its operations.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager Sr. position, also referred to as the Project Director for the Afghanistan Pathway to Prosperity – Resilient Rural Livelihoods Pilot, is a senior leadership role that requires providing vision, leadership, and overall management for a pilot project aimed at integrating Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Market Systems Development (MSD) to enhance climate-resilient rural livelihoods in Afghanistan. The Project Director will not only lead the project but will also engage with various stakeholders, including major development actors and donors such as the World Bank, EU, and USAID, to position CRS as a partner of choice in the region. This role emphasizes a facilitative, system-driven approach that aligns incentives across market actors and catalyzes private sector co-investment through a competitive Challenge Fund. The Project Director will also be responsible for translating project learning into evidence-based insights that can influence future investments in resilient rural development. Additionally, the position involves strengthening the technical and leadership capacity of project and country office staff, fostering adaptive management, and ensuring high program quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Manager Sr. include providing overall strategic leadership for the pilot project, ensuring that implementation remains facilitative, market-led, and systems-oriented. The Project Director will lead strategic donor engagement efforts, prepare targeted donor briefers, and coordinate with regional and HQ Business Development teams to identify funding opportunities related to resilience, NRM, MSD, and rural livelihoods. Full project cycle management is a key responsibility, which includes design, start-up, implementation, and close-out phases, along with integrated technical diagnostics such as land use and water management. The Project Director will facilitate strategic partnerships among various stakeholders, including farmers, private sector firms, and financial institutions, to improve coordination and unlock investment. They will also lead scaling and learning processes, ensure the production of knowledge management products, and foster collaboration with local authorities and research institutions. The role requires serving as the primary contact for donors, ensuring compliance with reporting standards, and representing CRS in various forums and meetings. Additionally, the Project Director will provide team leadership, supervision, and compliance oversight, ensuring adherence to CRS and World Bank standards.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Program Manager Sr. position include a Bachelor’s degree in business management, international development, agriculture, economics, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in senior leadership roles managing complex, multi-sectoral projects. Proven experience in engaging private sector actors, academic institutions, and government authorities is essential. Candidates should demonstrate experience applying market systems development and facilitative approaches, as well as a strong background in climate resilience and natural resource management integrated with livelihoods. Successful candidates will have demonstrated success in scaling interventions and adaptive learning, along with technical collaboration skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business management, international development, agriculture, or economics. A higher degree may be preferred but is not explicitly stated as a requirement. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in the principles of project management, development practices, and relevant technical knowledge related to the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in senior leadership roles, specifically managing complex, multi-sectoral projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with private sector actors, academic and research institutions, and government authorities. Experience in applying market systems development and facilitative approaches is crucial, as well as a strong background in climate resilience and natural resource management integrated with livelihoods. Demonstrated success in scaling interventions and fostering adaptive learning is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, while proficiency in Dari and/or Pashto is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will enhance engagement with local stakeholders and facilitate project implementation in Afghanistan.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Afghanistan and may require travel up to 60%, including to remote rural areas with challenging terrain. The role includes supervisory responsibilities and is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. 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 packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS offices are located.