Country Program Director

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. With nearly two decades of experience in Myanmar, CRS has partnered with local organizations to serve vulnerable populations, focusing on areas such as agriculture, nutrition, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, shelter, and water and sanitation programming. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its mission and values.

Job Overview:
As a key member of the Country Program (CP) Senior Management Team, the Country Program Director will provide strategic direction, leadership, and management of the CP’s programming. This role is crucial for ensuring the establishment and successful implementation of high-quality programs that serve the poor and vulnerable. The director will leverage their leadership and management skills to enhance the quality and impact of programming, while also proactively managing security and mitigating risks. The position requires a strong focus on integrating program interventions across various sectors to optimize resource mobilization and ensure alignment with regional and agency strategic priorities. The director will also be responsible for fostering a learning environment, promoting accountability, and overseeing the implementation of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Program Director will collaborate with the Country Manager to provide strategic direction for the design of the CP strategic frameworks and plans. This includes developing resource mobilization strategies to enhance the impact of programming interventions. The director will manage and provide technical oversight for all projects within the CP, ensuring adherence to CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices throughout the project cycle. Responsibilities include leading project design, coordinating planning across various projects, managing team dynamics, and supervising staff. The director will also contribute to staffing plans, oversee the business development cycle, and ensure effective partnerships are established and maintained. Additionally, the director will identify training opportunities, develop curricula, and deliver training to enhance the capacity of project teams and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a relevant field. A minimum of 5-8 years of relevant field-based program management experience is required, including at least 2 years in a middle or senior management role. Candidates should have experience in developing successful proposals, reports, strategic alliances, project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation. Experience in partner capacity strengthening, staff development, and community mobilization is also essential. Familiarity with project grants management, including budget preparation and expenditure tracking, is preferred, especially for projects funded by multiple public donors. Experience working in insecure environments is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required for this position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in relevant areas may be considered an asset, but the minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor's degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-8 years of relevant field-based program management experience, with at least 2 years in a middle or senior management capacity. Candidates should have a proven track record in project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation, as well as experience in community development and mobilization. Experience in insecure environments is also a critical requirement for this role.

Languages:
Fluent English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication and reporting. Working proficiency in Burmese is preferred, as it will facilitate better engagement with local partners and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may require travel up to 30% within Myanmar or the Asia region. 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., salary and benefits will be based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding training.