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 provide relief and development assistance, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives in need. The organization is committed to serving individuals without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and its work encompasses various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes reflect this commitment. CRS also prioritizes the rights and dignity of all people, particularly those who are most vulnerable, in its talent acquisition procedures.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager position at CRS involves leading the implementation of a World Bank-funded pilot project aimed at strengthening household resilience and preparedness against climate and flood-related shocks in the Likouala region. The initiative is designed to integrate early warning systems (EWS) with shock-responsive social protection measures, enhance productive inclusion for youth and households, and support local authorities in improving emergency preparedness. The Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and management of partnerships, ensuring that the project meets high-quality standards and adheres to donor guidelines. This role requires effective coordination of project teams, management of team dynamics, and the provision of coaching and performance management for direct reports. The Program Manager will also be tasked with developing work plans, managing field operations, and ensuring the integration of innovations and best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will manage and implement the project throughout its lifecycle, ensuring that all phases from design to close-out align with CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. Key responsibilities include coordinating project implementation teams in a matrix-management environment, managing team dynamics, and ensuring staff well-being. The Program Manager will develop and manage detailed work plans and activity schedules in collaboration with local stakeholders, coordinate field operations across targeted districts, and contribute to program learning by identifying opportunities for research and publications related to climate resilience. Additionally, the role involves overseeing the design of high-quality MEAL systems, monitoring project progress through site visits, and coordinating the delivery of accompanying measures on flood preparedness and climate risk awareness. The Program Manager will also conduct capacity needs assessments, support training for local actors, and ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field, with a minimum of 2 to 3 years of relevant field-based project management or coordination experience. Experience in social protection, disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate resilience, or humanitarian/development programming is preferred, along with a background in managing moderately complex projects, ideally within an international NGO context. Familiarity with multilateral donor projects, particularly those funded by the World Bank, is highly desirable. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree and project management experience in the relevant program area, as well as skills and experience in MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning).

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required for this position. A Master’s Degree is preferred, particularly for candidates seeking to enhance their qualifications in project management and related areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in project management or coordination, with a focus on relevant fields such as social protection, climate resilience, or humanitarian/development programming. Candidates should have experience managing moderately complex projects and working with multilateral donors, particularly the World Bank.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken proficiency in both English and French is mandatory for this role. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders and project participants.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Brazzaville, with an expectation of up to 40% travel to project sites in the Likouala region. The role includes supervisory responsibilities and involves working closely with various internal and external stakeholders, including technical advisors, program officers, local government officials, and community leaders. 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 for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs.