Program Manager I

Job Posting Organization:
CRS (Catholic Relief Services) is a well-established organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering and fostering human development. Founded in 1943, CRS operates in over 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance to those in need. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. With a mission to save, protect, and transform lives, CRS emphasizes a collaborative and mission-driven work culture. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that all processes and policies reflect this commitment. CRS welcomes candidates from the regions in which it operates, and prioritizes local talent, while also considering expatriate candidates for specific roles. The organization is known for its comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, which includes medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are tailored based on the country of employment and the local office where the candidate will work.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager I position is crucial for managing and providing technical oversight of Shelter and Settlements programming within the CRS Country Office in Ukraine. This role involves designing and implementing projects that advance CRS's mission of serving the most vulnerable and conflict-affected populations in Ukraine, particularly in the aftermath of the ongoing crisis following Russia's invasion. The Program Manager will ensure that effective systems and processes are established to support robust program implementation and risk management. The position requires a blend of management skills and technical knowledge to ensure high-quality programming and continuous improvement in the impact of CRS's initiatives. The Program Manager will work closely with partners to ensure that project cycles are efficiently managed, from design through to close-out, while adhering to CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and best practices. This role is integral to expanding diverse programming for vulnerable populations and deepening partnerships across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Manager I include:

• Providing management and technical oversight throughout the project cycle, including design, start-up, implementation, and close-out, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality principles and standards.
• Coordinating and monitoring financial and material resources relevant to project needs, ensuring efficient use of project resources through effective planning and oversight.
• Championing learning and capacity building among project staff and partner teams, analyzing project performance data in accordance with MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) policy.
• Proactively identifying issues and concerns, utilizing participatory processes to address implementation obstacles.
• Acting as a key resource in project design and proposal development, taking on growth responsibilities as needed.
• Coordinating the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of partner organizations, implementing capacity strengthening interventions to support quality project implementation.
• Identifying, assessing, and strengthening partnerships relevant to Shelter and Settlements, applying appropriate partnership concepts, tools, and approaches.
• Traveling up to 30% within Ukraine to partner offices as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Program Manager I position include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Shelter and Settlements (Architecture, Civil Engineering) is required. A Bachelor’s Degree in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, or International Relations with substantial Shelter and Settlement field experience will also be considered.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing moderately complex projects is required, preferably with an international NGO.
• Strong experience in project grants management, including project design, particularly for grants from multiple public donors.
• Experience working with partner organizations is a strong advantage.
• MEAL skills and experience are preferred.
• Familiarity with tools such as CommCare and PowerBi is a strong advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), web conferencing applications, and information management systems is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Shelter and Settlements (Architecture, Civil Engineering) or a related area. A Master’s Degree in the same fields or in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, or International Relations is preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing moderately complex projects, ideally within an international NGO context. Candidates with experience in project grants management and working with partner organizations will be favored, as these experiences are critical for the successful execution of the role's responsibilities.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is typically required for international positions within CRS. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian may be advantageous given the location of the role and the populations served.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Ukraine and involves up to 30% travel within the country, primarily to partner offices. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the local country of employment. The organization emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse, and candidates are expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as the needs of the organization change.