Program Manager II

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 worldwide. The organization is dedicated to serving the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its mission-driven culture and values. CRS employs a diverse workforce and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its commitment to humanitarian work. The organization emphasizes collaboration and innovation in its operations, striving to improve the lives of those it serves. The agency's processes and policies are designed to uphold the rights and dignity of all people, particularly those in vulnerable situations.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager II will play a crucial role in managing and providing technical oversight for the Emergency Pipeline Support in Sudan, funded by the Sudan Humanitarian Fund. This position involves overseeing large-scale multisectoral responses to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has resulted in significant food insecurity, water shortages, and health and nutrition needs. The Program Manager will ensure that effective systems and processes are in place to support high-quality programming that aligns with CRS's mission of serving the poor and vulnerable. This role requires managing sectoral teams focused on in-kind food assistance, health, nutrition, and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL). The Program Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the program delivers high-quality interventions and continuously seeks to improve the impact of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-programming" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security programming. The position demands strong management skills, technical expertise, and the ability to navigate a complex operating environment while coordinating with various stakeholders, including donors, local government, and community actors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager II will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight for a large-scale emergency response, ensuring that all project phases (design, start-up, implementation, and close-out) adhere to CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Manage the talent and dynamics of the Emergency Pipeline Support team, fostering staff well-being and providing coaching and development opportunities.
• Lead partner management efforts, ensuring compliance with CRS policies and procedures, program quality, and donor requirements.
• Maintain donor relationships through regular reporting and meetings, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
• Identify, assess, and strengthen partnerships relevant to food security, applying appropriate partnership concepts and tools.
• Ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use of project resources.
• Represent CRS in coordination with donors, INGO sectoral working groups, the UN, and local government actors, providing insights and analysis to inform program strategies.
• Actively contribute to emergency coordination mechanisms, sharing field insights to adapt to changing needs and opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a related field focused on Humanitarian Response, International Development, or Food Security.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based project management experience, with at least 3 years in food security, particularly in-kind food distribution.
• Experience managing complex projects is essential.
• Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and experience working with international NGOs, particularly in managing Sudan Humanitarian Fund/OCHA projects.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred but not mandatory. Additional relevant experience may substitute for some educational requirements, highlighting the importance of practical knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in project management within relevant fields, with a strong emphasis on food security and emergency response. At least 3 years of this experience should be specifically related to in-kind food distribution. Experience in managing complex projects and working with international NGOs is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in Arabic and English is required for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with local communities, partners, and stakeholders involved in the humanitarian response efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position involves supervisory responsibilities and requires the candidate to be willing to travel up to 50% to project locations in Darfur. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits packages 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 vulnerable populations. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding initiatives.