CRS Programming Lead for Jordan

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on relief and development work that includes emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. CRS also prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, ensuring that its workforce is representative of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The CRS Programming Lead for Jordan will be responsible for managing and providing technical oversight for the development and implementation of CRS and partner programming in Jordan. This role requires a strong focus on program quality and management, as well as partnership and representation skills to ensure effective coordination of CRS activities in the region. The successful candidate will also provide programming support for the CRS response in the Jordan West Bank and Gaza (JWBG) area as time permits. The position aims to establish and maintain relationships and systems that facilitate high-quality programming and partnerships, ultimately advancing CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable populations in Jordan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the CRS Programming Lead include:

• Providing management, guidance, and technical oversight for all new and existing projects in Jordan throughout the project cycle, ensuring alignment with CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Accompanying Caritas Jordan in identifying, assessing, and strengthening partnerships relevant to CRS Jordan, applying appropriate partnership concepts and tools.
• Supporting talent management, team dynamics, and staff well-being for project activities, including coaching and development planning for project staff.
• Cultivating effective donor relationships in coordination with regional and JWBG colleagues to enable lead generation and identify strategic growth opportunities.
• Contributing to the proactive pursuit of new funding opportunities to ensure growth of the Jordan portfolio in line with agency and regional strategic priorities.
• Serving as the technical lead and writer for high-quality proposals that meet agency and donor standards.
• Contributing to budgeting and staffing plans for proposals.
• Leading the development of program learning, identifying opportunities for research and publications in Jordan, and implementing MEAL policy.
• Facilitating the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to support the agency's knowledge management agenda. 1
• Ensuring integration of innovations and best practices into programming. 1
• Providing programming leadership coverage for JWBG when available, including occasional support in Gaza. 1
• Overseeing technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities to enhance program quality and impact. 1
• Ensuring excellent communication with JWBG teams and timely project expenditures in line with financial plans.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the CRS Programming Lead position include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or related fields relevant to Jordan programming areas. Additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based project management experience, with at least 3 years in relief or recovery programming.
• Experience managing moderately complex projects and building strong relationships with partners and donors.
• Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree and experience in an international NGO, particularly in complex humanitarian settings.
• Strong MEAL skills and experience, along with staff management abilities conducive to a learning environment.
• Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office applications, web conferencing tools, and information management systems.
• Good experience in project grants management, including project design for grants from multiple public donors, including U.S. Government funding.
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical proposals and engage effectively with partner organizations, showcasing the principles of partnership.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments and offer innovative solutions. 1
• Excellent relations management abilities and the capacity to relate to people at all levels internally and externally.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the CRS Programming Lead position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or related fields pertinent to the programming areas in Jordan. Candidates with additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. A Master’s Degree is preferred, particularly for those with experience in international NGOs or complex humanitarian settings.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the CRS Programming Lead position includes a minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based project management experience. Candidates should ideally have at least 3 years of experience specifically in relief or recovery programming. The role requires experience in managing moderately complex projects and building strong relationships with partners and donors, demonstrating a proven track record in these areas.

Languages:
Fluent written and oral English is required for the position, while proficiency in Arabic is preferred. This language requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse context of Jordan and the surrounding regions.

Additional Notes:
The position does not currently require supervisory responsibilities. Candidates must be willing and able to travel up to 30%, including within Jordan and to JWBG. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For successful candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriate candidates is informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff, and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.