Emergency Program Manager I

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. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, emphasizing the importance of improving the lives of the poor globally. The organization has a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff and adapts its compensation and benefits for employees based on their country of employment.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Program Manager I will be responsible for managing and providing technical oversight for the development and implementation of emergency response and recovery programming, particularly for large and complex projects. This role is crucial in ensuring that effective systems and processes are in place to support high-quality programming that aligns with Catholic Relief Services' mission of serving the poor and vulnerable. The position involves working closely with program offices, partners, and technical departments such as WASH, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, Cash, and Shelter to enhance program functions. The Emergency Program Manager will contribute to the organization's capacity to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, ensuring that assistance reaches those in need in a timely manner. This role also emphasizes the importance of operational readiness, locally led implementation, and accountability to affected communities, thereby enhancing the overall impact of CRS's emergency response efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Emergency Program Manager I will oversee all aspects of emergency response and recovery projects throughout their lifecycle, ensuring compliance with CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. Key responsibilities include managing talent for emergency programs, supervising staff, and fostering a positive team dynamic. The manager will provide coaching and development plans for direct reports, oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities, and lead program learning initiatives. This includes identifying opportunities for research and publications, facilitating the dissemination of best practices, and ensuring the integration of innovations into programming. The manager will also pursue new funding opportunities, serve as the technical lead for proposal writing, and contribute to budgeting and staffing plans. Additionally, the role involves assessing and strengthening partnerships relevant to emergency response, ensuring timely project expenditures, and representing CRS in relevant working groups and clusters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong MEAL skills and experience, along with staff management abilities conducive to a learning environment. Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office applications is required, as well as experience in project grants management, particularly with public donors such as the US government and UN. The ability to write high-quality technical proposals is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Candidates should demonstrate excellent relationship management abilities, good presentation and facilitation skills, and a proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in international development, International Relations, Community Development, or a related field is required. A Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred, particularly in areas such as WASH, shelter, livelihoods, or food security.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant field-based project management experience, including managing moderately complex projects. Experience working with international NGOs and closely with local partner organizations is essential. The role requires the ability to operate within Eastern and Southern Africa time zones and may involve travel at least 50% of the time, often at short notice.

Languages:
Proficiency in English (verbal and written) is required. Knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferred, enhancing communication capabilities in the diverse regions served by CRS.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote-based, and candidates must be located in one of the specified countries (Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi). The anticipated duration of the position is from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities, but it requires the capacity to live and work in challenging environments. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, while compensation for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. is based on the local country of employment.