Project Manager - Food Assistance- Cash and Voucher

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization is committed to saving, protecting, and transforming lives through various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that all staff and partners uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture that values diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager for Food Assistance - Cash and Voucher intervention will be responsible for overseeing the project from design through implementation and close-out. This role requires strong management skills and a deep understanding of the principles of program quality, donor requirements, and best practices in the field. The Project Manager will ensure that the project team and partner staff utilize appropriate systems and tools, manage team dynamics, and promote staff well-being. The position involves coaching team members, contributing to recruitment processes, and conducting performance management for direct reports. The Project Manager will also champion learning among project staff and partners, analyze project performance data in accordance with MEAL policy, and proactively address implementation challenges. Additionally, the role includes acting as a key resource in project design and proposal development, identifying capacity needs of partner organizations, and ensuring efficient use of project resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and implement all Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) activities throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and best practices.
• Oversee project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out phases to ensure effective and efficient project execution.
• Ensure that project team and partner staff are equipped with the necessary systems and tools for successful implementation.
• Manage team dynamics and promote staff well-being through effective supervision and talent management.
• Provide coaching and support to team members, tailoring individual development plans to enhance their skills and performance.
• Contribute to the recruitment process for project staff and conduct performance management for direct reports.
• Foster a culture of learning by encouraging project staff and partners to engage in reflective practices and knowledge sharing.
• Analyze and evaluate project performance data in line with MEAL policy, identifying areas for improvement and addressing challenges proactively.
• Act as a key resource in project design and proposal development, ensuring that project objectives align with organizational goals. 1
• Coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of partner organizations, implementing capacity strengthening interventions as necessary. 1
• Help identify, assess, and strengthen partnerships relevant to Food Assistance - Cash and Voucher programming. 1
• Monitor and coordinate financial and material resources relevant to project needs, ensuring efficient use of project resources through careful planning and oversight.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required.
• A Master’s Degree is preferred and considered an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing moderately complex projects, preferably with an international NGO.
• Experience in project management specifically related to Food Assistance, Cash and Voucher programming is highly desirable.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments.
• Proven experience in engaging with partner organizations and networking effectively.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s Degree is preferred and can enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training relevant to Food Assistance, Cash and Voucher programming, and project management principles.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing moderately complex projects. Experience with international NGOs is preferred, particularly in the areas of Food Assistance and Cash and Voucher programming. The role requires a demonstrated ability to manage project cycles effectively and to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Hausa is required for this position. Additionally, proficiency in other local languages will be considered an added advantage, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 40% of the time, depending on project needs and activities. The role includes supervisory responsibilities over partner food assistance officers and CAT officers. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff to adhere to its safeguarding policies and procedures. This position is open to candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of Nigeria, and CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.