Program Manager II, Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) - Syria

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, focusing on various areas such as emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable without regard to 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, ensuring that its processes reflect this commitment. CRS prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, and its talent acquisition procedures emphasize the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager II for Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) will play a crucial role in managing and providing technical oversight for the development and implementation of emergency and DRR programming in Syria. This position is particularly focused on large and complex projects, ensuring that effective systems and processes are established to support high-quality programming. The manager will be responsible for ensuring that the Syria office delivers impactful programming and continuously seeks to improve its effectiveness. The role requires a strong emphasis on project management throughout the project cycle, from design to close-out, in alignment with CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The manager will also be tasked with fostering team dynamics, coaching staff, and contributing to the agency's knowledge management agenda by disseminating lessons learned and promising practices. Additionally, the position involves pursuing new funding opportunities to grow the country office's portfolio in line with strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Manager II include providing management and technical oversight for all projects within the Syria Emergency and DRR portfolio. This encompasses ensuring that project design, implementation, and close-out adhere to CRS standards and donor guidelines. The manager will effectively supervise and manage talent within the Emergency and DRR team, focusing on staff well-being and development through tailored coaching and performance management. The role also involves leading program learning initiatives, identifying opportunities for research and publications, and facilitating the integration of innovations and best practices into programming. The manager will contribute to budgeting and staffing plans for proposals, oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities, and ensure timely project expenditures. Additionally, the manager will represent CRS in relevant working groups and clusters, engage with key donors, and strengthen partnerships relevant to Emergency and DRR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, International Relations, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based project management experience is required, with at least 3 years in complex emergencies. Strong experience in project grants management and knowledge of major emergency donor requirements are essential. Candidates should have experience managing moderately complex projects, preferably within an international NGO context, and familiarity with humanitarian sector coordination is beneficial. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, particularly in DRR or similar topics, as well as prior experience in the Syria context.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s Degree in one of these areas is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based project management experience, with a preference for candidates who have at least 3 years of experience working in complex emergencies. Additionally, strong experience in project grants management and knowledge of donor requirements are crucial. Candidates with a minimum of 8 years of experience in relevant project management roles, particularly in DRR, are preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and may involve up to 30% field travel within the country. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. Benefits for candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and expects successful candidates to adhere to its Code of Conduct.