Head of Office

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 relief and development 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 individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The organization fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally.

Job Overview:
The Head of Office will manage and represent Catholic Relief Services’ activities in its Dhaka, Bangladesh office. This role is pivotal in ensuring the implementation of high-quality programs that serve the poor and vulnerable populations. The Head of Office will oversee the development and effective management of operational systems and resources, ensuring that programming is delivered in coordination with the CRS South Asia Business Management Unit (BMU) and the regional office. The position requires a strategic approach to program management, aligning with the Country Program (CP) and agency strategic programming and operations excellence priorities. The Head of Office will also be responsible for financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with programmatic standards and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Office will manage the planning and implementation of all key activities at the country office level, ensuring alignment with the Country Program and agency strategic priorities. Responsibilities include approving expenses, monitoring spending, and making budget adjustments as necessary. The Head of Office will serve as the primary representative of CRS in Bangladesh, strengthening existing and developing new relationships with local partners, government entities, community organizations, and other development and humanitarian actors. This role includes overseeing partnerships relevant to CP’s program priorities, managing staff safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and ensuring a safe work environment. The Head of Office will also manage talent, supervise staff, and contribute to recruitment processes. Additionally, the position involves monitoring day-to-day operations to ensure high-quality service delivery across HR, Finance, Supply Chain, Admin, and ICT, while supporting financial management and risk mitigation efforts. The Head of Office will create conditions for learning and capacity strengthening for staff and partners, ensuring effective project implementation and compliance with standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a relevant field. A minimum of 5-8 years of work experience in a non-profit, development, or humanitarian organization is required, with progressive responsibilities and some project management experience. Candidates should have experience working with projects funded by multiple public donors, including the US government, and demonstrate strong partnership management skills. Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with proficiency in MS Office packages and information management systems. Staff management experience conducive to a learning environment is also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, International Relations, or Social Sciences is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of managing humanitarian programs and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-8 years of relevant work experience in a non-profit, development, or humanitarian organization. Candidates should have progressive responsibilities and some project management experience, particularly in environments that involve multiple public donors. Experience in stakeholder management and establishing partnerships is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Bengali is mandatory for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with local partners, government officials, and community organizations, as well as for reporting and documentation purposes. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position includes supervisory responsibilities and requires the candidate to be willing and able to travel up to 30%. 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., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates 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 the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.