Program Manager I for Social Services

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 worldwide. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, welcoming individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. CRS has a strong commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that all staff adhere to its Code of Conduct. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and actively seeks candidates from the regions in which it operates.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager I for Social Services will oversee programming within the CRS Malawi Country Program, specifically focusing on the SCORE Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Reintegration projects. This role reports to the Program Manager II / Unit Manager for Health & Nutrition and is responsible for ensuring high-quality implementation of social services programming while continuously improving project impact. The Program Manager I will utilize strong management skills and technical knowledge to guide project teams, enhance partner collaboration, and ensure timely and sustainable delivery of activities. Key responsibilities include project planning, monitoring, reporting, and ensuring compliance with CRS standards and donor requirements. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing solutions, as well as a commitment to fostering a learning environment among project staff and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager I will manage and implement all activities throughout relevant project cycles, including project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out. This ensures efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and best practices. Responsibilities include: overseeing project team and partner staff to ensure they utilize appropriate systems and tools; effectively managing talent and supervising team dynamics; providing coaching and developing individual development plans; contributing to the recruitment process of project staff; completing performance management for direct reports; championing learning with project staff and partner teams; analyzing and evaluating project performance data in accordance with MEAL policy; proactively identifying issues and concerns, and using participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles; acting as a key resource in project design and proposal development; coordinating the identification of partner capacity and technical assistance needs; and monitoring financial and material resources relevant to project needs to ensure efficient use of project resources.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments. Strong relationship management skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, particularly in report writing. The ideal candidate should be proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Health, Nutrition, Social Studies, or Community Development, with a Master’s degree being an added advantage. A minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in a project management position with an international NGO is required, along with project management experience being highly desirable. Experience engaging with partner organizations, donors, and government entities is also necessary, as well as familiarity with social protection, ECD, health, and nutrition interventions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field. A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant area may be acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience. The organization recognizes that additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects, preferably with an international NGO. This experience should include project management responsibilities and engagement with various stakeholders, including government and partner organizations.

Languages:
Strong written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and may require travel of up to 20%. The role involves supervisory responsibilities, and candidates should be prepared to manage team dynamics and staff well-being. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be 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 the organization's Code of Conduct.