Head of Programming 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 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 fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The organization prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, and it is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, especially those most at risk.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programming I position is a senior management role within the Senegal and The Gambia Program Offices, responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and management of programming across Senegal, The Gambia, and outreach countries such as Mauritania, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau. The role involves ensuring the establishment and successful implementation of high-quality, large, and complex programs aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable populations. The position is based in Dakar, Senegal, and includes direct management of the Senegal Deputy Head of Programming and the Senegal programming team, as well as matrix management of the Deputy Head of Programming in The Gambia. The Head of Programming I will play a crucial role in enhancing program quality and impact, managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, and fostering a collaborative environment for learning and development within the teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Program Office leadership to provide strategic direction for program office frameworks and plans, including resource mobilization strategies.
• Lead high-quality project design, incorporating innovative approaches and project management standards.
• Coordinate planning of activities across projects and sectors to ensure integration and efficiency.
• Manage talent and supervise the Senegal Deputy Head of Programming and the Senegal programming team, providing guidance to the Deputy Head of Programming in The Gambia.
• Promote staff well-being and manage team dynamics.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance assessments for program staff.
• Develop staffing plans and participate in the recruitment of senior project staff.
• Create a conducive learning environment and promote accountability and knowledge management.
• Oversee project budgeting and resource stewardship in collaboration with operations leads. 1
• Manage the business development cycle to ensure quality proposals. 1
• Identify and strengthen partnerships, providing technical assistance and capacity building for project teams and partners. 1
• Develop training opportunities and deliver training sessions as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a relevant field.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant field-based program management experience, including at least 2 years in senior management.
• Proven experience in developing successful proposals, reports, strategic alliances, project design, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in partner capacity strengthening, staff development, training, and mentoring.
• Familiarity with community development and grassroots initiatives.
• Experience in project grants management, budget preparation, and reporting, preferably for projects funded by multiple public donors.
• Demonstrated success in business development activities capturing public and/or private donor funding.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of international programming and development work.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of 5-8 years of relevant field-based program management experience, with at least 2 years in a senior management role. This experience should include a strong track record in project design, management, and evaluation, as well as experience in capacity strengthening and team leadership.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English and French is required for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for the successful implementation of programs across multiple countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Dakar, Senegal, and involves direct supervision of the Senegal Deputy Head of Programming and the Senegal programming team, with matrix management of the Deputy Head of Programming in The Gambia. The role may require 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 agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.