Senior Grants and Compliance Manager - Child SAFE

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 focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and actively seeks to safeguard children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS employs a significant number of staff globally, reflecting its extensive operational reach and commitment to humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
The Senior Grants and Compliance Manager will oversee the grants and compliance systems for the global Child SAFE program, which aims to enhance child protection systems and improve early childhood development through sustainable, locally led approaches. This role is pivotal in ensuring that CRS policies and procedures are implemented consistently across various country programs and partners. The manager will be responsible for leading the development and standardization of compliance policies and operational frameworks, ensuring that all grant management practices are coherent, high-quality, and risk-informed. The position also emphasizes institutional learning and system improvement to support effective emergency responses, making it essential for the candidate to have a strategic mindset and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Grants and Compliance Manager include leading the development and implementation of compliance policies and systems for Child SAFE FAA sub awards, ensuring alignment with donor regulations and CRS policies. The manager will provide oversight of grant management functions, support agreement development, and ensure adherence to donor requirements. They will also develop action plans to address capacity gaps among partners, maintain a reporting tracking system, and ensure effective oversight of the grant lifecycle. Additionally, the manager will design reporting frameworks, track milestone progress, and provide quality assurance for country-level reporting. Risk management is a critical aspect of the role, requiring the identification and mitigation of compliance risks and ensuring audit readiness. The manager will also focus on capacity strengthening through training and guidance for CRS staff and partners, promoting organizational learning and timely resolution of partner challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in grants management, compliance, or humanitarian operations. Experience in supporting global or multi-country programs and working in complex emergency contexts is essential. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree in a relevant field, experience in supervising and managing teams, and a background in implementing humanitarian programming. Advanced knowledge of donor regulations and CRS compliance systems is also required, along with strong systems thinking and policy development capabilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s Degree. The focus should be on fields related to grants management, compliance, humanitarian operations, or similar areas that equip the candidate with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in grants management, compliance, or humanitarian operations. Candidates should have experience supporting global or multi-country programs, particularly in complex emergency contexts, which will be crucial for managing the diverse challenges associated with the Child SAFE program.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in Spanish or French is preferred. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication within the diverse international context of the role and for engaging with various stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Baltimore, United States, and may involve travel up to 20%. The role includes supervisory responsibilities and is part of a comprehensive benefits package offered by CRS, which includes medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The salary and benefits for candidates employed outside the U.S. will be based on the country of employment. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct. The recruitment process reflects CRS's commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.