Head of Programming I, Myanmar

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Position Title: Head of Programming I, Myanmar
Location: Myanmar
Country: Myanmar
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CRS (Catholic Relief Services) is an international humanitarian agency that works to save, protect, and transform lives in need across more than 100 countries. Established in 1943, CRS focuses on relief and development programs that address emergency response, health, agriculture, education, and peacebuilding. The organization has been operational in Myanmar for over a decade, collaborating with local partners like Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS) to provide essential services to vulnerable populations. CRS employs a significant number of staff and operates in various sectors, emphasizing localization and capacity strengthening of local partners.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programming I position is a senior management role within the Country Program (CP) of CRS in Myanmar. The individual in this role will be responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and management of the CP’s programming. This includes ensuring the establishment and successful implementation of high-quality programs that serve the poor and vulnerable populations. The Head of Programming will work closely with the Country Manager and other senior management team members to proactively manage security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks and ensure the effective delivery of programming. The role requires a strong focus on improving program impact and integrating various project interventions across sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Programming I include:

• Collaborating with the Country Manager to provide strategic direction for the design of CP strategic frameworks and plans.
• Leading high-quality project design that incorporates project management standards and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) methods.
• Coordinating planning activities across various projects to ensure integration and efficiency.
• Managing talent and supervising team dynamics, including coaching and performance assessments.
• Developing staffing plans and contributing to the recruitment of senior project staff.
• Creating a conducive learning environment and promoting accountability and knowledge management.
• Coordinating with operations leads for project budgeting and resource stewardship.
• Overseeing the business development cycle to ensure quality proposals.
• Identifying and strengthening partnerships, particularly with KMSS. 1
• Utilizing evidence-based communication to highlight CRS successes and influence stakeholders. 1
• Providing technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners. 1
• Identifying training opportunities and developing training curricula.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Head of Programming I position include:

• A Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a relevant field.
• A minimum of five years of relevant field-based program management experience, with at least three years in middle or senior management roles.
• Experience in Myanmar is preferred.
• Proven track record in developing successful proposals, reports, strategic alliances, project design, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in partner capacity strengthening, staff development, and team building.
• Familiarity with community development and project grants management, particularly with public donors like USAID.
• Experience working in insecure environments is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in a relevant field such as International Development or International Relations. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of program management and development work in challenging contexts like Myanmar.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in program management, with at least three years in a middle or senior management capacity. Experience in Myanmar is highly preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the local context and challenges. Candidates should also have a strong background in developing proposals, managing projects, and working with diverse stakeholders in the international development sector.

Languages:
Fluent English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within CRS and with international stakeholders. Working proficiency in Burmese is preferred, as it facilitates better engagement with local partners and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a full-time role with supervisory responsibilities over various project managers and technical advisors. The Head of Programming I will be expected to travel up to 30% of the time to project sites within Myanmar and potentially within the Asia region, depending on security conditions. The role is critical in ensuring the effective implementation of CRS's programs and requires a strong commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from the regions in which they operate to apply.