Program Manager II

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Position Title: Program Manager II
Location: Benue, Kogi
Country: Nigeria
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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 over 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, aiming to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable populations globally. 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 service.

Job Overview:
As the Program Manager for the BASICS-II project, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for the overall management and implementation of the project. This includes ensuring high-quality programmatic execution, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, as well as managing administrative aspects to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable. You will oversee project timelines and budgets, ensuring that results are achieved efficiently and effectively. Your role will also involve managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The BASICS-II project aims to enhance the cassava seed value chain in Nigeria, providing farmers with access to quality seeds and improving agricultural productivity, income, and gender equity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include leading the development and implementation of the BASICS-II project, ensuring program quality and management, and serving as the main contact for donors and stakeholders. You will coordinate project activities, provide technical guidance, and ensure that strategic objectives are met. Additionally, you will manage team dynamics, supervise staff, and oversee recruitment processes. You will work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) department to design and implement evaluation systems, manage risks, and ensure compliance with donor grants. You will also facilitate training opportunities for staff and partners, fostering a learning environment and addressing performance gaps.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven leadership skills and the ability to motivate diverse teams. Experience in building institutional linkages and managing multiple tasks under deadlines is essential. Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills are required, along with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Preferred qualifications include knowledge of CRS Partnership strategy, experience in agriculture project management, and a solid understanding of issues facing small-scale farmers. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Agriculture, International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of agricultural development and project management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience managing large-scale development grants, particularly in seed systems development. A proven track record of successful management of USG-funded programs, including complex logistics and large budgets, is essential. Additionally, at least 5 years of supervisory experience is required, including performance evaluation and mentoring.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, depending on the specific needs of the project and the regions served.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel up to 30%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and retirement savings plans. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits will be based on the country of employment. The work culture at CRS is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding program participants and community members.