Head of Programming

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development programs that encompass emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS prioritizes hiring local candidates and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
As the Head of Programming, you will play a pivotal role in the Country Program (CP) Senior Management Team, providing strategic direction and leadership for the programming initiatives aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable populations. Your responsibilities will include ensuring the establishment and successful implementation of high-quality programs, managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, and continuously improving the impact of programming. You will collaborate with the Country Representative to design strategic frameworks and resource mobilization strategies, lead project design, and coordinate activities across various sectors to ensure program integration and efficiency. Your leadership will also involve managing team dynamics, coaching staff, and promoting a culture of learning and accountability within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Country Representative to provide strategic direction for the CP’s programming and resource mobilization strategies.
• Lead the design of high-quality projects, ensuring adherence to project management standards and MEAL methods.
• Coordinate planning across various projects to ensure integration and efficiency.
• Manage talent and supervise staff, fostering a positive team environment.
• Develop staffing plans and participate in the recruitment of senior project staff.
• Create a conducive learning environment for staff development.
• Promote accountability and oversee the implementation of the MEAL policy.
• Coordinate with operations leads for project budgeting and resource stewardship.
• Oversee 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 and deliver training opportunities for staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong relationship management abilities, with the capacity to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven team leadership skills and the ability to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Proficiency in presentation and facilitation skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented mindset.
• Experience in capacity strengthening and developing training curricula.

Educational Background:
A Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical framework and understanding of the complexities involved in international development and humanitarian work.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant field-based program management experience, with at least three years in middle or senior management roles. Experience with international NGOs and familiarity with the development of successful proposals, project design, and monitoring and evaluation processes are essential. Experience in community development and working with Church partners is a plus, as is experience in managing projects funded by multiple public donors, including USAID.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is required for this position. Proficiency in both languages will facilitate effective communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance program implementation.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 15%. CRS offers a supportive work environment and is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS' Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding training. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of Burkina Faso, reflecting its commitment to local hiring.