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 save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 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. CRS 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 and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, dedicated to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Job Overview:
As a member of the Country Program (CP) Senior Management Team, the Head of Programming will provide strategic direction, leadership, and management of the CP’s programming. This role is crucial for ensuring the establishment and successful implementation of high-quality programs that serve the poor and vulnerable populations. The Head of Programming will leverage their leadership and management skills to ensure that the CP delivers impactful programming while continuously striving for improvement in a complex and rapidly changing context. The position involves proactive risk management, including the mitigation of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, and requires collaboration with the Country Representative and Deputy Country Representative to design strategic frameworks and resource mobilization strategies that align with regional and agency priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Programming will be responsible for providing strategic direction for the design of the CP strategic frameworks and plans. This includes developing resource mobilization strategies to optimize the impact of programming interventions. The role involves managing relationships with key external stakeholders, including donors and peer agencies, and leading high-quality project design that incorporates project management standards and MEAL methods. The Head of Programming will coordinate planning across various projects to ensure integration and efficiency in implementation. Additionally, the role includes managing talent, supervising CP Program Managers and Technical Advisors, and fostering team dynamics and staff well-being. The Head of Programming will also contribute to staffing plans, oversee the implementation of the MEAL policy, and ensure appropriate project budgeting and stewardship of resources. Furthermore, the position requires leading the business development cycle to ensure quality proposals and reporting, identifying and strengthening partnerships, and providing technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 is required, including at least three years in middle or senior management roles and two years working in complex crises. The ideal candidate will have experience in developing successful proposals, reports, strategic alliances, project design, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, experience in partner capacity strengthening, staff development, training, mentoring, and team building is essential. Familiarity with community development initiatives and project grants management is also preferred, particularly for projects funded by multiple public donors.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of program management in humanitarian contexts and for developing effective strategies to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant field-based program management experience, with at least three years in middle or senior management roles. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex crises and should be adept at developing successful proposals and managing projects effectively. Experience in community development and grassroots initiatives is also beneficial, as is familiarity with project grants management and business development activities.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal English is mandatory for this position, while verbal proficiency in Arabic is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders and facilitate program implementation in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Jerusalem and involves regular day trips into the West Bank, with approximately 25% travel into Gaza and occasional travel within the region for training purposes. The role includes supervisory responsibilities for CP Program Managers and Technical Advisors. 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 may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.