Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. We are seeking a Head of Programming I to provide leadership and strategic direction for the design of country strategic frameworks and plans. This role involves developing resource mobilization strategies to optimize the impact of CRS programming and driving changes at scale, in line with regional and agency strategic priorities.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: In collaboration with Country Managers (CMs), provide leadership and strategic direction for the design of country strategic frameworks and plans. Develop resource mobilization strategies to optimize impact and represent CRS at relevant forums.
- Project Design and Quality: Lead high-quality project design with innovative approaches that incorporate project management standards and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) methods. Contribute to the establishment of new technical quality standards and ensure integrated implementation across sectors.
- Talent Management: Support and coach programming talent, promoting positive team dynamics and staff well-being. Manage individual development plans and performance assessments for direct reports, and contribute to senior recruitment processes.
- Learning and Accountability: Create conditions for learning and a safe environment for sharing ideas and solutions. Oversee the application of MEAL policy and promote cross-sectoral knowledge management.
- Resource Stewardship: Coordinate with regional and country operations leads to ensure appropriate project budgeting and efficient use of project material resources.
- Business Development: Lead the business development cycle for complex and competitive growth opportunities, from intelligence gathering to proposal development and marketing.
- Partnership Management: Identify and assess appropriate partnerships, advancing agency commitments to local leadership and supporting transitions to technical assistance roles.
- Capacity Strengthening: Ensure technical assistance and capacity building for project teams and partners regarding project management standards, MEAL, and operational activities.
- Knowledge Management: Coordinate research studies, document program impact, and support the design of learning events and products.
- Surge Support: Provide program quality management support during short-term gaps or critical project cycle milestones like start-ups or close-outs.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a relevant field.
- Experience: Minimum 5-8 years of relevant field-based program management experience, including at least 2 years of senior management experience.
- Grants Management: Strong experience in humanitarian and development project grants management for large, complex projects funded by multiple public donors.
- Business Development: Substantial experience in capturing significant public and private donor funding through successful proposal development and technical writing.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts; proficiency in MEAL methodologies and data analysis tools.
- Soft Skills: Experience in mentoring, coaching, and facilitation applying adult learning principles; strong networking and relationship-building skills with donors and partners.
How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates should apply through the official CRS careers portal provided in the application link below. Ensure your application includes updated details regarding your qualifications and experience.
Application Link: Apply here
