Job Summary:

Recovery in Sudan for Improved Nutrition and Growth (RISING)isan anticipated USAID-funded 18-month Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP), supporting vulnerable returnees and residents across Darfur to sustainably improve their livelihoods and nutrition, setting the foundation for expansioninto increased development programming in subsequent phases.This project complements and leverages the livelihoods and nutrition components of a large ongoing 4-year integrated livelihoods, natural resource management, and nutrition program, Taadoud IIwhich operates across all five states of Darfur.RISING II is anticipated to follow on from a first phase of RISING, currently operating in 2019. RISING program is implemented in consortium with INGOs, NGOs and a growing private sector partner portfolio.

CRS is seeking a Program Manager to steer value chain and private sector engagement. The Program Manager will be responsible for capitalizing on opportunities to deepen partnership with new and existing private sector partners, expanding CRS’ private sector engagement strategy and partnership program. The PM will be the primary contact person for private sector partners rolling out programming in Darfur. The PM will be keenly involved in designing and implementing interventions to strengthen relevant value chains in Darfur included but not limited to sorghum, millet and groundnut. S/he will support CRS and partners across all five states of Darfur, and use their relationship management, advocacy and communication skills to preposition CRS as a sector lead. As Program Manager, s/he will facilitate the achievement of project objectives related to livelihoods, coordinating, reporting and providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partner(s) advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Coordination and relationship management skills will ensure that the project applies best practices and constantly works towardsimproving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

1. Program and Management Quality and Technical support:

• Ensure that program strategic objectives and results under the livelihoods sector, particularly those led by private sector partners are fullyaccomplished and meet expected up to date international technical quality standards.
• Support accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis.

• Provide strategic and operational guidance for livelihoods staff (CRS and partners)
• Provide technical support to livelihoods staff across CRS, local and international partners.
• Design a plan for support and supervision to the livelihoods team to ensure quality of service.
• Regular on site and remote supervision of staff
• Develop links and support integration of the program interventions between sectors.
• Contribute actively to the Consortium’s Technical Working Group.
• Act as key point person with private sector partners

2. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning

• Monitor progress of livelihoods project indicators, provide strategic advice, prepare/review project-based donor and other relevant reports.
• Develop assessments in close collaboration with Program Manager, and MEAL Manager
• Monitor the progress of indicator targets in collaboration with private sector partners
• Ensure that the line ministries and other partners receive regular activity information as required.
• Work with the Communications Manager to develop Behavior Change Communication Materials
• Identify staff and partner capacity gaps and provide technical and managerial support
• Provide both on job, formal training, coaching and mentoring for seconded staff, CRS, ministries and partner staff

5. Representation, capacity building and communications:

• Coordinate and deliver relevant livelihoods value chain trainings
• Co-ordination and representation with the private sector partners and ministry of agriculture.
• Represent CRS in coordination meetings with other agencies and private sector forums, in all meetings that relate to livelihoods value chains program in Khartoum and Darfur in consultation with the Program Managers and Chiefs of Party.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Agriculture or other related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in the Sudanese agriculture private sector.
• Additional education may substitute for some experience; additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Experience working with INGO and partners, participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Staff supervision experience essential.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to operate with local partners, local leaders and local communities.
• Experience using Microsoft Windows and Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Personal Skills

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners
• Proactive, results-oriented, problem-solving and service-oriented
• Attention to detail, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to operate independently with limited remote supervision
• Flexibility, and ability to react positively to changing circumstances

Required/Desired Languages:

• Fluency in English and Arabic required; other languages a plus

Travel Required:

• Position is based in Khartoum. Frequent travel between project locations across the five states of Darfur state at approximately 60% is expected.

Supervision responsibilities:

• Position will not provide technical support and manage ad-hoc teams for specific livelihoods related activities.

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Project Director RISING, Taadoud II Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party, Livelihoods technical leads (PMs, POs, TAs and RTAs)
• External: private sector partners as identified, consortium partners and their livelihoods technical leads,representatives of the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) and relevant line ministries.
• Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Equal Opportunity Employer