About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the overseas relief and development agency arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  It was founded in 1943 and works in nearly 100 countries/territories globally. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

NAMA (Arabic for ‘growth’) is a 12-month project funded by GIZ that aims to expand livelihood opportunities for rural communities in Gedaref. The project has been designed by building on successes from previous and current livelihood projects of CRS and will focus on supporting existing smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs to start engaging in micro business opportunities and on market entrepreneurs to engage collectively to increase business opportunities.

CRS seeks to hire a Program Manager II (Sudanese National only) to lead the field and overall implementation of NAMA in close collaboration with the Deputy Head of Programming.

Job Summary:

The Program Manager II (PM) will lead the field and overall implementation of NAMA in close collaboration with the Deputy Head of Programming. The PM in collaboration with the project team is responsible for planning, managing, coordinating, and monitoring project activities as per donor requirements and CRS regulations as well as build and maintain relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to assist the achievement of the project objectives, advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. The PM’s management skills and knowledge will ensure that the Sudan Country Program (CP) delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead team in planning and implementing all activities throughout relevant project cycles - project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out - to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. Ensure project team and partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise the NAMA team in Gedaref. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.
• Ensure project integration with the other projects in the same area to encourage holistic approach. 
• Be vigilant to draw learning from monitoring and propose new interventions to ensure al the needs of the communities are addressed either from CRS or other partners 
• Champion learning with project staff and partner teams. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles. 
• Act as a key resource person in project design and proposal development in respective programming area, gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as needed.
• Identify staff and partner development needs and support implementation of capacity building activities. 
• Help identify, assess and strengthen partnerships, applying appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches. 
• Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight, ensure efficient use of project resources.
• Ensure regular and effective communication of field implementation progress and challenges to line manager and Head of Office. Proactively identify and mitigate project risks. 

Support other projects as required

Basic Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in international development, Agriculture/ Agribusiness, or in a similar field is preferred. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects required, preferably with an international NGO.  

Required Languages - 

             Fluent in writing and speaking Arabic and English 

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel in deep field up to 60-65%. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)  

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.  

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 
• Builds Relationships  
• Develops Talent 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Project Officer, Project officers and local partner

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Head of Programs, Deputy Head of Programs, State Office Manager, MEAL Manager, Operations staff

External: CRS implementing partners; UN cluster leads and agencies; peer humanitarian agencies; local government and authorities

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.  

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. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer