Program Manager II at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Job Title: Program Manager II – Food for Peace, Nigeria

Description

• Under the direction of the Emergency Coordinator the PM I Food-For-Peace Program Manager will ensure high quality implementation of CRS FFP emergency program in Borno state, Nigeria. 


• The project manager will be responsible for all aspects of program implementation including planning, coordination of, management and reporting of project activities.

Responsibilities
Program Implementation

• Abide by donor requirements/regulations as well as CRS procedures and policies for compliance, including financial, procurement, HR, MEAL, etc.


• Lead the planning of project activities and set high quality performance targets ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines.


• Use appropriate project management tools to plan, review and track progress on project implementation as well as on the utilization of project resources; use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.


• Keep abreast of latest developments in their sector area (collaborates with regional/HQ technical advisors, learns new PQ tools, networks with outside technical experts, etc.).


• Liaise with RedRose team members to ensure seamless integration of ICT4D in all program activities.


• Represent CRS in key coordination forums including the Food Security Working Group and the Cash & Voucher Working Group.


• Supports all facets of program implementation linked to the utilization of e-vouchers, including: software and hardware set up, troubleshooting, vendor selection, vendor training, etc.


• Maintain up to date documentation related to project approval, monitoring and implementation.


• Models and reinforces with others a commitment to quality programming.


• Provide technical guidance to facilitate implementation and monitoring of cash and e-voucher activities.


• Ensure proper screening of beneficiaries is conducted by the partner organization for cash activities and that all beneficiaries meet eligibility criteria.


• Ensure proper implementation of the standard operational procedures (SOP) for cash and voucher interventions, and Red Rose technology, and update SOPs as required.


• Develop and implement a capacity building plan to ensure all program, finance and supply chain staff involved in cash and voucher programming have appropriate knowledge and skills related to market-based programming.


• Identify protection issues, challenges in implementation, and advocate for appropriate responses.

Budget and Financial Management:

• Prepare annual project budgets as requested by the donor.


• Complete necessary budget templates and forecasts as required by CRS.


• Support partners in the development and management of budgets in line with their scope of work.


• Ensure the financial management of the project, as per the project budget.


• Review project expenses and cash pipeline and coordinate liquidations with CRS Finance and partners.


• In collaboration with the finance teams, review and analyze monthly budget comparison reports and take necessary steps to ensure proper management and utilization of budgets.


• Ensure that program activities comply with CRS financial guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations.


• Work with the finance team to ensure accurate donor financial reports are submitted on time.


• Coordinate with operations staff for purchasing and inventory control as per CRS/donor requirements.

Monitoring, Accountability, Evaluation and Learning

• In coordination with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team, develop and implement strong MEAL systems, using CRS tools and resources to maximize project impact on project participants.


• Ensure that market studies and feasibility assessments are carried out in all program areas, and that results are incorporated in program design and strategy.


• Pilot and roll out price data collection monitoring through the MARK it toolkit.


• Carryout regular data analysis and review of project data collected through onsite and post activity monitoring, price data collection, accountability feedback systems and targeting data.


• Ensure the project has a strong learning agenda, and champion learning with project staff and partner teams.


• Prepare and submit required donor project narrative reports, quarterly performance data, as well as other reports needed/required by the local government, donors, the region or headquarters.


• Use collaborative and structured evaluation processes to review data, reach agreement about findings, and apply learning and recommendations.


• Regularly update key stakeholders on progress and challenges.


• Prepare short success stories and briefs on innovation/best practices and project learning (including failures).


• Ensure that all project documentation is well organized and easy to access on Gateway.

Staff Management and Development:

• Carryout beneficiary, vendors, staff and partners training on the utilization of e-vouchers, and Red Rose technology.


• With senior management and Human Resources, identify project staffing needs and contribute to job descriptions and hiring processes.


• With Human Resources, ensure effective orientation and onboarding of project staff.


• Supervise and mentor program team, including development of performance plans and assessment of performance.


• Identify technical assistance needs for CRS and partners, and take the lead in developing SOWs and follow up with potential TA, as appropriate.


• Continuously support the professional development of the program team by providing clear orientation, feedback and learning opportunities.


• Ensure that supervisee’ performance development plans are in place and initial discussions are held.


• Provide immediate and regular feedback on performance.


• Ensures weekly and monthly check-ins with all direct reports (identify development needs, examine workload, accompaniment).


• Develop a culture of courtesy and respect.


• Establish a conducive working environment.


• Ensure staff have needed resources to achieve their results.


• Provide orientation on staffing structural changes linked to emergency programs.

Partnerships

• Conduct quarterly visits to accompany partner and reinforce their technical skills.


• Ensure that SRFM/HOCAI assessments and monitoring visits are conducted on schedule.


• Ensure timely technical support is provided to partners to respond to the capacity gaps identified during assessments.


• Establish a working relationship that fosters dialogue with the partners and in which partners contact the PM when issues or questions arise.


• Inform supervisor when issues arise with a solution focused approach and take the lead in ensuring the resolution of those issues in a timely manner.


• Field trip reports to support the partners contain detailed information about the results of the trip and planned next steps.

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in related field or equivalent experience


• Minimum of five years of relevant field-based project management experience required. Extensive experience in managing moderately complex projects.


• Three years of experience working in emergency, development or recovery programming with an international NGO.


• Experience implementing food assistance and cash and voucher programs and in-depth knowledge of Supply Chain and Financial Management and Controls of cash and/or voucher programs.


• Excellent understanding of food security and livelihoods technical concepts and experience conducting detailed market, food security, livelihood, and protection needs assessments.


• Proven expertise in the integration of Information, Communication and Technologies for improved efficiency and effectiveness; a working understanding of the Red Rose System and One System Platform is highly desirable.


• Experience in emergencies and program planning and management.


• Demonstrated application of Emergency Standards.


• Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with local communities and NGOs as appropriate.


• Ability to represent CRS at high level coordination meetings with donors, local government, UN, and other international NGOs.


• Demonstrated leadership ability in strategic planning initiatives.


• Is committed to gender and conflict sensitive programming


• Proven ability to develop proposals and write reports meeting donor requirements.


• Excellent analytical, management, communication and negotiation skills.


• Must be able to prioritize multiple work demands and work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.


• Familiarity with policies, procedures, and priorities of USAID, UN agencies and Caritas agencies preferred.


• Experience in staff development and partner capacity strengthening.


• Advanced computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, etc.).


• Experience working in security compromised zones


• Excellent inter-cultural sensitivity and interpersonal skills necessary in insecure environments.

Location: Borno, Maduguri

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Program Manager II at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)