Program Manager II- Cash & Voucher Assistance At Catholic Relief Services

About CRS

CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, 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. 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.

CRS in Sudan

CRS Sudan is as dynamic and diverse as the needs of the people we serve. Since 1978, CRS Sudan has been assisting the people of Sudan across the emergency, recovery, and development spectrum. Key sectoral areas for CRS Sudan include food security, livelihoods, nutrition, health, wash, peacebuilding, and natural resource management. Currently, CRS Sudan oversees programming across Darfur states, Gedaref and the Red Sea.

CRS Sudan Program seeks a qualified Program Manager II (PM) for its USAID/BHA funded project entitled “Darfur Emergency Response Activity (DERA)”, implemented in Central, East and West Darfur (Sudan). The project currently provides life-saving humanitarian assistance for people displaced or affected by the conflict. The project provides support concerning food assistance, health and nutrition, Multi– Purpose Cash Assistance, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and shelter and settlement.

Job Summary

The PM II will be responsible for the management and technical oversight of quality implementation of the project’s Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Multi – Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) component. This includes targeting, distribution, monitoring and reporting. You will ensure effective systems and processes are in place that support high-quality programming advancing CRS work in serving the poor and vulnerable. Your management skills and knowledge will ensure that the DERA delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its cash and voucher programming.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

Develop, establish, and manage DERA’s Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) programming in Darfur.
Lead assessments and analysis to define the appropriate modalities for distributing aid through in-kind, cash and/or voucher assistance.
Support the collection and review of information on available delivery mechanisms, including financial and fiduciary risks and donor policies, and advise on related opportunities and constraints.
Establish systems to efficiently implement CVA & MPCA interventions and oversee the development of standard operating procedures for the delivery of assistance.
Develop work plans and ensure the project is implemented to meet donor and communities’ expectations in terms of time, scale, quality, and budget.
Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
Champion learning with project staff and partner teams and contribute through analysis and evaluation of performance data, regular participation in learning events and workshops. Facilitate the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to contribute to the agency knowledge management agenda. Ensure integration of innovations and best practices.
Contribute to the development and implementation of an appropriate and effective strategy, including proactive planning for the responsible exit in consultation with staff, field managers and with local communities.
Ensure that communities and individuals are appropriately targeted, and that program implementation is responsive to communities and consistent with CRS; and donor’s guidelines and quality standards, CRS Guiding Principles and Values, and in line with agency’s strategic plan.
Ensure beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project.
Provide regular updates to Chief of Party on progress, priorities, and constraints and prepare high quality reports and success stories for sharing with donor and other key stakeholders.
Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports.
Contribute to the proactive pursuit of opportunities for new funding to ensure growth of the CP CVA and MPCA sector portfolio in line with agency, regional, and CP strategic priorities. Serve as the technical lead and technical writer to ensure quality proposals in CVA and MPCA as per agency and donor standards. Contribute to budgeting and staffing plans and activities for proposals.
Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities in CVA and MPCA for staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of partnerships relevant to CVA and MPCA and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools, and approaches.
Ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources.

Required Languages – Proficient in English (speaking, reading, and writing ability) required; Arabic speaking and reading capability will be an added plus.

Travel – Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% of the time to remote project sites.

Basic Qualifications

Master’s degree in international development, International Relations, Economic Development or Social Science. Additional Cash & Voucher Assistance/ Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance experience may substitute for some education.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in relevant field-based project management experience required, with preferably at least 2-3 years working on CVA/MPCA programming in humanitarian response or early recovery settings.
Experience in managing moderately complex projects preferably with an international NGO.

Preferred Qualifications

Good experience in project grants management, including project design, preferably for grants from multiple public donors, including USAID.
Proven experience and technical skills in set up, design, implementation, and monitoring of CVA in a multi-sectorial project.
Demonstrated experience in interagency coordination is an asset.
Demonstrated experience in humanitarian program management.
Demonstrated ability to write high quality technical proposals.
Experience engaging with partner organizations.
MEAL skills and experience required.
Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions.
Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
Good presentation and facilitation skills
Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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.

Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Project Officers (3)

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Chief of Party, Program Managers, Project Managers, Senior Project Officers, Project Officers, MEAL Manager, Senior MEAL Officers, Deputy Country Representatives, Country Representative, other key staff in Various Offices, Regional Technical Advisors (RTAs).

External: Host country government agentsin Central, East and West Darfur, Un Officials, NGO agents, donor officials and local partners.

Work conditions/Environment conditions: Based in the State capital of West, Central or East Darfur. The living situation is in the guesthouse with other staff. This is a non-accompanied post.

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 prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer