Deputy Head of Programming 

Job Description

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 

CRS is recruiting for Position: X1 – Deputy Head of Programming 

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.  

About CRS 

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the  United States. 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 are accomplished through programs  of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. 

Job Title: Deputy Head of Programming 

Department: Programs 

Reports To: Head of Programming 

Country: Catholic Relief Services Sierra Leone Program 

Duty Location: CRS Freetown 

Job Summary: 

You will contribute to providing strategic direction and management of the Country Program’s (CP’s)  programming complementing the Head of Programming (HOP) efforts at ensuring the establishment and  successful implementation of high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. Your management and  programming skills will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously work towards  improving the impact of its programming.  

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Complement the HOP in providing strategic direction for the design of CP strategic frameworks and  plans, including resource mobilization strategies to optimize the impact of programming  interventions in line with regional and agency strategic priorities. 
• Lead where appropriate and contribute to high-quality project design incorporating project  management standards and MEAL methods, appropriate to scope, context and technical  requirements of projects. Coordinate planning of activities for particular projects to ensure  integration of program interventions and efficiency in implementation. 
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide  coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance assessment  for direct reports. 
• Contribute to creating and maintaining the proper conditions for learning. Help establish a safe  environment for the sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze  and respond quickly to small deficiencies. Promote accountability, learning and knowledge  management as part of the implementation of the MEAL policy. 
• Coordinate with CP operations staff to ensure appropriate project budgeting and efficient use and  stewardship of project material sources.
• Coordinate the identification, assessment and strengthening of appropriate partnerships and the  appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches. Oversee strong planning and  execution of capacity sharing for new local partners. 
• Contribute where needed in the business development cycle to ensure quality proposals per agency  and donor standards. 
• Coordinate technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners in project  management standards and related MEAL, business development and operational activities. Help  identify training opportunities, develop training curriculums and deliver trainings. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big  picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions. 
• Strong relationship management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and  externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship. 
• Demonstrated financial management and planning skills. 
• Team leadership abilities 
• Presentation and facilitation skills 
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented 
• Able to live in an environment where everyday comforts are not readily available. 
• Ability to function well in a stressful environment, stay focused, and maintain sufficient work life  balance with limited options for downtime activity. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Excellent English writing skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to represent the organization at coordination meetings with donors, local  government, UN, and other international NGOs. 
• Substantial experience in health programming, familiarity with sector policies, best practices, and national priorities. 
• Experience in health sub-sector themes, including malaria, nutrition, maternal child health programming, to name a few. 
• Experience managing local partners and working with government ministries, department and  agencies. 
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. • Experience and abilities in capacity strengthening – developing curricula and facilitating trainings.
• Experience using MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications,  information and budget management systems, and knowledge sharing networks. 

Required Languages Fluency in English including very strong written and oral skills required.  

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% from assignment location to other CRS provincial  offices. Occasional international travel may be required. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Health PMs (approximately 3-4, including the SCP4 PM and depending on new  expected grants) and Gender. 

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Head of Programming, Program Managers, Technical Advisors, Safeguarding Technical Advisor,  Head of Operations, Finance Manager, Procurement Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Regional  Technical advisors. 

External: Key coordination forums, donors, government ministries. 

Qualifications 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in medicine and or master’s in public health (preferable) 
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in a program management position with progressive  responsibilities for an international NGO.  
• Experience working in development programming and/or basic needs and services programming a  plus. 
• Good experience in project grants management, including project design, proposal writing, budget  preparation, expenditure tracking, monitoring and evaluation, report writing, etc., preferably  for projects funded by multiple public donors, including USAID. 
• Experience with successful business development activities capturing public and/or private donor  funding. 

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. 

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***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. 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.  

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with  dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further,  I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and  my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related  topics. 

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social  Security, New England and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations 

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. 

To apply, Please send in your application, updated CV and all relevant certificates to email below: SL_HR@crs.org 

Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 22nd November 2024.