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.  

Overview.  

As part of the CPs plan to promote nationalization of key positions within the Country Program, the CP  Leadership deemed it fit to nationalize the position of Deputy Head of Operations (DHoOPS). This document  serves to guide the DHoOPS on the roles, responsibilities, expectations, accomplishment, challenges, areas  that needs improvement, pending tasks, and skill transfer needed for the position., so that the operations of  the program and CPs will not be interrupted.  

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 provide support to the following operational functions, including direct supervision of one or more  senior staff heading the following functions: Supply Chain, Fleet – Transport, Logistics, Warehouse, and  Administration in support of the CRS’ mission to serve the poor and vulnerable, and to ensure the effective  and efficient delivery of goods. You will promote stewardship of resources, help ensure principled compliance,  integrity, transparency, accountability, proactively identify risk issues, and in collaboration with the Head of  Operations leads operational improvements.  

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with direct reports and programming leads to strengthen the pipeline and supply chain  management plan. Manage the determination of procurement and logistics service requirements,  desired specifications and delivery schedules, and how sourcing strategies are defined, ensuring  proper coordination and communication.  
• Ensure accountability and transparency of all supply chain operations in compliance with CRS and  donor regulations, and international and local standards and requirements.  
• 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. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity for successful support  of high-quality programming.  
• Lead design and implementation of a strategic sourcing and procurement process to identify, assess,  select and contract suppliers that will deliver the maximum value for money to the organization. In  close coordination with the procurement team oversee relationships with key suppliers and assess  supplier performance.  
• Manage logistical infrastructure, storage facilities and transportation resources. Oversee application  of systems and procedures for inventory and commodity transportation, warehousing, and  distribution to ensure proper handling and safeguarding of assets. Ensure related safety and security  protocols are implemented. 
• Oversee inventory control and the management of comprehensive goods tracking and record keeping  systems throughout the whole supply chain cycle, from time of request until time of delivery. Ensure  timely preparation and submission of various reports.  
• Create and maintain the proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for the sharing  of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to small  deficiencies. Provide capacity strengthening guidance, which includes cross-departmental learning.  
• Oversees Admin Division and provides support to ensure CRS Sierra Leone official registration  documents are up to date and renewed timely (Host Country Agreement, Diplomatic Status,  Registration in Sierra Leone, etc.) 
• Ensure that CRS Sierra Leone’ s facility management is in compliance with CRS policies and the Sierra  Leone Government Laws 
• Ensure high quality of the office cleanliness, internal and external of the office 
• Ensure high quality and timely maintenance and repair of the office and International Staff residences’  generator, solar backup power, etc. 
• Ensure the Office, Guest House, and international residences city Power has adequate credit and  issues are fixed on time 
• Ensure high quality management and effective stewardship of the office resources (office supplies,  kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.) 

Security Responsibilities: 

• Ensure regular communication with CRS staff based in Sierra Leone or visiting Sierra Leone is  maintained and update all staff of any security incidents. 
• Establish internal mechanisms/systems for providing regular security updates and information  sharing with CRS staff, partner staff, and visitors. 
• Maintain close coordination and contact with CRS Sierra Leone Security Focal Point in the respective  field offices to monitor and obtain security related information and manage any incidents that may  arise. 
• In terms of security emergencies, serve as the point person to support the Sierra Leone Senior  Management Leadership in incident management, by obtaining rapid and frequent communication  from the field and by making recommendations for necessary action. 
• Carry out regular safety and security assessments in all CRS Sierra Leone facilities (offices,  guesthouses and international staff houses) to identify gaps, recommend corrective actions and  ensure compliance with minimum standard requirements. 
• Assist in assessing field travel to high security risk destinations and make go/no-go  recommendations. 
• Organize orientation sessions for staff on the security policies and procedures in Sierra Leone.  Provide appropriate security trainings, orientation briefings to all new employees, staff, visiting  consultants and advisors. 
• Represent CRS Sierra Leone at safety/security meetings, contributing to close collaboration with  peer agencies around common safety and security management priorities. Provide  recommendations for changes including adaption, program growth and approach to risk mitigation  and management. 
• Support the CRS Sierra Leone Admin-Security Manager to review and update Sierra Leone security  documents on quarterly basis, in coordination with CRS Sierra Leone SLT. Ensure that updated  documents. 

 are shared with staff and visitors and are posted on CRS Sierra Leone SharePoint page.

• Support the CRS Sierra Leone Admin-Security Manager to develop CRS Sierra Leone contingency  plans including evacuation plans for all CRS Sierra Leone project locations and ensure that all staff  are properly trained on how to implement the plans. 
• Ensure that CRS Sierra Leone Country Program security management plans are relevant and constantly updated as appropriate and that all staff know their roles and responsibilities. Maintain  an updated communication tree that is tested and functional. 
• Support and communicate security procedures and processes with CRS staff based in Sierra Leone to  ensure compliance with local regulations and procedures. 

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 25 %. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Excellent planning, coordination, prioritization, and time management skills  
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to make independent judgment and decisions, and problem solving skills and ability to make sound judgment and decisions 
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics 
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented  
• Ability to work collaboratively  
• Demonstrated capacity to live and work in remote and insecure field locations with basic amenities,  few or no other international staff, and adhere to a strict curfew and movement restrictions 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Management experience a plus. Experience with an NGO preferred. 
• Understanding of supply chain systems, including procurement, logistics and warehouse management  experience preferred.  
• Knowledge of multiple public donors’ regulations, including USAID, WFP and EU, a plus.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment a preferred.  

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 (if none, state none): Direct supervision of, Fleet Manager, Procurement  Manager, Admin-Security Manager, Supply Chain Staff 

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Head of Operations, Country Finance Manager, Country Human Resources Manager, Country  Information and Communication Technology Manager, WARO Supply Chain Insight Advisor, Admin-Security  Manager, Risk and Compliance Manager, Regional operational leadership and advisors. 

External: Logistics Cluster, vendors, and national, state, and local authorities. 

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities  associated with the position.

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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 on the subject: APPLICATION FOR DEPUTY HEAD OF  PROGRAMMING. 

Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 1st January 2024.