Senior Program Manager – Local Leadership

ALLRight Fund and Strategic Initiative 1.5
Local leadership is one of CRS’ most important differentiating elements in CRS’ Vision 2030 strategy, without which the ambitious goals of the strategy cannot be achieved. Local leadership deepens and st
rengthens CRS’ decades-long commitment to local organization’s impact, sustainability, and success. The rationale for advancing local leadership starts with the Catholic Social Teaching principle of subsidiarity, or the understanding that human affairs are best handled at the level closest to the affected persons. CRS believes that the people and institutions of a nation should play the central role in their individual, community, and societal development. Building and strengthening local leadership and local organizational capacity ensures that humanitarian and development interventions ensure the dignity and agency of each person and community served,
and uplifts CRS’ approach of accompanying local institutions.
CRS established the Vision 2030 Strategic Initiative 1.5, which provides a framework to provide support in implementation, documentation, and influence, to the many local leadership efforts across the world. In this context, a new fund, t
he
“**A**dvance Local Leadership in the Right way – the ALLRight Fund”, was created.
Expected outcomes of the ALLRight Fund include:

• Validated approach to measure capacity change
• Strengthened local partners
• Increased direct funding for local partners
• Increased discretionary funding for local partners
• Increased influence of local partners
• Increased CRS thought leadership in local leadership

Job Summary
Working closely with the other Strategic Initiative 1.5 implementation team leads and the seven regional focal points, the ALLRight Fund Sr. Program Manager provides overall leadership to the ALLRight Fund implementation effort and are responsible for the overall management of the project including the quality of programmatic implementation (including monitoring, evaluation,
and
learning) and administrative elements of the project. You are responsible for ensuring that project results are achieved on time and on budget, including strategies for phase out and sustainability, and that the budget is consumed as planned. As a senior leader, you will proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of the ALLRight Fund project. Provide oversight for all aspects of program quality, program management, representation, and human resources. Serve as the primary point of contact to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), as well as other internal stakeholders.
• Ensure strategic objectives and results are accomplished and meet technical quality standards through annual and quarterly activity planning and budget forecasts. Lead quarterly technical review of implementation plans.
• Coordinate with MEAL and local leadership specialists to oversee
  the d
  esign and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system, using appropriate forms, procedures, and tools for data collection and analysis as the basis for measuring, documenting, and reporting outcomes.
• Manage and mitigate risk. Ensure compliance with CRS program and budget standards and policies, including oversight of budgets, finance and administration, and reporting to the ELT.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international development, Organizational Development, Nonformal Education, Management, or a related field.
  <
  li>At le
  ast 5 years of experience managing large scale development grants, preferably focusing on capacity strengthening and local leadership.
• Proven track record of successful program management, including management of multi-activity projects, complicated logistics and large budgets.

Required Languages – Fluency in English required. French and/or Spanish preferred
Travel – Must be willing to travel to Baltimore, Washington DC, or internationally approximately 10 % of the time, once COVID restrictions are lifted

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent report writing skills.
• Excellent knowledge and experience in budget management and project management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Publisher, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Able to work flexible hours as needed.
• Demonstrated soun
  d judgment
  in resolving matters of moderate complexity
• Ability to inspire creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking momentum among team members, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders
• Ability to find unconventional solutions and approaches

Supervisory Responsibilities
No regular direct reports, supervising of temporary interns may be required
Key Working Relationships
Internal: Regional directors; Deputy Regional Directors; country program PCS focal points; PIQA PCS staff; SI 1.5 working group members; M2 policy staff; other PQ, Ops, Finance, and HR staff supporting partners
External: Local leadership working groups, such as InterAction or the Capacity Development Network, local leadership staff of peer organizations, local leadership experts in USG and foundation donors, policy makers
*Our Catholi
c identity i
s 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 o
ur 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*

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor a
nd 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.