Job Summary:

CRS has been a Co-Principal Recipient (PR) for the Global Fund Malaria grant since January 2017. For the 2024-2026 Global Fund Malaria grant, CRS will continue to provide robust oversight to the 3 SRs (Society for Family Health, Management Sciences for Health and Malaria Consortium). CRS works closely with NMEP, 3 SRs and other partners, to scale up the implementation of life saving interventions and improve access to quality malaria services in the 13 GF-supported states. These critical interventions include malaria treatment and prevention services such as Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, ITN campaigns, Social and Behaviour Change campaign, and testing and treatment interventions.

The position of Senior Program Manager (SPM) will provide management and oversight functions to the 3 SRs, including (but not limited to) coordination of SR activities; planning for effective oversight and monitoring; providing technical support to SRs; and participating in direct implementation as required. In addition to the above program management roles, the Senior Program Manager will directly oversee the implementation of Case Management activities on the grant (working closely with NMEP and SRs), ensuring that targets are met and activities efficiently implemented, in accordance with the Detailed Implementation Plan (work plan). Implementation of grant activities will be carried out within the approved budget provisions, and in strict adherence to agreed timelines and donor guidelines. 

S/he will oversee the SR reporting process, monitor SR training, facilitate training as required, and provide technical support to SR staff, and liaise with counterparts in Federal and State Ministries of Health to ensure adherence to national strategies and guidelines for malaria prevention, testing and treatment.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of program activities.
• Supervise and mentor project teams, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee day-to-day project operations, ensuring timely and effective delivery.
• Monitor progress against targets, using data to inform decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.
• Prepare and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Track expenditures and provide regular financial reports.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in resource allocation.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, government agencies, and partners.
• Represent CRS at relevant meetings, forums, and events.
• Advocate for program priorities and share results with stakeholders.
• Identify staff and partner training needs; facilitate capacity-building initiatives.
• Support professional development and performance management.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Promote safeguarding and ensure adherence to CRS policies.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and effective communication within the team and with external stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit high-quality reports as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical competencies: Proficient in MS Windows, MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), web conferencing applications, and information management systems.
• Relationship management and stakeholder engagement: Experience working with partner organizations and culturally diverse groups.
• Technical writing and communication: Skilled in developing technical proposals and writing reports; strong written and verbal communication abilities. 
• Analytical and proactive approach: Strong critical thinking, creative problem-solving, sound judgment; proactive, results-driven, and service-oriented. 
• Commitment to safeguarding and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health or related disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead, manage grants, and collaborate with stakeholders while overseeing public health programs and ensuring compliance.
• MEAL skills and experience.

Required Languages - English is required. 

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 50%. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Program Manager, Program Officer.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Global Fund Malaria Program Team, Deputy Country Representative, Country Representative, Head of Programs, Finance, Procurement and Administration Staff, Regional and Senior Technical Advisors, Deputy Regional Directors for PQ and MQ

External: Global Fund’s Fund Portfolio Manager and Nigeria Country Team, SRs, State Ministries of Health (SMOH), National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) within the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Technical and Financial Partners, supported health facilities, Local Fund Agent (LFA)

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, MBBS or related disciplines is required.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in programming management, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in managing, coordinating, and overseeing public health programs focused on malaria, preferably at a managerial level and with an international NGO.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• 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.

Safeguarding

CRS is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all people who interact with our work. We uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and expect all staff and partners to respect and protect the dignity and rights of everyone from any form of harm, abuse, harassment, or exploitation. All staff are required to follow CRS’s safeguarding policies and procedures and to complete mandatory safeguarding e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ 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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

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

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.