Job Summary: 

CRS seeks a skilled Program Manager to lead implementation of a World Bank–funded pilot strengthening household resilience and preparedness to climate and flood-related shocks in Likouala. The initiative focuses on linking early warning systems (EWS) with shock-responsive social protection, enhancing youth and household productive inclusion, and supporting MASSAH and local authorities to improve emergency preparedness.

The Program Manager will oversee planning, coordination, partner management, MEAL oversight, and ensure the delivery of high-quality accompanying measures for 1,200 vulnerable households—including refugees, indigenous communities, and low literacy groups.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and implement of the project throughout the project cycle to ensure project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out are in line with CRS quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. 
• Effectively coordinate project implementation teams in a matrix-management environment. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports.     
• Coordinate overall project implementation, ensuring adherence to CRS quality standards and World Bank requirements. Develop and manage detailed workplans, activity schedules, and implementation modalities in collaboration with MASSAH, PIU, and local stakeholders. Coordinate field operations across targeted districts: Impfondo, Dongou, Betou, and Enyellé.
• In collaboration with HoP, and Technical Advisors contribute to the development of program learning - identify opportunities for learning, research, and publications in the area of climate resilience and implementation of MEAL policy. Facilitate the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to contribute to the agency knowledge management agenda. Ensure integration of innovations and best practices.
• Work closely with country program MEAL staff to oversee the design of high-quality MEAL systems for the project and monitor projects through regular site visits and interviews with project participants and stakeholders.
• Coordinate the delivery of accompanying measures on flood preparedness, climate risk awareness, EWS use, digital payments, and household resilience. Ensure development of inclusive IEC materials adapted for refugees, indigenous populations, and vulnerable groups. Contribute to the integration and review of social registry data with climate/flood risk information.
• Support the planning and execution of a digital payment simulation linked to EWS triggers; document lessons learned and operational recommendations. Conduct capacity needs assessments and support training of at least 100 local actors on emergency preparedness and shock-responsive safety nets.
• Coordinate, and monitor timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources.
• Serve as primary liaison with MASSAH, PIU, local authorities, Caritas, and community structures. Facilitate technical workshops and multi-actor coordination mechanisms. Representing CRS in meetings, conferences, and workshops to influence decision-making and resource allocation.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or in the field in international development, International Relations or in the field of Climate resilience required.
• Minimum of 2 to 3 years’ experience in relevant field-based project management or coordination experience required, with preferably at least 2-3 years working in social protection, DRR/climate resilience, or humanitarian/development programming.
• Experience in managing moderately complex projects, preferably with an international NGO.
• Experience with multilateral donor projects (World Bank preferred).

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree 
• Project management experience in project / program area is highly desirable. 
• MEAL skills and experience preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems. 
• Experience engaging with partner organizations. 
• Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals. 
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment. 
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports 
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented 

Required Languages – Excellent written and spoken English and French required. 

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 40% to project sites and for DRR influence and positioning events.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none): Yes 

Work Conditions/Environment Conditions: This is a position based in Brazzaville with 40% travel to the project sites in Likouala. 

Key Working Relationships: Program level Technical Advisors,and Program Officers

• Internal: Finance Manager, Grant Officer, Sr. Operations Manager, MEAL Officer, Head of Program, DRR-CCA Regional Technical Advisor, Regional Finance Officer, and Country Representative.  
• External: CRS Implementing Partners; Local Government Officials (MASSAH); Caritas and church partners; Coordination with other operational INGOs in and around project sites, PIU, community leaders, World Bank Task Team.

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.

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.