Program Manager I

Job Summary:

The Program Manager I for Social Services will manage programming within the CRS Malawi Country Program, specifically overseeing the SCORE ECD and Reintegration projects. Reporting into the Program Manager II / Unit Manager for Health & Nutrition, the role will ensure high‑quality implementation of social services programming and continuous improvement of project impact.

The PMI will apply strong management skills and technical knowledge to guide project teams, strengthen partner collaboration, and ensure timely, sustainable delivery of activities. Key responsibilities include oversight of project planning, monitoring, and reporting, as well as ensuring compliance with CRS standards and donor requirements. 

This position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and implement all activities throughout relevant project cycles - project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out - to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. 
• Ensure project team and partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.
• Champion learning with project staff and partner teams. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles. 
• Act as a key resource person in project design and proposal development in the respective programming area, gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as needed.
• Coordinate the identification of partner capacity and technical assistance needs of the government and capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation. 
• Help identify, assess, and strengthen partnerships relevant to SCORE ECD IV and Reintegration. .
• Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in in the field of Health or Nutrition, Social studies or community development. Master's degree will an added advantage 
• Minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in a project management position with an international NGO. 
• Project management experience is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations, donors, and government 
• Experience with Social protection, ECD, Health and Nutrition Interventions. 
• Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals.
• MEAL skills and experience

• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Required Languages - Strong written and oral communication skills in English required.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 20%.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none)

Key Working Relationships:

Internal : Head of Programming, CRS Program Manager II, Regional SCORE III Program Manager, SCORE IV Program Managers from Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana, Regional and HQ Technical Advisors

External Consultants, Government Stakeholders, CSOs and partners. 

Basic Qualifications

• Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations or in the field of <Project Program Area(s)> required. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects required, preferably with an international NGO.
• Additional experience may substitute for some education.

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.